Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin Formed by Glacier
Glacial Formations Offer 1,200 Miles of Scenic Wilderness Hiking
Oct 24, 2008
The Ice Age Trail is a component of the National Trails Systems, maintained by the U.S. National Park Service. One of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, the 1,200 mile hiking trail is not completely finished. It now consists of 600 miles of finished trails which are in the process of being connected.
Recreation on the Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin, USA
The trail is more than scenic, it is a treasure trove of geological formations, lakes, bogs, marshes and wooded areas. Nature lovers can hike and backpack along the trails and take in the wilderness wonderland in Wisconsin. During the snowy winter months, consider cross country skiing or snowshoeing through the snow. The parks have camping areas, for outdoor adventure lovers.
Ancient Glaciers Formed Ice Age Trail
Much of North America was covered with a glacier 15,000 years ago. Prehistoric creatures, such as mammoths, saber tooth tigers and cave lions were free to roam. The Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin is considered some of the best evidence of the glacier. Wisconsin's parks, lakes, river valleys, hills and ridges were formed along the glacier's edge.
Wisconsin Glacial Trail
Wisconsin's Glacial Trail consists of nine units, including Two Creeks Buried Forest, Kettle Moraine, Campbellsport Drumlins, Horicon Marsh, Cross Plains, Devil's Lake, Mill Bluff, Chippewa Moraine and Interstate State Park.
According to the website for the National Park Service, the trail crosses lands that are managed by many different public agencies and private landowners. Trail segments may have different rules and regulations governing their use. Camping fees and registration policies may apply.
Ice Age Trail Sections
- Two Creeks Buried Forest: This historic forest was established between the Cary and Volers glacial substages. A forest of black and white spruce, hemlock, pine, mosses and vegetation formed in the Two Creeks area near Lake Michigan. Manitowoc County.
- Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. The southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest stretches 30 miles from Dousman to Whitewater. The unit has over 20,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests. The 3,500 acres in Scuppernong River Habitat Area is the largest wet prairie east of the Mississippi River.
- Campbellsport Drumlins
- Horicon Marsh: The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States provides a habitat for endangered species. The wetland is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese.
- Cross Plains
- Devil's Lake The park is famous for glacial remains, including Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway formations. Devils Lake is located near Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells.
- Mill Bluff. Sandstone buttes were islands in the glacial lake during the Ice Age. Wildcat Mountain State Park. Camp Douglas. WI.
- Chippewa Moraine. This scenic trail meanders through hardwood oak savannas, cedar swamp, pine needles, marshes, boardwalks and over 40 kettle lakes and bogs. Chippewa Moraine is in New Auburn, near Eau Claire.
- Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls
The Ice Age Trail is a scenic wonder that offers year around recreation to outdoor lovers in Wisconsin.
Great Mississippi River Keeps Rollin' Along
Old World Wisconsin is a living history museum in the Kettle Moraine area.
Ten Chimneys the Home of Broadway Legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in Genesee Depot.
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