Cross Plains Ice Age Trail | Madison WI

Information

Landmark: Cross Plains Ice Age Trail
City: Madison WI
Country: USA Wisconsin
Continent: North America

Cross Plains Ice Age Trail, Madison WI, USA Wisconsin, North America

The Cross Plains Ice Age Trail is a segment of the larger Ice Age National Scenic Trail located in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. It traverses a landscape shaped by glacial activity.

Visual Characteristics

The trail features rolling topography with exposed bedrock formations, including dolomite and sandstone. Vegetation consists of deciduous forests, prairie remnants, and wetlands. Trail surfaces vary from packed earth to gravel and boardwalks in marshy areas. Elevation changes are moderate, with some steeper ascents and descents along ridge lines.

Location & Access Logistics

The primary access point is located off County Highway KP (also known as County Road KP) approximately 3 miles north of the village of Cross Plains. Parking is available at the designated trailhead on the west side of County Highway KP. No public transport directly serves the trailhead. The nearest major city is Madison, approximately 25 miles southeast.

Historical & Ecological Origin

This segment of the Ice Age Trail follows the path of the Green Bay Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glacial period. The landscape is characterized by features such as end moraines, kames, and kettle lakes, formed by glacial deposition and meltwater. The trail preserves these geological formations and the associated plant and animal communities.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity. The trail offers opportunities for observing glacial landforms and diverse flora. Birdwatching is possible throughout the year. The trail is marked with blue blazes.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A small parking area is available at the trailhead. No restrooms, potable water, or food vendors are present at the trailhead. Cell phone signal is intermittent along the trail.

Best Time to Visit

For hiking, late spring through fall offers the most favorable conditions. Wildflowers are most abundant in May and June. Autumn provides fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing, weather permitting.

Facts & Legends

The bedrock formations along the trail are approximately 450 million years old, dating back to the Ordovician Period, long before the glaciers that shaped the surface topography.