Telling someone to “go take a hike” is a subtly rude way to say “go away” or “get lost” but in the literal sense, taking a hike is the opportunity to clear one’s mind, connect with nature and reflect for a moment at the beauty of the surroundings—from a forest of tall pines, to an open prairie, maybe a small steam or lake—that have stood the test of time.  

Did you know?

The area around UW-Whitewater is loaded with opportunities to hit the trail!  The closest option, just north of campus, is the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve that spans a whopping 120 acres with over five miles of trail taking hikers through areas of woodlands, wetlands and prairie.  

Did you also know? 

The City of Whitewater is one of about 20 communities that has been designated as an Ice Age Trail Community.  So, what does this mean?  The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1200-mile footpath that traverses the entire state of Wisconsin, sculpted by the glacial flows more than 12,000 years ago and as of December 2023, is now part of the National Park Service.  Meeting the criteria to become an Ice Age Trail Community means that the community has a symbiotic relationship with the Ice Age Trail (IAT) Alliance, offers enhanced awareness of the trail through education programs and recognizes the importance of hikers to the local economy.  

There are three IAT segments within five miles of campus—the Whitewater Lake segment, the Blackhawk segment and the Clover Valley segment.  There are hundreds of hikers are known as “Thousand Milers” – who have hiked the entire IAT segment by segment or as a “thru-hikers”, someone who completes the entire trail in one trip.  Want to start your IAT journey?  See the IAT Hiker Resource map here: Hiker Resource Map.

Why hike?    

Hiking is a stress reliever.  It gets the endorphins flowing, helping the human body to cope with pain or stress.  It is easy and free!  Go outside, breathe in fresh air and simply put one foot in front of the other – then feel the magic!   

Hiking is a confidence builder.  The IAT has its share of elevation!  Build confidence by challenging yourself to navigate the trail, climbing up a series of steps or steep inclines to get to an overlook is exhilarating and rewarding – and feels great when you can say, “I did that”!  

Hiking is perspective.  Big problems seem small when you get out in nature and consider all what the trees, the plants, the flowers, the boulders, the wildlife have endured over the course of their existence and yet they stand tall and mighty and welcoming.  

The trail is there – 24/7, 365 days a year. Go outside and take a hike!  

For more information about the local IAT Walworth/Jefferson Chapter, contact Andy Whitney at 262-949-0286 or [email protected] or [email protected]