Ice Age Trail is Open (For Now)

Yes, the Ice Age Trail is open. What does that mean for us here in Sauk County where the IAT is intertwined with some of our favorite outdoor spaces including Devil’s Lake State Park? Well, like everything, it’s a little complicated but ultimately a good thing.

“Effectively Closed”

You never want to get your facts from social media comment sections! And with all of the contradictory and confusing information floating around out there, it is worth digging in a bit. Here’s what I can tell you.

When the Ice Age Trail Alliance posted about the closing of DNR properties in our area, they wrote, “This order effectively closed popular Ice Age National Scenic Trail segments by shuttering the parking lots and trailheads which allow hikers access to the Ice Age Trail.” I’m sure they simply meant that the DNR is closing all parking lots so that it will be quite hard to use the trail. “Effectively” was the keyword. But, the IAT is actually open to the public.

**I have also confirmed this directly with the DNR’s communications folks and I quote, “The Ice Age Trail is open. People can still travel through on the IAT, however, parking lots that are within the property boundary of a closed property are closed. Other linear trails are open as well.”

IAT at Devil’s Lake State Park

Now, the Ice Age Trail runs right through Devil’s Lake State Park. It covers about 13 miles in total and includes some of the park’s more popular trails and locations including the West Bluff Trail, Balanced Rock Trail and parts of the East Bluff Trail (I’ve sketched this out for you below). The bottom line is that hikers may use these trails. But again, getting there isn’t for everyone. It means finding legal parking and hiking in, then hiking out while remaining at all times on the IAT.

Parking?

So here’s your problem. The only legal parking for the IAT anywhere near the park is some distance. Again, convenient parking is closed. You cannot cross through DNR properties to get to the Ice Age Trail either. In addition, if cars start parking alongside the roads in a way that becomes an issue, I’ve been told that the local police will act accordingly. Yes, locals know some “secrets” but for the most part, if you’re desperate to walk the IAT inside Devil’s Lake, you’re in for a long day hike.

Leaving or Lingering

If you leave the Ice Age Trail within a DNR property, you can be fined. This would include having a rest in picnic areas, which, at Devil’s Lake State Park, you need to pass through on the IAT. In speaking with a few folks about this, it’s fair to say that anyone just trying to be uncooperative or belligerent, will face stiff fines. Listen, this is all about saving lives and preventing the spread of the coronavirus. No one is trying to take your “liberty” away.

What About Parfrey’s Glen or Gibraltar Rock SNAs

OK, so you could certainly hike the Sauk Point Trail down to Parfrey’s Glen. BUT, you can’t enter the natural area’s day-use area, use the bathroom or hike into the gorge itself. AND since the parking lot on Hwy 113 is closed by Sauk Point, you’ve got that issue to deal with too. At Gibraltar Rock, you can potentially, hike through as well, but again… It’s all about parking. The local governments don’t want cars stacking up along the roads and the DNR lots are closed.

No Perfect Answers

So for people who want to argue, there are never going to be perfect answers and there will be flaws in the system if you’re looking for them. But the question to ask yourself is WHY are you looking? We as a community and country are trying to prevent the spread of a virus that can kill people we care about. There is no reason to be driving an hour or more to go hiking! And yet, for the locals, it may be reasonable to ask what is doable, which is what I am trying to do here. The bottom line is, that while you can hike the IAT within Devil’s Lake it’s not for everyone anyway. It will be a long day hike and if you get into trouble, no one is going to be happy to have to rescue you when they are needed elsewhere.

I hope this helps. Stay well.