Boardwalks, mossy rocks, and a rock bridge are just a few of the enjoyable features of the Hoot Owl Drive Segment of the Ice Age Trail. The trail is low-use, mostly flat, and only a short 20 minute drive east of Wausau!
To find this trail, you will take Country Road N East, County Road Q South, and Mole Brook Road East. Mole Brook Road turns South and becomes Meadowlark Lane. The trail starts at the corner of Meadowlark Lane and Hoot Owl Drive. You can park off to the side of the road. (The GPS coordinates are 44.924504, -89.367107.)
After walking along a gravel road extension of Meadowlark Lane for maybe 100 feet, you will see the start of the Ice Age Trail off to your left. You will see homes on both sides and at the end of the road, but don’t worry, you will see the Ice Age Trail sign very quickly!
A few wooden bridges/boardwalks will greet you at the beginning of your hike, which gives the trail instant appeal. (This is especially helpful if your children are skeptical about the benefits of hiking!)
If you’re hiking with small children, you can easily do a mile (or a half mile) and then turn around. I often bring a picnic lunch for us to eat in the van (if it’s buggy) or near the trail if it’s nice. (The promise of “lunch” when you make it back to your vehicle can also be a great motivator!)
If you’re hiking without small children, and you have two cars (or a friend who will pick you up), you can make a point-to-point hike from Hoot Owl Drive to Poplar Road, which is approximately 3 miles. If you’re by yourself, or want a longer hike, you could hike out-and-back (from Hoot Owl Drive to Poplar Road) for a luxurious 6 mile hike. (Can you tell I’m a stay-at-home mom?!?)
One of the great things about the Ice Age Trail, is that you can always tell if you’re going the right way by looking for the yellow rectangles on trees. (Can you see one of them below?) My kids would get very excited whenever they would spot one.
If you want to start planning out your own hikes, or just record the ones you do, I would recommend downloading the AllTrails App on your phone. This app has helped me avoid getting lost, and it’s an easy way to save my favorite hikes! (I just use the free version of the app.)
Have you been on this trail? Did you like it? Tell me your thoughts in a comment below!
For more information about the Ice Age Trail and additional maps, please visit: https://www.iceagetrail.org/
Happy hiking! 🙂
Really interesting post!
We hiked this section on 3/6/21. It is still very snow covered. Beautiful and serene. My kids, 3 and 5 did great on the trail and loved all the boardwalks. We probably made a mile before turning around to come back. It was a great family adventure! Thank you for sharing this hike!
Thank you for your comment Emily! I’m so glad you and your kids had a fun time! 🙂