Hikeset Beta
IAT - Sturgeon Bay Segment
13.9 mi
Mile 0.0 – 13.9
5 Campsites
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile path through Wisconsin that traces the edge of the last continental glacier's advance 12,000 years ago. Unlike the remote wilderness of western trails, the Ice Age Trail offers a uniquely Midwestern experience: roughly 700 miles of yellow-blazed forest trail connected by 500 miles of quiet country road walks. This is America's friendliest thru-hike, threading through 60 small towns where trail angels eagerly shuttle hikers, offer home-cooked meals, and provide beds in guest rooms or backyard RVs. The trail ranges from remote stretches through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to popular segments in Kettle Moraine State Forest, passing glacial lakes, kettles, eskers, and drumlin fields. Best suited for backpackers who appreciate a less technical trail with strong community support and don't mind significant road walking. The western terminus is at Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls; the eastern terminus ends at Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan.
No permits required for most of the trail. Dispersed camping areas (DCAs) are free and first-come, first-served, designed specifically for long-distance hikers (not for single-night out-and-back trips). These areas allow one night only with no campfires. Primitive camping is available in northern Wisconsin (north of Langlade County) on county and national forest lands, though some county forests require permits. In the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, camp at least 150 feet from trails/roads or 200 feet from water.
The popular Adirondack-style backpack shelters in Kettle Moraine State Forest's Northern and Southern Units require reservations ($15 Wisconsin residents, $20 non-residents) through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system at 1-888-947-2757. These shelters accommodate up to 10 people and are limited to one night per site. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker is required when parking at state forest trailheads.
South of Langlade County, no primitive camping is allowed—plan to use DCAs, reserved shelters, or stay in towns.
Fall (mid-September through October) is ideal: cool temperatures, no bugs, and spectacular autumn colors peaking in mid-October. Early September can still hit the 90s°F; November brings unpredictable weather with possible snow and near-freezing temperatures.
Spring (April-May) offers moderate weather and wildflowers but comes with muddy trails and peak tick season (worst April-July). Wear long pants and sleeves, check for ticks daily, and use permethrin-treated clothing.
Summer features temperatures in the 80s-90s°F with high humidity and horrific mosquitoes and black flies—bug nets are essential. Water is plentiful but you'll be miserable.
Winter thru-hiking is possible for experienced cold-weather backpackers. Advantages include no ticks or mosquitoes, hard-frozen ground instead of mud, and open forest vistas. Expect single-digit or below-zero Fahrenheit temperatures. Emily Ford became the first woman to complete a winter thru-hike, documenting the unique challenges.
Water is generally abundant from Wisconsin's glacial lakes, streams, and rivers, though all natural sources require filtration. Water is available at most trailheads and campgrounds. Carry a reliable filter—you'll use it heavily in the remote northwestern sections, less so in the south and northeast where towns are frequent. Water availability was never an issue for documented thru-hikers.
Resupply is straightforward with towns spaced 3-5 days apart in eastern and central sections. Two notably long stretches in the remote west: approximately 85 miles between Haugen and Weyerhaeuser through Rusk County forest, and 110 miles between Rib Lake and Summit Lake. Most trail towns have grocery stores and restaurants. Mail drops are supported at local post offices, though buying in town is usually easier.
Key resupply towns include St. Croix Falls (western terminus, full services), Portage (central Wisconsin, grocery stores, outdoor shops), and Cross Plains (home of Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters). The trail passes through 60 towns total. Contact the Ice Age Trail Alliance at (800) 227-0046 for their comprehensive 20-page trail angel list and unofficial resources detailing town services, resupply info, and camping options.
The biggest challenge isn't terrain—it's the 500 miles of road walking on unmarked "connecting routes" between yellow-blazed trail segments. These quiet country roads require careful navigation using the official Atlas, maps, or GPS apps, as they're completely unblazed. Road walks can be monotonous and expose you to occasional vehicle traffic.
Poison ivy is prevalent, especially in edge habitats where trail transitions between forest and meadow, around trailheads, and where canopy opens. Follow "leaves of three, let it be." Walk in the center of trails, avoid touching overhanging plants, and wear long pants. If exposed, wash immediately with soap and warm water.
Ticks are the primary wildlife concern, especially April-July. Check your entire body daily and use permethrin-treated clothing. Black bears are present in remote northern sections—carry a bear bag or use bear vaults; bear canisters are not required but recommended. A few hikers report close encounters with bear tracks overlaying their own footprints.
The 120-mile Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest section is the most rugged and remote, with steep climbs and potential for disorientation. Other challenging segments include Devil's Lake (near-vertical rocky bluffs), Jerry Lake (15.2 miles with 2,472 feet of gain), and Gibraltar near Lodi (sustained climbs).
Elevation gain is moderate overall: estimates range from 21,600 to 25,000 feet total. Terrain varies from flat prairies to rolling hills, rocky sections, and wetland crossings. Navigation requires attention on the unmarked connecting routes—carrying the Atlas and a GPS device/phone with downloaded maps is essential.
The western terminus at Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls is accessible via US Highway 8. The eastern terminus at Potawatomi State Park near Sturgeon Bay is reached via State Highway 42/57. Both have parking areas.
No commercial shuttle services operate specifically for the Ice Age Trail. Most hikers arrange logistics using: two-vehicle car shuttles, bicycle shuttles (ride bike to endpoint, lock it, drive back to start), or relying on the extensive trail angel network. The Ice Age Trail Alliance maintains a robust list of volunteers willing to provide shuttles, and many will also offer lodging or grocery runs.
Hundreds of trailheads and access points exist along the 1,200-mile route. Parking is free at most Ice Age Trail parking areas unless you're in a state park requiring a vehicle sticker. Developed parking areas are marked on the official Atlas.
Nearest major airports: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MPS) for western terminus, Milwaukee (MKE) or Green Bay (GRB) for eastern terminus and central sections. Madison (MSN) serves the southern portions.
Embrace the trail angel culture—it's what makes the Ice Age Trail special. Hikers frequently sleep in trail angels' homes, barns, or RVs after meeting them just hours earlier. Angels leave water, food, and supply caches along the trail. The Ice Age Trail Alliance's 20-page trail angel list is invaluable; volunteers often go far beyond simple shuttles to make your hike memorable.
Plan for the 500 miles of road walking mentally and physically. Pavement pounds feet differently than trail. Some hikers find the connecting routes tedious; others appreciate passing through authentic small Wisconsin towns. Download offline maps and carry the Atlas—you cannot rely on blazes for navigation on connecting routes.
The official Ice Age Trail mobile app provides real-time information on parking, camping, and water resources. Download it before starting.
Camp selection strategy: In the north (above Langlade County), you can primitive camp 200 feet from trail and water. In central/southern sections, plan around the 22+ dispersed camping areas or reserved shelters. Book Kettle Moraine shelters well in advance—availability is limited on summer weekends.
Typical thru-hike takes 60-75 days. Actual hiking distance varies between 1,100-1,200 miles depending on route choices on connecting routes and whether you hike both sides of the Devil's Lake bifurcation.
Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with tick removal tools, poison ivy treatment (Tecnu), and blister care for road walking. A small bell or bear spray provides peace of mind in remote northern sections, though bear encounters are rare.
The 23 designated Ice Age Trail Communities offer particularly strong hiker support with local restaurants, lodging, and services committed to trail awareness. These towns are your best bet for resupply and zeros.
Don't underestimate Wisconsin weather. Shoulder seasons can swing 40°F in a day. Carry rain gear and layers even in summer. Winter attempts require serious cold-weather experience and equipment for potential below-zero temperatures.
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