Ice Age Trail: Whitewater Lake is a 4.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Whitewater, Wisconsin that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Follow the Ice Age trail through two state natural areas from HWY 12 to Clover Valley Road near Whitewater Lake. The Ice Age Trail is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting the remnants left behind by glaciers during the last ice age over 12,000 years ago. Designated as a National Scenic Trail, the Ice Age trail follows the terminal moraine of the last glaciation throughout Wisconsin providing some of the world's best examples of glacial formations such as kettles, moraines, and drumlins. The Whitewater Lake segment of the Ice Age trail is in the southern segment of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin, just north of Whitewater Lake. Wildlife, flora, and fauna all abound as the trail winds, climbs, and dips it's way through this natural setting. This complete and detailed route covers the Whitewater Lake segment of the Ice Age Trail and all it's access points, trailheads, parking, connecting trails, communities, parks, preserves, and facilities. This guide contains 14 points of interest for the trail, viewable via your browser at home, or on the fly trailside via your mobile phone.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail-National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/iatr/index.htm Ice Age National Scenic Trail-Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/iceagetrail/ Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/kms/ Whitewater Chamber of Commerce http://www.whitewaterchamber.com
Trail Signage: Yellow blazes, small rectangles painted or hung on trees or post along the trail, are the official trail blaze of the Ice Age Trail. Trailheads of sections certified by the National Park Service will include the "Woolly Mammoth Ice Age National Scenic Trail" rounded triangle sign. Safety: Always share your trip itinerary with family or friends before leaving for the back county. Keep your itinerary private from strangers. Carry a cell phone. The trail and weather are always changing. Layering clothing is the best way to regulate your temperature during changing weather conditions and activity level such as climbing or descending bluffs. Be prepared with protective clothing for wet weather. Be prepared by always carrying the appropriate gear: water, snacks, map, compass, matches, whistle, weather gear, and first aid gear. Your best tools are knowledge, experience, and common sense. Obtain and exercise them before venturing out. Hunting is permitted in season in certain parts of the trail. Blaze orange and bright colors are required if in these areas in season. Camping: Camping vary greatly along the trail, from frequently and developed, to sparadic and undeveloped. Camping areas include: developed campgrounds, camping shelters, Walk-in campsites, and areas of dispersed camping in the back county.
February 28, 2021trail was a challenge today. very uneven and slippery. the decline to the muddy crossing was very steep.
January 16, 2021Fresh snow today so slippery, but LOVE this segment. Construction near Hwy 12. Caution a break in the trail.
January 10, 2021December 27, 2020December 27, 2020December 15, 2020Good hike but currently icy.
December 11, 2020December 7, 2020Nice hike. Foot bridge crosses Whitewater Creek. Great view of Whitewater Lake from one of the moraines.
December 1, 2020Great day for a hike. Lake LaGrange is starting to ice up. Saw a bald eagle overhead.
November 7, 2020This trail is lovely! Some moderately difficult hills, especially closer to the south end.
October 22, 2020Beautiful views, the placement of the benches is perfect. This was a lovely afternoon hike with the fall colors.
October 18, 2020October 11, 2020October 10, 2020Did an out and back hike, really enjoyed. 
October 4, 2020September 27, 2020September 6, 2020I really like the length and the views this trail has. My dogs and I really enjoyed it. We will be back for sure!
September 5, 2020September 4, 2020August 30, 2020This is my new favorite trail within 2 hours of Chicago! I had a blast running this point to point trail. I would consider this more of a moderate difficulty rating due to there being several rolling hills, large rocks and tree roots throughout the trail. I also clocked a longer distance and higher elevation gain than listed. I will be back soon to complete more of the Ice Age Trail- can’t wait!
August 29, 2020August 29, 2020excellent
August 18, 2020July 31, 2020Nice trail. A little rocky in some areas. Mostly through hardwood and pine forests
July 28, 2020One-way distance is actually 4.6 miles, which makes the round-trip 9.2. Great hike on a well-maintained trail!
July 20, 2020July 18, 2020Lots of shade!
July 17, 2020Nice wooded trail with lots of heels up and down. there is one section where it is difficult to tell which way you should go as you cross over a road heading south. you want to veer right into the pine trees and not left into the hire grass we're horses apparently we're supposed to go.
July 1, 2020Good trail with some hills/stairs to get your heart rate pumping.
June 14, 2020Decent out and back trail. Will definitely be back. I'd say that moderate is a better description of the difficulty level.
