Free National Trails Day Hikes on June 1
The ICE AGE TRAIL ALLIANCE (Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter) will sponsor two free
hiking activities on the I.A.T. in celebration of National Trails Day on June 1. There is no
charge for these hikes, and parking is free for the day. Both activities will begin at the Rice
Lake parking area near the boat launch, off State Park Road in the Whitewater Lake
Recreation Area. (Look for the Ice Age Trail tent!)
The Up to 20 Miles Hike will leave the parking area at 8 AM. Participants may elect to end
their hike at any road crossing — volunteer shuttle drivers provide free transport back to the
starting point. Water and bathrooms are available at the start, at Highway 12, and at the 9.4-
mile point, the historic Oleson Cabin on Duffin Road — an excellent shady spot to enjoy a
picnic lunch. Those who wish to continue may go on to the Emma Carlin trailhead or stop at
any road in between. Wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes and bringing a cell phone,
snacks, mosquito dope, a hat, and drinking water is very strongly recommended. For more
information, contact Andy Whitney at 262-949-0286.
Mammoth Tracks: Hiking Fun for Families offers a choice of two two-mile hikes with the focus
on kids. Follow the rocky Ice Age Trail over the hills to the look-out for a bird’s-eye view of the
lakes, hills, and forests. Or trek around the lagoon then down-hill through the pines to a
bridge over a fast-running trout stream — your choice! These guided hikes leave the
playground area every hour from 10 AM until 1 PM. Long pants, please — and sunscreen and
shoes with socks. For more information, please contact Ellen Davis at 262-740-1113.
The meeting place for both is the I.A.T. tent between the boat launch and the purple playground at Rice Lake; parking stickers are not required on this day. The Up-to-Twenty-Miles hike leaves at 8 AM; the family hikes (choice of 2 – each about 2 miles in length) start on the hour between 10 and 1. All hikes are guided, with a sweep at the rear to make sure everyone is still on course.
