We’ve come to love the Ice Age Trail as a nature-filled hiking path that hugs the western border of some Madison’s suburbs. But did you know that the Ice Age Trail is so expansive that 60% of Wisconsinites live within 20 minutes of it? Over 700 miles, made up of over 100 different segments, laces through the state. And that’s, of course, by design!
(Photo: Dan and Kellie Miller on the Ice Age Trail in Door County)
Around 100 years ago, Raymond Zillmer had a dream to preserve and expand Kettle Moraine State Park so its beautiful glacial features could be enjoyed by more people than would otherwise travel to another distant national park. A lawyer by trade and an avid walker by hobby, Zillmer founded the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (now called the Ice Age Trail Alliance) in 1958 to fuel his vision for this Kettle Moraine statewide expansion. While his dreams proved too big, his legacy lives on in a new way with the help of grassroots advocates. October 3rd marks the 45th anniversary of the Ice Age Trail formally joining the National Trails System and blossoming into the Wisconsin treasure it is today.
Presently, the Ice Age Trail Alliance serves to maintain these many miles of trails by caring for their ecological make-up and safety, as well as creating new portions of the trail. This is large part due to the detailed forecasting and stewardship by the staff, monthly donating sustainers, and the many volunteers to take part in one-time events and ongoing projects. If you’d like to get involved, stay informed, or learn more about our Wisconsin terrain, there are many ways to do so. Check out www.iceagetrail.org.
Or, participate in their October Mammonth Hike Challenge. It’s a free activity encouraging you to walk 45 miles on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in one month - accumulate miles yourself or with a group! Enjoy a little extra challenge? See how many patches you can earn through their Hiking Rewards Program.
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