Event brings awareness to Ice Age National Scenic Trail and drives visitation to its communities
Thousands of people will be hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail this October as part of the Mammoth Hike Challenge.
Now in its fifth year, the Mammoth Hike Challenge invites anyone and everyone to hike, run, walk, or backpack 44 miles along the stunning Ice Age National Scenic Trail and explore three official Ice Age Trail Communities. [Whitewater is an Ice Age Trail Community.] Participants have the entire month of October to complete the Challenge. Those that do, receive a limited-edition patch and certificate.
Hosted by the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the Mammoth Hike Challenge is the organization’s largest awareness-building event. Unlike other hiking challenges held along the Trail, the Mammoth Hike Challenge is free. To register, visit IceAgeTrail.org/Mammoth-Hike-Challenge.
“The goal of the Mammoth Hike Challenge is to get people out on the Trail and visiting our unique Ice Age Trail Communities,” says Amy Lord, Outreach and Education Manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
“Once someone experiences the Trail—the likelihood is great they’ll want to eventually hike the whole thing,” she says. “That’s the magic of the Trail. It pulls you in and leaves you wanting to discover the next segment, or the next turn.”
Earn Bonus Miles, No Hiking Required
Nearly 50 Trail-related hiking events are taking place throughout October. These events, which are listed on the Alliance event calendar, range from hiker meet ups at breweries, to group hikes, dog hikes, and geology hikes. The events are opportunities to meet other Challenge participants and “talk Trail” as well as a way to earn bonus miles.
“Hiking 44 miles can be daunting,” says Lord. “To make it fun and achievable, we offer the ability to accumulate miles without actually hiking.”
Other ways to earn bonus miles: participating in a Trailbuilding or Trail Maintenance activity, becoming a member of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, or introducing someone to the Trail.
There’s Magic Along the Trail
This year, more than 100 businesses are offering Trail Magic*, an act of kindness or unexpected surprise a hiker encounters along the Trail. During the Challenge, Trail Magic comes in the form of special offers, discounts, or freebies from participating businesses, which are mainly located within the 24 official Trail Communities. *Participating businesses in Whitewater are Center St. Cafe, BicycleWise, Sweet Spot, Dale’s Bootery, The Book Teller, The Vinery Stained Glass Studio, Heather’s Fashion, BaristaCats Cafe & Wayward Sanctuary for Wayward Cats, ReVamp Nutrition, and Second Salem Brewing Co.
“Trail Communities are hiker destinations and are perfect for a pre-, mid-, or post-hike stop,” says Lord. “Many hikers plan their hiking adventures by which Trail Communities they want to visit,” says Lord. “Trail Magic is an added incentive to visit specific businesses within the communities.”
Mammoth Hike Challenge Fast Facts:
- More than 27,000 participants since 2020
- Generated visitation to 19 Trail Communities in 2023 (Hatley, Greater Wausau Area, Algoma, Rice Lake, and Weyerhaeuser are new Trail Communities in 2024)
- Generated more than $1.5 million spending in local economies since 2020
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About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. There are 24 designated as Ice Age Trail Communities along the Trail. Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.
About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating, supporting, and protecting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For more information, visit IceAgeTrail.org.
Working since 1958 to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Please join or renew today at www.iceagetrail.org
