Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Forest is comprised of five main units, encompassing over 56,000 acres in southeastern Wisconsin. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States, travels through varied terrain is the Kettle Moraine. This beautiful trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties in the state of Wisconsin, with fascinating geology and remant landforms that tell the story of Wisconsin’s unique glacial past. The scenic Monches segment of the Ice Age Trail in the Loew Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest showcases this unique post-glacial terrain – it does not disappoint!
Glacial History of Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a fascinating geologic past! Sculpted by receding glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the state is home to varied and beautiful landscapes. From hills and bluffs to woodlands and prairies rich with native plants, Wisconsin residents and visitors from across the country are fortunate to hike, bike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski through the diverse landscapes of this beautiful state.
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Kettle Moraine State Forest | Loew Lake Unit
The 3.1 mile Monches Segment of the Ice Age Trail is located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest Loew Lake Unit. The street address for the Loew Lake Unit is 989 Emerald Drive, Hartford, Wisconsin, 53027. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for more information on recreation, trail conditions, and maps for the Loew Lake Unit.
Trail Access & Directions | Monches Segment
From north to south, the Monches Segment stretches from the intersection of County Highways K and Q to Kilbourne Road in Waukesha County. To access the Monches Segment from the north trailhead, park in the lot on the east side of County Highway K just north of the intersection of Highways K and Q. (County K is also known as Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive). To access the trail from the south, park in the lot on the south side of E. Kilbourne Rd., east of Highway 83 in North Lake.
Monches Segment | Spring Wildflowers of the Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail is a popular destination to observe spring ephemerals. In Wisconsin, native spring wildflowers, or ephemerals (named for their short-lived appearance each spring) appear between March and May before the leaf canopy has filled out. They are here for us to enjoy for a few short weeks before they fade away, making room for summer wildflowers. Both the Ice Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest are top destinations for observing native spring wildflowers in southern Wisconsin.
The Monches Segment is a feast for the senses, especially in spring, when the forest floor is dotted with spring wildflowers emerging after the long winter season.
Along the trail, ephemerals emerge from leaf litter, at the base of trees, and in clusters throughout the forest floor. One of my favorite parts of spring is hiking the woodlands and prairies of Kettle Moraine State Forest in search of these tiny fleeting plants. Below I’ve shared photos of the most notable wildflowers I’ve observed along this stretch of the Ice Age Trail, captured in mid-April.
Spring Ephemerals of the Monches Segment
Monches Segment | Ice Age Trail | All Trails Maps
You can find detailed information on the Ice Age Trail and the Monches Segment on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type, with photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
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Holy Hill Segment | Ice Age Trail
If you continue North on the Ice Age Trail, you’ll reach the beautiful Holy Hill segment, which passes through the grounds of the Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine. From the Monches segment, hike north across Donegal Road north 6.8 miles to the basilica grounds. The northern end of the Holy Hill segment is County Highway E. I highly recommend a visit to Holy Hill, either by car or via the Ice Age Trail. It is gorgeous in any season! Read more in my recent article: Visit the Beautiful and Historic Holy Hill Basilica | Hubertus, Wisconsin.
Kettle Moraine State Forest | Spring Hikes
Spring is a gorgeous season to hike the Ice Age Trail. For more information on scenic spring hikes in Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Southern Unit, read more in my March 2025 article, Kettle Moraine State Forest | 3 Beautiful Spring Wildflower Hikes.
Get out there and enjoy the beautiful Ice Age Trail!
-Erin
