Photograph of a large glacial erratic boulder in autumn with trees covered in colorful foliage and f

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail ยท Wisconsin

NPS Photo / Billy Flynn

๐Ÿ“ StateWisconsin
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Scenic Trail
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities11
Official NPS Website โ†’
Ice Age Trail

Long-distance hiking trail in the United States

The Ice Age Trail is a National Scenic Trail stretching 1,200 miles (1,900ย km) in the state of Wisconsin in the United States. The trail is administered by the National Park Service, and is constructed and maintained by private and public agencies including the Ice Age Trail Alliance, a non-profit and member-volunteer based organization with local chapters. It became an official unit of the National Park System in 2023.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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.

Park Photos

Photograph of a large glacial erratic boulder in autumn with trees covered in colorful foliage and f
Photograph of an autumn prairie scene with rolling hills edged by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Photograph of โ€œIce Age Trailโ€ sign surrounded by a forest with autumn foliage.
expansive view as seen from atop Gibraltar Rock
Photograph of a forest scene with a V-shaped boulder-strewn valley.
Photograph of โ€œIce Age Trailโ€ sign surrounded by a forest with autumn foliage.

Activities

Operating Hours

Trail

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.

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National Park Service Office

The operating hours for the National Park Service office located at 8075 Old Sauk Pass Road in Cross Plains, Wisconsin are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

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8:00AM - 4:30PM8:00AM - 4:30PM8:00AM - 4:30PM8:00AM - 4:30PM8:00AM - 4:30PMClosedClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Ice Age National Scenic Trail?

Ice Age National Scenic Trail is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Ice Age National Scenic Trail?

Popular activities at Ice Age National Scenic Trail include: Camping, Backcountry Camping, Fishing, Hands-On, Volunteer Vacation, Hiking, Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing.

What is the weather like at Ice Age National Scenic Trail?

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.

How do I get to Ice Age National Scenic Trail?

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.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

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.

Directions

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.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates43.9896, -89.5612

Official Resources

NPS Official Website