BEDH_Milwaukee

Distance: 3.2 miles one way (or 6.4 miles out and back)

Approximate hiking time: 1.5 to 2 hours one way

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult due to trail surface and steepness

Trail surface: Packed dirt with roots and rocks; several boardwalks

Best seasons: Year-round, but wet periods can be muddy

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Dogs permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Open 24 hours daily

Maps: USGS Merton; Ice Age Trail Atlas

Trail contact: Kris Jensen (volunteer), Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter, Ice Age Trail, W316 N7351 Nelson Dr., Hartland 53029; (262) 966-9788; krjonorthlk@yahoo.com; www.iceagetrail.org

Finding the trailhead: From Milwaukee take I-94 west to WI 16. Get off WI 16 in Hartland at exit 183, and go straight (west), across Merton Avenue on Hartbrook Drive (parallel to WI 16), to North Avenue/CR E. Take this right (north) and remain on CR E for 4 miles, all the way through Monches to where it intersects with CR K and CR Q. Turn left (west) on CR Q and the trailhead is immediately on the left (south). (The southern trailhead and parking lot are 0.3 mile to the west of CR E on Funk Road, 2.6 miles south of Monches.) GPS: N43 11.58' / W88 20.79'

The Hike

The northern portion of this segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail travels primarily up and down moraines through the forest dedicated to Wisconsin conservationist Carl Schurz. The southern portion follows the marshy edge of the Oconomowoc River, which drains marshland in the Kettle Moraine area. If you see the yellow blazes on the trees, you are on the official Ice Age Trail. Blue blazes indicate spur trails; unmarked trails lead elsewhere.

Remember, the trail passes over private land. Respect the privilege of its use by staying on the path and leaving nothing behind but footprints. The route is described here as a one-way trek, from north to south, with a pickup at the south end. But it can be done as an out-and-back trek. The trail is mostly shaded and uneven with rocks and tree roots. Mosquitoes can be more of an issue closer to the river. Footbridge planks can be as slippery as ice when wet.

Starting from the northern trailhead, the trail heads immediately uphill. At 0.3 mile be careful to duck a wire across the trail about 5 feet off the ground; this is to keep horses off the path. A memorial boulder is just beyond.

At the juncture at 1.1 miles, go left (southeast) at the bench and watch for yellow blazes. The trail comes to the river at 1.5 miles and passes through a narrow stretch of trees and brush between river on the left (east) and farmland on the right (west). One-tenth of a mile later, you’ll cross the river on a bridge and some boardwalks with tree roots between them. Take care.

The trail moves away from the river on the other side. At the next juncture follow the trail marker to the right (south). Cross a boardwalk over a soggy low spot at 1.8 miles and the trail goes close to the river once more. The route ventures into the open as it bends west and travels under power lines, then it comes out on a crushed limestone path to Funk Road. To the left (south) is the railroad viaduct. Take Funk Road to the right (west) and cross the river. On the left side of the road is the short blue segment of the trail that takes you to the Ice Age Trail parking lot.

This segment connects to the Loew Lake and Merton Segments of the Ice Age Trail, to the north and south respectively.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start from the northern trailhead.

0.3Pass under a horse barrier wire.

1.1Follow the trail to the left (southeast) of the bench.

1.6Cross the river.

1.8Use the boardwalk to cross mud.

2.7Cross a brook.

3.1Cross Funk Road.

3.2End at the Ice Age Trail parking lot on Funk Road.