Ice Age Trail: Whitewater Segment

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This is a moderately-trafficked singletrack trail that lives up to its billing as one of the best trails in southeastern Wisconsin. The trail mostly travels through thick forest without a sign of humanity in sight. There is plenty of elevation gain, with some steep sections in the first few miles from the west trailhead. After the second mile, the trail flattens out a bit while meandering above glacial kettles. Spectacular pine plantations are dispersed throughout the trail.

Free parking is available on Clover Valley Rd at the west trailhead. There is a parking lot on the other side of Hwy 12 at the east trailhead. The are also other parking options along the trail that can be accessed via short spur trails.

Lots of rocks on this trail. It is very easy to trip, especially on the steeper descents. It should be noted that this trail has the potential to be quite busy during the fall or during nice days on the weekend.

From Clover Valley Road, the trail begins as a boardwalk that travels over Whitewater Creek. A brilliant pine forest follows. From here, the trail is relentless in gaining and losing elevation-there is rarely a flat section. After crossing Hi-Lo Road, you you'll come to a junction with a spur trail that leads to the park office. Keep left to stay on the trail. After more climbing, you'll come to an overlook where Rice and Whitewater Lakes can be seen. From here, you descend until you reach the intersection with Highway P.

After crossing Hwy P, there is steep incline but afterward the trail starts to flatten out. After a fairly flat 1.5 miles, you descend and then climb again to a final overlook above the city of Whitewater. The trail descends ends at Highway 12. The Blackhawk Segment of the Ice Age Trail is across the highway.