SPRINGFIELD HILL SEGMENT (1.6 miles) This loop hike features impressive vistas, mature oak woodlands and remnant oak savanna and prairie. When following the connecting route, it pairs nicely with the Indian Lake Segment (2.9-miles) which highlights charming Indian Lake County Park and its hilly, wooded terrain. Benches near the lake offer a picture-perfect place to savor an Instagram-worthy sunset. The park offers an extensive network of trails along with an off-leash dog area on its far western edge.
WHERE TO HIKE
ICE AGE TRAIL COMMUNITY
CROSS PLAINSTogether with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age Trail Communities enhance appreciation and awareness of the natural and scenic beauty of the thousand-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Visit our Trail Communities to enjoy small-town hospitality, local supper clubs, hometown bakeries, farm-to-table eateries, and sites highlighting Wisconsin’s cultural heritage.
For current trail conditions, to connect with local volunteers, or to plan your Ice Age Trail hike, visit iceagetrail.org.
The Village of Cross Plains, located in western Dane County, is the gateway to the Driftless Region with outdoor recreation and natural beauty in abundance.
Ice Age Trail Alliance 2110 Main Street Cross Plains, WI 53528 (800) 227-0046 (608) 798-4453 iceagetrail.org
Unless otherwise noted, dogs are allowed on the Ice Age Trail and should be under control and leashed at all times.
CROSS PLAINS SEGMENT (9 miles)This segment highlights the woods and restored prairies of the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Anderson Preserve, residential streets in the Village of Cross Plains, the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters, and the surprisingly remote-feeling bluffs and woodlands north of town. At the edge of Cross Plains, the segment continues along a connecting route towards Madison. At Old Sauk Pass Road, it offers access to a complex of lands highlighting a world-renowned example of the interface of glaciated and unglaciated terrain.
TABLE BLUFF SEGMENT (4.8 miles) A few miles west of Cross Plains, this segment offers a trek through a stunning prairie which showcases the result of some remarkable land stewardship efforts by the SwampLovers Foundation. Notable features also include the expansive views to the southwest, dramatic rock outcroppings along the bluff itself, and enormous burr oaks which provide pleasing shade for reflection or trailside yoga.
ICE AGE TRAIL COMMUNITY
CROSS PLAINS
Nineteen09 is a friendly, well-appointed neighborhood wine bar located in a historic 1854 building along the Trail route. Browse Qēt Botanicals for all-natural beauty products, hand-crafted in fresh batches and sourced from plant-based ingredients. Stock up on supplies and snacks at Lancaster’s Piggly Wiggly before hitting the Trail and don’t forget the moleskin and sunscreen from the Cross Plains Pharmacy.
For a traditional hotel stay, you’ll need to head to Middleton. However, there are multiple Dispersed Camping Areas (DCAs) in Dane County, including the Cross Plains Segment, for long-distance and multi-day hikers. DCAs lack facilities, but pitching a tent is easy as permits or reservations are not required.
STAY & PLAY
SHOPS & STOPS
Bring your fly-fishing rod and cast a line in the Black Earth Creek, a class-1 Coldwater trout stream, which runs through the heart of the village. Enjoy fall fun at Enchanted Valley Acres, famous for its giant, 200-foot-long slides, corn maze, and wagon rides. Enjoy apple picking or pumpkin gatheringat the Appleberry Farm. Reserve an Ice Age Trail "Explorer Backpack" at the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library. Pack the off-road bike and ride the Cross Plains Mixed Use Trail system, four-miles of dirt trails open for biking and walking/running. Please note: bikes are not allowed on the Ice Age Trail.
For more ideas visit: crossplainschamber.net
RECREATION & RELAXATION
Start the day with friendly hellos and perfectly-crafted lattes at the Crossroads Coffeehouse where their soups and sandwiches make an excellent grab-and-go-lunch. Satisfy your pizza craving with a specialty, hand-tossed pie at Tano’s. Grab a burger and beer and enjoy the outdoor seating at Coach’s Club. Get your fill of street tacos, burritos, and enchiladas at Reyes Tacos. Stop in at Culver’s for a fresh, frozen custard. Enjoy the local supper club atmosphere at The Hilltop for Friday fish fry or Saturday prime rib dinner.
EATS & TREATS
Contact the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, a dedicated group of volunteers build, maintain, and promote the beautiful segments of the Ice Age Trail throughout Dane County.
The chapter’s “Dane Drifters” hiking program recognizes hikers who have walked all 38.5 miles of Ice Age Trail segments and the optional 29 miles of connecting routes in Dane County. crossplainschamber.net
GET INVOLVED
ICE AGE TRAIL ATLAS 2020 – 2022 EDITION • www.iceagetrail.org90
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Madison
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CrossPlains
BlackEarth
Prairiedu Sac
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4.8 mi
Indian LakeSegment
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Spring�eld HillSegment
1.6 mi
IndianLake
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0 1/2 1 mile
1 : 48,000 scale
Future Trail
Other Trail
Connecting Route
Ice Age Trail
Includes Indian Lake County Park,Marxville and Martinsville
Dane County
Map 64f
ICE AGE TRAIL ATLAS 2020 – 2022 EDITION • www.iceagetrail.org91
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DANE
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Madison
Fitchburg
CrossPlains
BlackEarth
SaukCity
Mt.Horeb
Verona
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9.0 mi
Table BluffSegment
4.8 mi
Valley ViewSegment
1.8 mi
FestgeCountyPark
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IATA’sBlack Earth
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IATA’sHolmes
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IATA’sValley
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Cross PlainsNational Scientific
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43°06'
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N
0 1/2 1 mile
1 : 48,000 scale
Future Trail
Other Trail
Connecting Route
Ice Age Trail
Includes Festge County Park,Shoveler Sink, Black Earth Creek,and Cross Plains
Dane County
Map 65f