More than 12,000 years ago, as massive ice sheets that once blanketed much of North America began to retreat, they carved the dramatic landscapes we see today. Nowhere is this legacy more striking than in Wisconsin, where the remnants of glaciation are considered some of the world’s best examples of how ice shapes the Earth.
One of the most enduring of those remnants is the Ice Age Trail—a 1,200-mile route that traces the path of the last continental glacier and highlights Wisconsin’s most scenic terrain. Its significance is such that it ranks among just 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S., alongside the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.
The Ice Age Trail stretches across the state, from Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. Roughly 700 miles are completed, while 500 remain in progress. Those finished sections showcase glacial landscapes while weaving directly through Wisconsin communities. This, according to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, is by design: the route is meant not only to reveal the power of the glaciers, but also to connect people and places along the way.
There are many ways to explore this historic route: Hiking and backpacking dominate in summer and fall, while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and even some cross-country skiing. In a few areas, the trail overlaps with state bike paths, offering yet another way to explore.
Some of the state’s most stunning segments include routes that cut through Rib Mountain State Park, home to one of the oldest geological formations on earth, and the Dells of the Eau Claire River segment, which is known for its waterfalls and iconic rock outcroppings. Another popular site along the route, Grandfather Falls, provides views of Wisconsin’s longest waterfall.
Interested? Fall is when the Ice Age Trail really shines, thanks to cooling temperatures and the shift of colors. In October, during Wisconsin’s month-long Mammoth Hike Challenge, visitors are challenged to hike 45 miles of the Ice Age Trail and visit three Ice Age Trail Communities (hiker friendly towns and villages) over the course of the month. There are special events throughout the state and every person who completes the challenge gets a limited-edition patch and a certificate of achievement.