Ice Age Trail Permit: Route
Ice Age Trail is in Ice Age National Scenic Trail Thru-Hike Permit, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 1200 miles.
This guide covers the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free to hike; some campgrounds along the route charge fees.
Permit Cost
2-3 months for a continuous thru-hike
Duration
1200 miles
Distance
About Ice Age Trail
About 1,200 miles across Wisconsin tracing the edge of the last continental ice sheet, from Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on Lake Michigan. No single permit covers the trail; most campsites need no reservation at all.
The Ice Age Trail
- Distance
- 1200 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 2-3 months for a continuous thru-hike
Starts at Interstate State Park (Western Terminus)
30 Wisconsin counties, from the St. Croix River valley to Lake Michigan
Points along the route
- Interstate State Park (Western Terminus)Mile 0, 719 ft
- Straight Lake State ParkMile 33.56, 1,254 ft
- McKenzie Creek segmentMile 52.67, 1,057 ft
- Harwood Lake segment
- Blue Hills Felsenmeer1,204 ft
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation AreaMile 162.67, 1,135 ft
- Pine Lake segment
- Devil's Lake State ParkMile 812.29, 1,465 ft
- Cross Plains (Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters area)Mile 865.94, 877 ft
- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- Northern Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- Lapham Peak Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- Loew Lake UnitMile 1065.98, 931 ft
- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- Pike Lake UnitMile 1075.75, 994 ft
- Kettle Moraine State Forest -- Southern Unit
- Potawatomi State Park (Eastern Terminus)Mile 1289.14, 725 ft
Ice Age Trail permit detailsandAll Ice Age National Scenic Trail Thru-Hike Permit permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Ice Age Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Ice Age Trail route?
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The route is 1200 miles, as a point-to-point.
Where does the Ice Age Trail route start?
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Interstate State Park (Western Terminus).
Don't Miss Your Ice Age Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Ice Age Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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