Originally printed January 21, 2019.
“Note: This rough and rugged stretch is often wet and may be difficult to pass. Hikers may bypass this area – and must bypass it from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 for hunting seasons – by continuing south on Thornapple Creek Road and then heading east on Partridge Road.”
-From the Ice Age Trail Manual.
A couple of weeks ago, my curiosity was piqued by discussion of this segment. The consensus among the group was that this trail was so wet and sloppy in Spring Summer and Fall that they recommended hiking it in the dead of winter. Then I looked at the brief write-up about it is the Ice Age Trail Guidebook and saw that this. The trail was so rugged that an easier option was offered, That is the first time in my time hiking that I saw such a thing. Of course, I was intrigued and challenged. How bad could it be that a four mile segment – one mile of it was a road walk – was given a “4”rating for both hilliness and ruggedness, and that a Plan B was readily offered? I resolved to find out. Last Saturday looked to be the best opportunity. The morning temps were were projected to be in single digits. Once I had secured the help of Gail P. as a trail angel, I made all the needed arrangements. The nearby Ringle Segment was on Friday. Today, Thornapple Creek would be on the menu.
I met Gail at 8:00 at the projected end point for today’s hike. As we drove to the starting point, we talked about Friday’s hike on the Ringle Segment, and some questions I had about the signage on the trail. Gail strikes me as having a wealth of knowledge about the trail, and she is happy to help newbies like me learn about it. Generally, I try to not waste the time of any volunteer who is shuttling me. They have their lives to live, and I want to get on the trail. But, I would love to buy Gail a beer, let her talk about the trail, and soak up as much information as possible. Maybe at this spring’s annual meeting?
We reached my starting point at 8:14, and Gail dropped me off. She was going to meet a friend and hike a segment north of me. I wished her well, and then got started. It was 2 above, with bright sunshine and cloudless skies. The 2 degree temp established a new low for me for starting a hike.
The first .9 of a mile was road walking, with the Eau Claire River immediately to my right at first. It quickly drifted away, and I was surrounded by farmers’ fields. I spent this time building up a some body heat by picking up my pace. Soon, the road bent to the right sharply, while the trail made a sharp left. I hiked along the edge of a farmer’s field. After roughly a half mile, I entered a heavily wooded area. So far, the trail was easy-peasey.
It was in the next section that this segment earned its “4” rating for ruggedness. I had to be progressively more deliberate with walking to avoid tripping on countless tree roots. Pools of water had accumulated in the recesses the roots had created. Now these pools were frozen solid. Forty degrees warmer, and this area would be a muddy mess. Fifty or sixty degrees warmer and this would be mosquito heaven. Eventually, the trail broke through the woods and into an open, marshy power line right-of-way. I was grateful that I took the advice to hike this during the winter. I was walking mostly on ice. If it was spring, I would have needed hip waders to do this hike.
The trail crossed west back into the woods for a bit, before working its way back into the right-of-way. Eventually, it made its way east into some more woods. The path widened a bit and ultimately became a two lane logging road. Eventually, the trail emerged from the woods and became Helf Road as it worked its way to its terminus at County N. A little less than two hours from my start, I was in my car headed back to the hotel to clean up a bit, pack, and start for home.
I was glad I took the challenge of hiking Thornapple Creek when I did. While it was a short trail, I found it unique and challenging. Was it a “4” as far as ruggedness? I would have to say yes. Was it a “4” for hilliness? I don’t think so, especially when comparing it to Ringle.
Next up for me is a return to the Waupaca area. I have 47+ miles to complete, most of it road walking. Now would be a good time to knock off those miles.
My Days on the Ice Age Trail 