Ice Age Junction Path

The Ice Age Junction Path runs 6.3 miles through Madison and Verona. The trail takes its name from the 1200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail that travels throughout Wisconsin. The path’s first 3.5 miles parallel or directly serve as the main route for the iconic hiking trail. The Ice Age Junction Path offers picturesque vistas of prairies covering a rolling landscape. The ride is enjoyable, but there are some long and challenging hills to ascend.

Elevation along the route varies greatly, with elevation fluctatuating several hundred feet. The trail climbs ridges and descends into valleys created by glaciers thousands of years ago. The asphalt-paved surface is in excellent condition. Considering its urban setting, much of the trail’s scenery is quite natural. The trail is managed by Dane County Parks Department.

The southern trailhead for the Ice Age Junction Path is located in Verona on the southwest corner of Verona Road and Old County Road PB. A parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station, picnic tables, bike rack, and historical marker are found there. This location also serves as a park and ride, and trailhead for the Military Ridge State Trail.

To reach the trailhead when driving south on U.S. Highway 18-151, take exit 81 to Verona Avenue. At the first stoplight, turn left (south). The parking lot is on the right (west) after 175 yards. When traveling north on U.S. Highway 18-151, take exit 79. Turn left (north) on Old County Road PB, drive 2.6 miles, and turn left (west) into the parking area.

The trailhead has a historical marker revealing that Dane County’s “poor farm” once stood nearby. Begun in 1854, the farm housed both individuals and families. In 1883, a mental health asylum was built on the grounds. Later, a “leper house” for combatting infectious diseases was added. The site was replaced by Badger Prairie Health Care Center in 1973.

At the trailhead, a sign marks the Ice Age Junction Path on the west side of the parking lot. The path leaves the parking lot, heading northwest through a lightly forested area of Verona’s Hometown USA Community Park. It then turns right (north) and travels through a tunnel under Verona Avenue. A spur trail travels west further into the park.

North of Verona Avenue, the path advances north up a long, sloping hill. In this section, it passes local businesses including diners, fast food, and sit-down restaurants. Hungry cyclists don’t need to venture far off the trail to indulge in a meal or treat.

Next, the Ice Age Junction Path enters Badger Prairie County Park. This expansive park covers 317 acres. Facilities include public restrooms, playgrounds, a dog park, hiking and mountain biking trails, athletic fields, and picnic shelters. The restrooms, picnic shelter, and playground are reached by turning left (west) at the junction with park road, and biking up the hill. A bicycle self-service station is at the same intersection.

From the Verona Avenue tunnel to Cross Country Road, it’s a half mile ride through mostly through open prairie. After passing the road, the trail advances another 1.3 miles through the prairies and oak savannas of Ice Age Junction Area Natural Resource Area. The open meadows offer scenic views, with wildflowers adorning the prairie in summer. Along the way, a spur trail branches off to the right (east) near an information kiosk and rest area.

North of the rest area, the path ascends a moraine, climbing nearly 120 feet over a mile. The most arduous part of the climb is a section covered by a beautiful oak savanna. The elevation in this segment rises 50 feet over 300 yards, through a series of bends in the trail. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for cyclists quickly descending the ridge from the opposite direction. Once atop the ridge, there’s an excellent view east to Madison and Fitchburg.

A trailhead is on the north end of Badger Prairie County Park. It is accessed by car from County Highway PD (McKee Road). It has a parking lot, information kiosk, and portable toilet. The path continues west past the trailhead to the top of the ridge. There it turns right (north), and crosses County Highway PD (McKee Road) on a steel girder bridge. A view of Milton Moraine to the east and Johnstown Moraine to the west is visible from the bridge.

There are several route options on the north side of the bridge. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail branches off as a foot path to the northwest. The Ice Age Junction Path takes a circular route down under the bridge to the level of the road. It joins the McKee Road Path. This trail runs east and west, next to the road. The Ice Age Junction Path goes right (west) under the bridge. Just 450 feet further is a “Y” intersection. The route branches off to the right (north). The McKee Road Path continues west, bringing cyclists down the ridge.

After the “Y” intersection, the Ice Age Junction Path runs through a shady forest atop the ridge. On the north side of the woods, the trail descends nearly 100 feet over 0.4 mile. Extreme caution should be used while descending, due to potentially dangerous speeds. The bottom of the hill has a stop sign at the intersection with Raymond Road.

