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The Dunes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trial is a 2.7 mile linear footpath through Woodland Dunes State Natural Area in Two Rivers WI. This trail features a surprising mix of natural sights: boardwalks through forested wetlands, deep old growth cedar forests, open prairies, and dense hardwood forest.
This short, flat, and relatively easy trail can be hiked by anyone of any athletic ability and is ideal for families with young children. An adjoining loop trail maintained by the Woodland Dunes Nature Preserve allows this trail to be done as a 3 mile lollipop.
The Dunes Segment connects the urban paved Manitowoc Segment with the trail town sidewalk route of the Two Rivers Segment.
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
The summer of 2017 has been a hot, wet, mosquito riven madness. Some relief from the heat and rain was offered on a mid-August Sunday morning when I hiked this trail with my mom. But, the mosquito and biting bugs didn't mind the cool air either. Large sections of the Dunes trail are enclosed by dense undergrowth in swampy terrain. It was a trap; the bugs lay in wait for breakfast to come trouncing through the forest.
After feeding the local bugs a few ounces of blood we emerged into more comfortable wider trails through hardwood forest followed by sections of dense cedar cover and open fields. These areas were a welcome respite from the thickness of the wetlands area.
It was on entering these more airy areas that I startled two large birds who flew out along the path in front off me. I was startled by the size of one of the birds which I assumed to be a large owl. In retrospect, it may have been an osprey which the Woodland Dunes Preserve is famous for hosting.
In all, the Dunes trail was a surprising natural wonderland that I had not known existed in the area between Manitowoc and Two Rivers. This is a hike I recommend for both distance hikers as well as those who are just beginning to get to know the Ice Age Trail. Though, I recommend wearing long pants and potentially long sleeves as the trail can be quite overgrown with prickly plants in some areas.
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
Overview: Ice Age National Scenic Trail Dunes Segment
COUNTYMANITOWOC COUNTY
COMMUNITIES
TWO RIVERS
TOTAL MILES
2.7-MILE POINT-TO-POINT
DIFFICULTY
EASY
LOWEST ELEVATION
580 AMSL
HIGHEST ELEVATION
650 AMSL
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
310 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
-310 FT
CAMPING
Disperse Camping Areas (2), Disperse camping allowed anywhere in the Chippewa County Forest 50' from the trail.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Lake Michigan, Woodland Dunes State Natural Area, Woodland Dunes Nature Center
NEXT IAT SEGMENT EASTBOUND
TWO RIVERS SEGMENT
NEXT IAT SEGMENT WESTBOUND
MANITOWOC SEGMENT
Directions and Trail Map
Click Map Image to load the full interactive map.
Address for your GPS: 5000 Memorial Dr Two Rivers, WI 54241
| coordinates: 44.126588, -87.618129 |
| From Milwaukee | 1.5 Hours |
| From Madison | 2.5 Hours |
| From Green Bay | 45 Minutes |
| From Wausau | 2 Hours |
| From Minneapolis | 5 Hours |
| From Chicago | 3 Hours |
Photos
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
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| Ice Age Trail Dunes Segment in Two Rivers WI |
Links
Woodland Dunes State Natural AreaWoodland Dunes Preserve and Nature Center
Ice Age National Trail Alliance
Ice Age National Trail - National Parks Service