Ice Age Trail Days 43-47, May 5 to May 9

Devils Lake to Verona

Verona, Wisconsin, by Greg in Wild / Roger Carpenter, May 10, 2025

See my current location on the trail and the places I hiked recorded by Garmin InReach.

On May 9, I reached milepost 750 in perfect weather for hiking. The vibe of the hike gradually changed as foliage got greener and taller, wildflowers became more numerous, the sky clearer, and days more sunny and warmer. The dues I paid hiking in the chilly Northwoods are paying off in the south. Madison is nearby and east of Verona. The vibe surrounding the IAT is influenced by great coffee places, more hikers on trail, runners, cyclists, and even golf courses. Hey, this hike is going very well! And, there are 404 miles ahead with opportunities to enjoy more of Wisconsin, the moraines, and the unexpected things the trail provides.

Greg in Wild — Climbing the boulder steps above Devils Lake

I hiked 86 miles starting from the Devils Lake Campground. Unlike the campgrounds I stopped at up north, all the facilities were open.

Riding the Merimac Ferry across Lake Wisconsin.

While hiking on the Gibraltar Rock area in the early morning, I paused to enjoy this view before returning to the road.

Wildflowers became more numerous as I hiked south on warm days.

Prairies with native grasses in Oak Savanna are an important part of the Wisconsin ecosystem. The IAT passes through numerous places where these lands are actively being restored and maintained with prescribed burns.

Close look at how a prescribed burn on native prairie grasses regenerates new growth and prevents other species from overtaking the oak savanna.

The Oak Savanna in Wisconsin is an important aspect of the natural environment. Volunteers with the Ice Age Trail Alliance assist in that effort on lands that were acquired by the organization. It is one way the Alliance is focused on conservation as well as developing and maintaining the trail.

Headquarters of the Ice Age Trail Alliance in Cross Plains. The staff allows hikers to use the shower, drink cold refreshments, and engage in trail talk.

Remnants of a homestead near Indian Lake.

Indian Lake County Park. The Dane County Parks provides the cleanest restrooms on the IAT with water and electric outlets.

A good example of an old barn the IAT passes by on tbe roads.

In Verona, where I picked up supplies, the IAT passes through the University of Wisconsin has a golf course. The IAT is my fourth long thru-hike and the first with a golf course on the official route!

The county park in Verona includes a campsite IAT hikers can use. Along with a restroom, pavilion with electric power, and nicely mowed grass, this site was a quiet place all night. A diner and other restaurants were just 10 minutes away on foot!

HIKE ON!

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