Ice Age Trail: Open and Closed

Guest article from the Lodi Chapter of IATA.

Many of us have witnessed the overcrowding at Gibraltar Rock and Devils Lake State Park so these closures are no big surprise. This demonstrates the need people have to get out in nature to calm themselves and find some solace and relief.

There has been some confusion as to what is open and what is not…imagine that! The Ice Age Trail is open.

I strongly encourage you to follow the guidelines that the Ice Age Trail Alliance has released. Please read the other email I sent today for that information.

If you arrive at a trailhead that is very crowded please be careful to maintain social distance – not only while walking but in the parking area. Stay away from other cars.

Park responsibly, i.e. don’t block other cars, stay off the roads. Wear a mask, especially in those crowded areas.

If it is crowded, consider coming back at another time or going somewhere else.

There may be a time when restrictions are even tighter than they are now given the progress of the virus. Following the IATA guidelines will help keep our trails open for now.

We will get through this together.

Be well and stay safe,

Bill

What to Know Before You Go!

Governor Evers’ order to close 40 state parks, forests, and recreational areas has effectively closed popular Ice Age National Scenic Trail segments by shuttering the parking lots and trailheads which allow hikers access to the Ice Age Trail crossing these parcels of state land:

Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area

Sauk Point Segment

Devil’s Lake State Park

Sauk Point Segment
Devil’s Lake Segment

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

A portion of the Gibraltar Rock Segment between both parking areas on County Road V

Cross Plains State Park

Popular but non-Ice Age Trail off of Old Sauk Pass Road, Dane County (The Cross Plains Segment remains open.)

Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit

Whitewater Lake Segment
Blackhawk Segment
Blue Spring Lake Segment
Stony Ridge Segment
Eagle Segment
Scuppernong Segment

Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak Unit

Lapham Peak Segment

Kettle Moraine State Forest-Loew Lake Unit

Loew Lake Segment

Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit

Pike Lake Segment

Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit

Kewaskum Segment
Milwaukee River Segment
Parnell Segment
Greenbush Segment

Please be patient. Much of what we know at this time is subject to change.