Ice age Trail: Whitewater Segment 5.30.21
Ice Age Trail: Whitewater Segment
It was a last second decision in the morning…decision made!
5.30.21
Which segment of the Ice Age Trail to hike??
That morning, my daughter decided to come on the hike and we’d been teetering between a couple of segments. Typically, we like to bring her on a hike that we’ve been on before so we know what to expect, but we decided to just go for it and hit a new segment for us. We have the Ice Age Trail Guidebook which helped make the decision, the Whitewater segment of the Ice Age Trail.
Quite the Start
The segment started with a long boardwalk that dipped down by a stream and over some wetlands. It was a perfect way to draw us all in right away. The bright blue sky and the dark green foliage made quite the backdrop. Some wildflowers grabbed my attention as it was just the beginning of flowers starting to bloom.
Feeling Small
Soon, we ventured into a pine forest. While we felt tiny among the trees, the blue sky managed to let in sunshine. The terrain changed again into a lush forest and was much more closed in.
The View
Up, up, up we went and had a break from forests to a beautiful view of the lake and land in the distance. What a perfect spot for a quick water break.
Terrain on Repeat
Back through another dense forest with tiny wildflowers poking through where they caught some sunshine. Then, yet another pine forest provided a nice breeze through the openness. A small opening gave way to some beautiful purple wildflowers. Back into the dense forest again and then again more pines!
Finally Lunch Time!
Between the dense forests and pine forests, both of which can be pretty “ticky” we put off eating lunch until we hit Esterly Rd, an open area. Funny enough, we ate right next to the road. But the farm field on the other side was quite the view and we only saw a few cyclists go by on the road.
The Way Back
The day was heating up so we took lots of water breaks in the shade. I saw this crazy tree stump with tons of little branches trying to grow out of the top of it, appearing like some crazy hairdo. We paused again at the top of a hill to take in the view for a bit. While a great place to rest, Maxie wondered why we weren’t in the shade.
And that, my friends, is today’s Tail from the Trail.
Cheers!
Ellen
Hike Details
Trail: Mix of dirt and rock
Trail type: Out and Back (we did about 3 miles each way for a total of 6)
Parking: WI State Park sticker required
GOOGLE MAPS LINK TO PARKING LOT
Bathroom facilities: Nope, just nature’s wide-open spaces.
Dog Friendly: Yes, must be leashed at all times. BYOB Bring Your Own (Poop) Bag! I did not see any bag dispensers. Please carry out your dog’s poop!
Good hike … I was challenged more that day than i had expected. I credit that to both the Trail terrain in that section and the heat … but either way, it was super great to be out there! And your spot on – that lunch pit stop exceeded my original expectations! Great day!
I agree! Lunch spot was perfect timing! I love the forests, but definitely love to eat in the open. I forgot how hot it got that day. The heat certainly takes a toll, especially when it’s early in the season and we aren’t quite as used to it.