The Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age National Trail is a short section of easy to moderate footpath, but it's 1.5 miles are very scenic and pleasant. A well-made cabin is available on a first-come basis for thru-hikers. A scenic loop is also available for out-n-back section hikers to make this route a lollipop. This segment gets a bit hilly on the northern end. The trail is well defined and easy to follow.
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Waupaca River on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
The Waupaca River is a wide and shallow river at Cobb Town where the Ice Age Trail briefly follows along its banks. Section hikers can park at a large parking lot for the Waupaca River State Fishery Area on Foley Road. A blue blazed access trail leads down to river where it meets up with the IAT.
Up a long and winding hill there is a perfect little hiker's cabin. Long distance hikers will enjoy the shelter of this cabin which includes a platform for a bed on the main level, and a loft with a honeymoon suite that can fit two sleeping bags side by side. This sturdy shelter includes many items such as a small heater, candle lamp, candles, matches, books, and a fire pit outside. If the cabin is already claimed when you arrive you will be able to set up a tent in ample clear space beside the cabin.
The Waupaca River Segment is short, but it is a scenic and wonderful hike. For campers staying at Hartman Creek State Park this is an excellent excursion hike nearby. With the loop trail included, it makes for about a 3 mile / hour long lollipop hike.
Hiker's Cabin on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Waupaca River Segment
COUNTYPORTAGE COUNTY
COMMUNITIES
WAUPACA
TOTAL MILES
1.5-MILE POINT-TO-POINT
DIFFICULTY
MODERATE
LOWEST ELEVATION
930 AMSL
HIGHEST ELEVATION
1120 AMSL
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
430 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
-360 FT
CAMPING
Shelter with space to sleep two in loft and 1 on first level platform, first-come-first-serve; tent camping adjacent to shelter
POINTS OF INTEREST
Waupaca River
NEXT IAT SEGMENT EASTBOUND
HARTMAN CREEK SEGMENT
NEXT IAT SEGMENT WESTBOUND
SKUNK AND FOSTER LAKE SEGMENT
Directions and Trail Map
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PDF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAPKING QUADRANGLE
Click Map Image to load the full interactive map.
Address for your GPS: 3903 Foley Road, Waupaca, WI 54981
| coordinates: 44.380140, -89.216758 |
From Milwaukee | 2 Hours |
From Madison | 2 Hours |
From Green Bay | 1.5 Hours |
From Wausau | 1 Hour |
From Minneapolis | 3.5 Hours |
From Chicago | 3.5 Hours |
Photos
Waupaca River on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Waupaca River State Natural Area on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Waupaca River State Natural Area on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Along the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Along the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Hiker's Cabin on the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Scenic Loop Along the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |
Scenic Loop Along the Waupaca River Segment of the Ice Age Trail |