Ice Age Trail – Hartman Creek Segment
Location
The Hartman Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail is located in central Wisconsin. It is located about five mile west of Waupaca, Wisconsin. Waupaca is located within the scenic Chain O’ Lakes. The lakes were created by the Cary Glacier. The area is a popular Wisconsin tourist destination. The segment would make a perfect addition to any trip to the area.
When I ran the segment, a portion of the trail was closed. I highly recommend the APP Guthook Guides. The APP gave a great description of the closed portion of trail and how to navigate around it.
I ran the Emmons Creek Segment and the Hartman Creek Segment the same day with the total distance just over 8 miles. Because the two trail segments connect with no connector routes, it made for a nice long trail run.
The Trail
The segment is 5.6 mile. Once you head south of Edminster Road, the trail runs through Hartman Creek State Park. This would be a great place to camp if you are traveling in the area. Pay close attention to the yellow blazes, because there are many connecting trails in the park. The park has about 12 miles of biking trails with some that pass through the Ice Age Trail.
Crossing over Edminster Road, the segment is mostly forested terrain. There are pine trees with sections of hardwood canopy. The trail has gentle rolling hills with a few tree roots mixed in.
The segment has many unique features, for example it has one of the largest erratics on the entire Ice Age Trail. I enjoyed this section of trail, because it was a bit more technical with the rockier terrain.
The trail then heads through a large prairie. Once you exit the prairie section, you enter Emmons Creek Barrens State Natural Area. If you run this section in summer, keep your eye out for the endangered karner blue butterfly. The natural area is a habitat for the butterfly.
In Conclusion
The segment is a segment I would definitely run again. The location is perfect, because it is in central Wisconsin. It is a nice bonus that it is located in a state park. The park is definitely on my camping to do list. The length is perfect for an out and back or to add in another segment for a longer run. Even running the section in late fall it was beautiful.
I am slowly checking off segments on the Ice Age Trail. As I plan my next adventure, I am hoping I don’t have to wait until spring to experience a new segment. What segment is your favorite?
