Originally printed October 29, 2017.
36 degrees.
That was the temperature when I met the trail angel who was shuttling me the short distance to start Friday’s hike on the Ice Age Trail. On tap today was the Sauk Point Segment.
Compared to what I hiked the day before, this shaped up to be a pretty easy morning. The 3.9 miles over comparatively flatter country would take me less than two hours. Even the weather gods were being easy on me. 36 degrees certainly was cold, but a couple of days earlier the forecast was mid-30s in the morning and RAIN!
My general impression of this trail is that it would be a great segment for introducing someone to hiking. The trail has a lot of variety. I hiked gently rolling hills through deep woods, prairie country and marshland. From what I could gather, this would be a great trail for seeing wildlife. I spotted a couple of deer as I descended into a gully. Although I didn’t see many birds on this day, the segment looked to be a great place for bird watching, particularly in the marsh and prairie areas.
One highlight that the weather prevented me from enjoying was a great view at the “Blue Mounds Vista.” According to my guidebook, this is the highest point on the segment. From this location, one can relax at the bench placed there and have views of the lower Wisconsin River valley and(about 30 miles away) Blue Mounds. On those days when the leaves are down, you can even see the state capital in the distance.
The end of my hike brought me to the crowded Parfrey’s Glen parking lot. Parfrey’s Glen is the first designated State Natural area in Wisconsin, receiving that designation in 1952. According to a plaque at the site, the area has been a popular stop for visitors since the late 1880s. My friend Todd Shucha had recommended that I try the trail. There’s an actual out and back trail that follows Parfrey’s Glen Creek. It is quite pretty and easy walking, except for a stream crossing where you are forced to use rocks in the creek to get across. Judging by the crowds in the lot and on the trail, this is a very popular destination for folks of all ages. The designated trail ends about 0.7 miles from the lot, but visitors are invited to continue, as long as they stay near the creek. It looked very interesting; I could see the start of a gorge in the distance. Later I learned that this gorge, which was cut by the creek, goes some distance and climaxes at a waterfall. I was told that this walk is quite remarkable in the warmer seasons. Besides the sites and sounds, the temperature decreases the deeper one goes into the gorge.
At this point, my body started talking to me. What are you doing to me? You’ve hiked over 15 miles in two days. Stop it!! With that, I returned to the parking lot and went home by way of the Merrimac Ferry.
I’ll have to make a return trip to Parfrey’s Glen with Jane Sherman Anello.
My Days on the Ice Age Trail 