Ice Age Trail: Table Bluff segment 

I have been longing for an adventure this week, with the prettiest views, nature trail, and silence, so I went out and explored IAT. We have been planning to get on the Ice Age Trail segment since we moved here, so I figured I should watch the weather and go hiking when it’s cloudy because most IATs are not shaded. It wasn’t straightforward to pick the segment I wanted to try, but I didn’t want to drive too far, so we decided on Table Bluff in Cross Plains. The reviews were promising; they mentioned wildflowers along the trail, and the pictures taken on that trail made me want to go. We started from the north parking but were unsure where the south parking was. The parking lot was empty, and it was so quiet.

I was pretty lucky today Armani wanted to be carried all the way. This trail is rated moderate, and I agree it was mild, not difficult at all, and not easy. I took my daughter with a kelty-built carrier, and I’m in shape, but I have experienced some elevation on this trail.

The Table Bluff Segment is short but very sweet. It is 2.5 miles linear and makes a five-mile out-n-back. So we followed the yellow signs this time, and I paid attention to where I was going.

Next time, I will find out where the white sign will lead me.

The Table Bluff section is well-defined and maintained, and I love it. My baby girl wanted to see how tall she was!

The table bluff segment features wildflowers, and I saw many butterflies on the trail; I was lucky to have one in my hand, and butterflies belong together.

As you can see, these gorgeous flowers are to die for; this is the view along the Ice Age trail.

I must say that I’m a fast hiker, even though I stop and smell roses along the trail. This was a 5-mile hike, and I knew I was looking at least 3 hours before I completed this hike. Still, today’s time was not a problem; I followed my heart as we hiked through the prairie and forest, and we were super excited to see this little bridge. We could hear the water dripping, but it was scorched.I was trying to make sure I missed this alligator in a bikini and wasn’t sure where to find it, but it was chilling next to the trailhead. So, if you go, you won’t miss this cute alligator.

Can I pet an alligator? Mommy

We made it halfway

This trail gets narrow at some parts and steep, so I will suggest you watch your little ones very closely; I was able to let my daughter walk once the trail gets level.

She was happy to get down, run back and forth where the trail was level, and smell some flowers along the way. I have to warn you this trail is majorly uphill, so take your time and bring lots of water.

Along the Ice Age trail

We went to the overlook, where there was a shelter and a temporary restroom. The view was pretty nice, and we had lunch and headed back soon after.

Along the Ice Age trail

We finished hiking 5.5 miles in 3 hours with a happy toddler. We went back the same way and had a blast on this trail.

We enjoyed this segment and can’t wait to return to see the seasonal colors in the fall. This is family-friendly but not so toddler-friendly because of the distance and the uphill; the trail gets narrow, so I suggest you carry toddlers under five at least on your back. We didn’t experience tics or mosquitoes, but always bring bug spray. You never know.

It’s straightforward to get here

Address: Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Cross Plains, WI 53528

Coordinates:43.143896,-89.670328