Ice Age Junction Path

The Ice Age Junction Path runs 6.6 miles through Madison and Verona. For the first 3.5 miles, it parallels the Ice Age National Scenic Trail or serves as its main route. The paved junction trail is managed by Dane County Parks Department. The elevation along the route varies as it climbs ridges and descends into valleys created by glaciers thousands of years ago. Cosidering its location, much of the trail’s adjacent scenery is quite natural.

The trailhead for the Ice Age Junction Path is in Verona on Old County Road PB. A parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station, picnic tables, and historical marker are found there. This location also serves as a 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 is located in Verona on Old County Road PB.}

At the trailhead, follow the Dane County Parks sign marking the Ice Age Junction Path. It is found on the west side of the parking lot. The paved path heads northwest through a lightly forested area of Verona’s Hometown USA Community Park. It then right (north) and travels through a tunnel under Verona Avenue. A spur trail leads straight west into the park.

^{There are ample facilities at Badger Prairie County Park.}

North of Verona Avenue, the trail ascends in elevation. It passes local businesses including several eating establishments. Hungry cyclists don’t need to venture far off the route to indulge in a meal. The trail then enters Badger Prairie County Park. The facilities at this expansive park include a dog park, hiking and mountain biking trails, athletic fields, picnic shelters, public restrooms, and playgrounds. The restrooms, picnic shelter, and playground are reached by turning left (west) onto the park road at its intersection with the trail, and biking up the hill. A bicycle self-service station is located at this same intersection.

^{The trail makes it way over glacial drift and ancient ground moraines.}

It is 0.3 mile from the park road to Cross Country Road. After passing Cross Country Road, the trail continues through Badger Prairie County Park for another 1.3 miles. The open prairie offers splendid views. Along the way, a spur trail branches off to the right (east) by an information kiosk. The trail then ascends a moraine about 120 feet in elevation in this section. Most of the climb occurs when scaling a ridge covered by an oak savanna. The trail makes a series of bends as it rises, and it is a good idea to look for cyclists quickly descending the ridge from the opposite direction. The view atop this ridge looking east to Madison and Fitchburg is astounding.

A parking lot and information kiosk are found on the north end of the park off County Road PD (McKee Road). The path goes to the west past the trailhead, and climbs to the top of the ridge. There, it turns north and crosses over County Road PD (McKee Road) on an impressive steel-girder bridge. A view of Milton Moraine to the east and Johnstown Moraine to the west is visible from the bridge.

^{The bridge over County Road PD (McKee Road) offers an easy crossing over a busy road.}

There are several trail options after crossing the bridge. Consider taking a short digression from the Ice Age Junction Path by heading straight north for a very short distance. A foot trail comes into view that leads up the hill. Quite a scenic view is offered atop the knoll. Two interpretive markers there convey the glacial history and geography of the area.

To continue on the Ice Age Junction Path, backtrack to the bridge. Take the trail to the east. It circles down under the bridge, and goes west. It joins another path coming from the east. Briefly follow the path west until reaching a “Y” intersection, and then go right (north). The other path takes cyclists west, down the hill to the intersection of County Roads PD and M.

^{This interpretive marker describes the work of glaciers in the area.}

After the “Y” intersection, the Ice Age Junction Path passes through a forest as it mounts the ridge again. On the north side of the woods, it descends 100 feet over a half mile. It then crosses Raymond Road and Upper Badger Mill Creek. After a half mile of traveling through prairie and by residential homes, the trail arrives at Flagstone Park. A spur trail to the right leads to the community park. It contains a playground and benches, but has no parking lot. Street parking is available on Flagstone Drive.

^{The trail varies in elevation as it traverses different glacial features.}

Continuing straight on the Ice Age Junction Path takes bicyclists under County Road M (S. Pleasant View Road). After the tunnel, the trail turns right (north). Another spur trail along the county road goes left (south) to Verona. Continuing north, the path begins another slow climb. It follows the county road for 0.4 mile until it passes through a tunnel under Midtown Road. A spur trail leads west up the ridge along Midtown Road from that intersection.

^{Numerous tunnels along the route provide safe biking under busy roads.}

The trail gently climbs in elevation over the next mile. As it journeys alongside County Road M, it passes Hawk’s Landing Golf Course. At the next intersection, the trail veers left next to Valley View Road for a short distance. It then crosses the road, heads back east alongside a pond, and crosses under S. Pleasant View Road. The construction of trail tunnels under roads at busy intersections make the ride safer and more enjoyable.

^{The last part of the path is mostly downhill biking.}

After arriving back alongside County Road M (S. Junction Road), the path descends for one mile. It crosses Watts Road and then goes through yet another tunnel. The trail then enters a circular ramp, rising up to the height of the overhead pass for S. Junction Road. After crossing over County Road S (Mineral Point Road), the trail turns to the left, going west and back to the south, as it descends to street level.

^{After the trail passes over Mineral Point Road, attentive biking is required.}

The trail then turns left (east) along Mineral Point Road. On the way, it crosses several busy streets, including the ramps for Madison’s Beltline. Extreme caution should be exhibited during this segment. After crossing the last ramp, the trail leaves Mineral Point Road and heads northeast alongside a creek for its last 350 yards. The Ice Age Junction Trail ends at Tree Lane. Bicyclists may continue their journey on city street bike lanes.

There are several eating places in the vicinity of the trail’s terminus that are reached by bicycle. A strip mall on the northeast corner of Tree Lane and Mineral Point Road has several fast food restaurants. Parking is also available in the strip mall’s lot. It is accessed by car by heading east on County Road 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.

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

For visiting cyclists who plan to overnight, several hotels are located on the corner of Watts Road and Commerce Drive. A bike path branches off to the the right (east) from the main trail to the right and crosses County Road M (S. Junction Road) at Watts Road. The path follows Watts Road and Plaza Drive, leading to several Hilton brand hotels. A restaurant and coffee shop are also located there. By using this short bike path, cyclists may begin and end their bike journey right from their hotel.

Trail last ridden and documented in November, 2020.

Ice Age Junction Path

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