A Little Time and a Keyboard: Hiking the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Milton, Wisconsin

Hiking the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Milton, Wisconsin

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Hike the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Milton, Wisconsin

Wandering the Woodlands, Wetlands and Grasslands of the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Hiking the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice National Scenic Trail welcomed us to a portion of the trail traversing through wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. We enjoyed peeking into ravines and scouting for birds on the lake! The trail offered us such a pleasant range of experiences overall.

Quaking Aspens dazzle along the Ice Age Trail in Milton, Wisconsin.
Quaking Aspens dazzle along the Ice Age Trail in Milton, Wisconsin.

After parking in the designated lot, we began our adventure hiking through a delightful cluster of quaking aspens. Soon, we crossed a street and found ourselves winding around a cornfield. Since we were hiking during the transition from summer to fall, some of the corn stalks began to bear a crispy, golden yellow. Beautiful in the sun!

Golden cornfields as summer days wane into fall near Storrs Lake.
Golden cornfields as summer days wane into fall near Storrs Lake.

After rounding the cornfield, we wandered into the woodlands. The dense woodlands folded us into a beautiful forest, sweeping us away for a little while. We loved the rolling landscape and ravines.

Gentle rolls along the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail  mold interesting landscapes.
Gentle rolls along the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
 mold interesting landscapes.

The Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice National Scenic Trail is a point-to-point trail. The trail is approximately 2 miles, so if you go out and back you will be at 4 miles of hiking. The Storrs Lake Segment also attaches to the Milton Segment.

Warm reds and straw colors frame Bowers Lake.
Warm reds and straw colors frame Bowers Lake.

I did quite enjoy tracing Bowers Lake during our hike. We noted some of the warm, red and straw hues of fall coming in producing an interesting contrast with neighboring greens and the blue sky.

A boardwalk winds along the trail.
A boardwalk winds along the trail.

A few meandering paths provided different perspectives during this hike. We started at the end of the trail near Bowers Lake while the over end of the trail reaches Storrs Lake. Overall, the entire hike welcomed us to a beautiful melange of ecosystems. We enjoyed exploring the natural treasures that unfolded along the trail. Such a spectacular hike!

Nearby Adventures:

If you are hiking the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, consider exploring Northleaf Winery and Timber Hill Winery in Milton as well as Milton House Museum. In nearby Janesville, consider exploring the Rotary Botanical Gardens, Lincoln-Tallman House, Devil's Staircase and the Arbor Ridge Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Hiking During Hunting Season:

When hiking during hunting season, it is wise to always research hunting locations and permissions before heading out on the trail. Trails that are part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail do pass through hunting areas. For more information, see: https://www.iceagetrail.org/hunting-season-iata/ However, being aware of hunting periods and locations is wise whenever preparing for a fall hike.


Hiking the Storrs Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Milton, Wisconsin


Post a Comment