|
| Adirondack Backpacking Shelter #1 on the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment |
The Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 5.6 mile linear footpath in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. It is among the most popular segments of the IAT as the Scuppernong is immediately accessible to campers at the Pinewoods State Campground and Ottawa lake Recreational Area. It also includes a backpackers cabin; one of three in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
$ads={1}
advertisement
|
| Hiking Along the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment near Ottawa WI |
I set out on the Scuppernong as a out-n-back in mid April 2017 on an unusually balmy Sunday. Spring was early this year and buds were already popping on most trees. The parking lot on highway 67 was already full when I arrived.
The parking lot, a wayside off highway 67, is the trail head for both the Eagle and Scuppernong segments. The previous weekend I had hiked the Eagle Segment and found it to be a sopping wet and muddy mess. In early spring your better bet is the dry Scuppernong which rolls along the crests of glacial moraine deposits.
This hummocky trail is mostly easy. There is one short hill climb at its center which is notable but brief. With a wide and well tread footpath the Scuppernong Segment is easy and enjoyable for people of any athletic ability. This particular length seems to be popular with trail runners and dog walkers.
Of the trail segments in the Southern Kettle Moraine this is among my favorite. Its forests seem more mature and the walk more woodsy. It connects directly to horse trails which can be used to make loop routes.
One downside is that highway 67 is busy and always within earshot. The swoosh of traffic takes away from the natural feeling. This is a common throughout the Southern Kettle Moraine, and I suspect most of the eastern trail segments. If you really want to get away from it you'll have to try the trails around Lodi, the Central Sands, and the Western segments of the IAT. But, the Scuppernong gets bonus points for being close to large population centers in Milwaukee and Madison. For a quick day hike, The Scuppernong is a perfect choice.
|
| Hiking Along the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment near Ottawa WI |
Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Scuppernong Segment
COUNTYWAUKESHA COUNTY
COMMUNITIES
EAGLE, OTTAWA
TOTAL MILES
5.6-MILE POINT-TO-POINT
DIFFICULTY
MODERATE
LOWEST ELEVATION
860 AMSL
HIGHEST ELEVATION
1090 AMSL
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
990 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
-860 FT
CAMPING
Shelter #1, Pinewoods State Campground (On the Trail), Ottawa Lake Recreational Area (nearby to trail)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Scuppernong Horse Trails, Scuppernong Ski Trails, Mackie Picnic Area, Pinewoods Campground
NEXT IAT SEGMENT EASTBOUND
WATERVILLE SEGMENT
NEXT IAT SEGMENT WESTBOUND
EAGLE SEGMENT
Directions and Trail Map
Click Map Image to load the full interactive map.
If viewing on a mobile device, open the trail map above to load into Google Maps App by touching the expand rectangle in the upper right corner.
Nearest Address for your GPS: W364S7310 WI-67, Eagle, Village of, WI 53119
| coordinates: 42.918952, -88.473337 |
| From Milwaukee | 45 Minutes |
| From Madison | 1 Hour |
| From Green Bay | 2.5 Hours |
| From Wausau | 3 Hours |
| From Minneapolis | 4.5 Hours |
| From Chicago | 2 Hours |
Photos
|
| Trailhead Along the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment near Eagle WI |
|
| Adirondack Backpacking Shelter #1 on the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment |
|
| Adirondack Backpacking Shelter #1 on the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment |
|
| DJ Mackie Group Picnic Area (Water and Restrooms pictured center left) |
|
| Spur Trail to Springs near Shelter #1 on the Scuppernong Trail |
|
| Trailhead Along the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment near Eagle WI |
|
| Typical Campsite 377R at nearby Ottawa State Recreational Area |
Links
Ice Age National Trail AllianceIce Age National Trail - National Parks Service
Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest
Ottawa Lake Recreational Area
Pinewoods Campground