A long time ago in Wisconsin’s history, the state was covered in glaciers. The terrain they left behind is now the Ice Age Trail, which runs throughout 28 counties in Wisconsin, including Marathon County.
The Ice Age Trail runs through more than 1,000 miles of wooded areas across Wisconsin. The pathway follows the line glaciers created 25,000 years ago. Now, with the creation of a handmade boardwalk on part of Marathon County’s portion, hikers have something new to look at.
Volunteer and member of the Marathon County Ice Age Trail Alliance, Gale Piotrowski says, "We are working to purchase permanent easements. This magnitude of a project will probably only occur on public lands, where we know we will not lose access to the trail in the near future."
The boardwalk is 800 feet long, and will be 1,200 feet when completed. The walkway crosses some swampy land, land that would be impossible to see without the boardwalk.
Piotrowski says It took hundreds of volunteers to get to the point it is now. Without it, the trail would have to be re-routed, taking away from the idea of following the glacier paths.
The 2.7 mile long Marathon County Ice Age Trail, and the newly created boardwalk, are open to the public. The finishing touches will be put on the boardwalk next summer.
If you'd like to find out where the trails closest to you click here
