Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Photograph of a large glacial erratic boulder in autumn with trees covered in colorful foliage and f
Glacial Erratic Boulder on Harwood Lake Segment of Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Photograph of “Ice Age Trail” sign surrounded by a forest with autumn foliage.
Ice Age Trail sign on the McKenzie Creek Segment of Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Photograph of a forest scene with a V-shaped boulder-strewn valley.
Blue Hills Felsenmeer in Wisconsin.
Photograph of “Ice Age Trail” sign surrounded by a forest with autumn foliage.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail sign near the McKenzie Creek Segment
Photograph of a yellow rectangular blaze painted onto the trunk of a tree.
Yellow blazes indicate that you are on Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Photograph of leaf covered trail in autumn.
Trail on the Straight Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Photograph of an autumn prairie scene with a grassy trail meandering into the distance.
Trail on the Pine Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Photograph of autumn forest scene with dirt trail littered with colorful leaves leading into forest,
Trail on the Harwood Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Photos: National Park Service

About Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles, traverses some of Wisconsin's finest geologic and glacial features, and passes through the ancestral lands of 15 Tribes. The Trail is built, managed and maintained by dedicated volunteers, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local partners, and the National Park Service.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Scenic Trail
Park State / Territory MembershipWisconsin
Current Alerts13
Visitor Centers0
Campgrounds0
Things To Do0

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

Wisconsin has four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cold, often bringing significant snowfall. Weather conditions can vary widely throughout the year and location on the trail. Prepare accordingly for each season when visiting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Wisconsin. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is not your 'typical' park. The trail is almost 1,200 miles long and crosses the state of Wisconsin north to south and east to west. The Trail is open year round. However some segments may be closed during Wisconsin's November 9-day gun deer hunting season. Additional information about hunting seasons, trail conditions and closures along the rest of the trail is available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

FridayAll Day
MondayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day

Activities

CampingBackcountry CampingFishingHands-OnVolunteer VacationHikingSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnowshoeingWildlife WatchingBirdwatching

Current Alerts

Use Caution — Milwaukee River Segment

Logging operations are occurring along a 0.3‑mile section of the Trail about 0.2 miles north of Hwy 28. Work may continue into winter. Heavy machinery may be present. Use caution. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Sand Creek Segment

A 0.6‑mile section on the western side of the Sand Creek Segment is closed October 15–December 1 for private hunting. Follow posted reroute directions to bypass this area. The 3.9‑mile bypass route replaces 2.4 miles of Ice Age Trail/connecting route. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Averill‑Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment

A one‑mile section on the eastern side of the Averill‑Kelly Creek Segment is closed October 15–December 31 for private hunting. Follow posted reroute directions. The entire segment is also closed during the 9‑day gun deer season. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Use Caution — Devil's Lake Segment

Hwy 113 is undergoing a repaving project. The Ice Age Trail remains open, but the Hwy 113 crossing will be temporarily closed during paving work. Expect construction vehicles and limited parking access between CTH‑DL (north side) and Solum Ln. The project is anticipated to continue through mid‑November. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Baraboo Segment

The Ice Age Trail is closed along Effinger Rd for repaving. Follow the posted detour, which directs hikers south from STH‑113 (Water St) on a paved path, then along Mill Race Dr to Manchester St. The closure is anticipated to last until October. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Montello Segment

A portion of the Ice Age Trail and the Krakow Park parking area on the north side of the lock channel below the Montello Dam are closed during reconstruction through June 2027. Eastbound hikers should bypass the closure via the mulched path from the boat launch, then follow the dirt driveway, pass through the adjacent parking area, and turn south on Main St (Hwy 22). For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment

A reroute is in effect between Indian Valley Rd and Grenlie Rd from September 1, 2026 to January 5, 2027 due to private hunting. Bypass the closure by heading southwest, then south on N Foley Rd, and turning east on Grenlie Rd. The section between Grenlie Rd and Rieben Rd is also closed during the 9‑day gun deer season. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Thornapple Creek Segment

The first 0.4 miles east of Thornapple Creek Rd are closed September 1–December 31 for private hunting. Bypass the closure by heading west, then south on Thornapple Creek Rd, and turning east on Gold Dust Rd. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Algoma Connecting Route Segment

A reroute is in effect on the connecting route south of Algoma. The bridge over Three Mile Creek on Longfellow Rd is closed to all travel. Bypass this closure via 9th Rd and STH‑42; note that the 10th Rd bridge is also closed. This 2.7‑mile alternate route replaces 2.8 miles of connecting route. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Sturgeon Bay Segment

A 0.1‑mile section of the Ice Age Trail between S Neenah Ave and W Yew St is closed indefinitely. Bypass this closure via S Neenah Ave and W Yew St. This 0.5‑mile alternate route replaces 0.5 miles of Ice Age Trail. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Use Caution — Tisch Mills Segment

Flooding may occur between Mill Rd. and Nuclear Rd., especially in spring or after heavy rain. A bypass is available via CTH‑B between CTH‑BB and Nuclear Rd. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Monticello Segment

The Stewart Tunnel is closed indefinitely pending reconstruction. The Ice Age Trail is closed at both intersections of Tunnel Rd. Follow Tunnel Rd to bypass the closure and remain on the designated alternate route. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Reroute in Effect — Hartman Creek Segment

A reroute is in effect between the Emmons Creek Fishery Area and Hartman Creek State Park due to forestry operations. Follow posted signage to remain on the designated reroute. For maps and additional details from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, follow the link below:

Getting There

Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans nearly 1,200 miles across Wisconsin. Major commercial airports are located in cities and regional hubs throughout the state, offering access to the trail. Numerous trailheads with parking are available, allowing you to explore the trail at various entry points along the route.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address8075 Old Sauk Pass Road, Cross Plains, WI, 53528

Topics & Themes

AnimalsBirdsClimate ChangeForests and WoodlandsGeologyGlaciersGrasslandsPrairiesNatural SoundsScenic ViewsTrails

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

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