Ice Age Trail

The 1,200.0 mi Ice Age Trail (IAT) is one of the premiere long-distance hiking paths in the U.S. One of just 11 National Scenic Trails, it's in the same class as the well-known Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails.  The IAT traces the terminal moraine, or edge, of the last North American glacier. The trail is coiled entirely within the north-central state of Wisconsin, where it boasts a wealth of well-preserved glacial remains: erratics, eskers, drumlins, kames, kettles and more.

Take On The Challenge

Join the Mammoth Hike Challenge!  Hike, walk, run, or backpack 43 miles on the Ice Age Trail during the month of October 2023 to earn a hiking certificate and a limited-edition patch.

Challenge yourself to:

• Cross train with hiking.
• Explore Wisconsin.
• Enjoy vibrant fall colors.
• Slow down, unplug, and tune in.
• Listen more and talk less.
• Introduce someone new to the Trail.

Registration for the Challenge is FREE. All abilities. All ages. All welcome.

https://www.iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge/

Oct 1 – Albany Segment (9.4 miles)

Oct 15 – Devil’s Lake Segment (10.9 miles)

Oct 29 – Blue Spring Lake & Blackhawk Segments (12.0 miles)

Albany Segment
9.4 miles
Flat
Not Rugged
This very straight and flat segment highlights the quiet, twisty Little Sugar and Sugar rivers.

This segment shares the wide, crushed-gravel-surfaced Sugar River State Trail (SRST) for the segment’s full length. It begins and ends in small towns and is filled with long stretches of pastoral views. The segment meanders along the Little Sugar River and through the Albany Wildlife Area and features rustic wooden bridges, frequent wildlife sightings and seasonal sounds of bullfrogs and dairy cows.

Resources
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/sugar-river-state-trail-0d82627
https://www.iceagetrail.org/explore/plan-hike/day-hikes/
Albany Segment

Parking
This is a one-way hike, so we need people to park at the beginning and the end.  We will coordinate a few days before the hike.

Beginning:  Monticello Trailhead in Monticello, WI: From STH-69 at Monticello, turn east on Lake Ave. and go 1.0 mi. AtPratt Rd. turn right and go 1 block south to parking area at Old Trail Depot, just north of CTH-EE.

End:  Sugar River State Trail Albany Trailhead parking area on 4th St. in Albany, WI.

Camping
Available 2.4 mi south of Bump Rd. on CTH-E at Sweet Minihaha Campground (608-862-3769, sweetminihaha.com).

Gear
Hat
Sunglasses
Layered clothing
Rain gear
Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
Hiking poles (optional)
Insect repellent
Food
Water
Compass
Phone
Identification
ICE
Medical card
Map (please download PDF map from iceagetrails.org)

Leave No Trace Ethics
Help us preserve and protect the natural beauty of Wisconsin by following Leave No Trace ethics when you are on the Ice Age Trail. These guidelines decrease the damaging impact we have so everyone may enjoy the Ice Age National Scenic Trail at its best.
-Stay on the trail at all times. Do not cut switchbacks. Walk in a single file in the middle of the trail, even when it’s wet or muddy.
-Dispose of Waste Properly
-Pack it in, pack it out. 
-Take only photos and leave only footsteps. Do not pick flowers, plants or bark off trees.
-Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals. Do not damage their habitat.
-Never bait or feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
-Let the sounds of nature prevail; avoid loud voices and noises.
-Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.