On the north side of Raymond Road, the path crosses Upper Badger Mill Creek and turns left (west). After biking a half mile through prairie and neighborhoods, it arrives at Flagstone Park. A spur trail leads right (east) to the community park. It contains a playground, park benches, and basketball court. Street parking is available on Flagstone Drive.

Continuing on the Ice Age Junction Path, the route passes under County Highway M (S. Pleasant View Road). Before the tunnel, another spur trail next to the highway goes left (south) to Verona. After passing through the tunnel, the trail turns right and journeys north next to the road. The path begins another slow climb of 75 feet over 1.5 miles to Valley View Road. Along the way, it travels through a tunnel under Mid Town Road. Another spur trail there leads west next to the road up another ridge. The path also crosses Waterbend Drive.

In the 1.5 mile ascent, the Ice Age Junction Path continues next to County Highway M (S. Pleasant View Road) and passes Hawk’s Landing Golf Course. After Waterbend Drive, the next intersection is Valley View Road. Between these roads, the path narrows to sidewalk width. Before Valley View Road, it returns to a wider bike path span. At the intersection with the road is a crosswalk, but no self-employed flashing lights. North of Valley View Road, the path travels back east alongside a pond, and passes through a tunnel under S. Pleasant View Road. Trail tunnels at these busy intersections make the ride safer and more enjoyable.

Another tunnel leads under County Highway M (S. Junction Road). But the Ice Age Junction Path turns left (north) before the tunnel, and ascends to street level on the west side of the highway. The path ascends about 40 feet in elevation over 0.4 mile. It descends the same elevation over a similar distance. At the intersection with Watts Road, the West Towne Path goes to the right (east) for a half mile to several hotels. This trail continues east, joining a network of Madison bike paths that travel throughout the city.

Continuing north on the Ice Age Junction Path from Watts Road, the route travels around the Junction Road Metro Park and Ride. This parking lot and bus station serves well as a trailhead. There is a parking lot and public restrooms with flush toilets. The park and ride is accessed by car by exiting U.S. Highways 12 and 14 to County Highway S (Mineral Point Road). Turn west and travel 0.4 mile. Turn left (south) on the ramp to S. Junction Road. Turn right (south) on S. Junction Road. After 100 feet, turn right (west) into the lot.

Returning to the path, it continues north past the park and ride to enter another tunnel. It then arrives at a circular ramp, rising up to the height of the overhead pass of County Highway M (S. Junction Road). After crossing County Highway S (Mineral Point Road), the trail turns makes a hairpin turn left (west), cuts back south, and descends to street level.

At Mineral Point Road, the Ice Age Junction Path joins another path for the next 0.3 mile The Mineral Point Road Path runs east and west along its namesake road. The Ice Age Junction Path turns left (east) and follows it. The route crosses several busy intersections, including ramps for Madison’s Beltline (U.S. Highways 12-14). Extreme caution should be used there. After the last ramp, the trail leaves Mineral Point Road Path. The Ice Age Junction Path turns left (northeast) and travels 350 yards to its terminus at Tree Lane.

Several restaurants near the trail’s terminus can be reached by bicycle. A strip mall on the northeast corner of Tree Lane and Mineral Point Road has several fast food chain restaurants. Parking is also available in the strip mall lot. It is accessed by car by heading east on County Highway S (Mineral Point Road) after exiting U.S. Highways 12 and 14. Turn left (north) on Tree Lane or High Point Road, and then enter the parking lot.

For visiting cyclists staying overnight in Madison, several hotels are located on the corner of Watts Road and Commerce Drive. The West Towne Path branches off from the main route at Watts Road, follows Plaza Drive, and leads to three Hilton-brand hotels. A restaurant and coffee shop are also found there. Using the West Towne Path, cyclists may begin and end a bicycle excursion on the Ice Age Junction Path right from their hotel.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

A ride on the Ice Age Junction Path is less than seven miles long. Yet, over this short distace it scales some formidable hills and moraines. Fortunately, several parks on the way offer bicyclists a place to rest after an arduous climb. The trail has plenty of outstanding beauty to appreciate, especially in Badger Prairie County Park and Ice Age Junction Area Natural Resource Area, where it passes through open prairies and oak savannas.

Trail last ridden and documented in August, 2025.