Ice Age Trail - Verona Segment in Verona, WI

Key Highlights: Ice Age Trail – Verona Segment

• Scenic Variety: Enjoy a diverse landscape with prairies, woodlands, rolling hills, and creekside views.
• Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for hikers with canine companions.
• No Designated Parking: There isn’t a dedicated lot for this segment, so plan for street or nearby park parking.

Overview of Ice Age Trail – Verona Segment

Nestled within the small yet vibrant city of Verona, Wisconsin, the Verona Segment of the famous Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers an accessible outdoor escape just minutes from Madison. This section is widely celebrated for its well-maintained paths, varied scenery, and peaceful atmosphere—a welcome break from city noise without needing to drive far.

The Ice Age Trail itself is an ambitious 1,200-mile footpath tracing the edges of ancient glaciers that shaped Wisconsin’s landscape. The Verona Segment serves as a microcosm of the trail’s best features: glacial terrain, lush prairies, meandering streams, and notable points of interest, all packed tightly into a few easy-to-moderate miles.

What Makes This Segment Stand Out?

Even among seasoned hikers, this section has earned a reputation. Here, you’re just as likely to cross paths with local birdwatchers as you are with trail runners. There’s a welcoming vibe—neither too crowded nor isolated. The blend of open sunlit fields and shady wooded stretches keeps things interesting, and the trail surface is generally forgiving, with only a few rocky or muddy sections after heavy rain.

While not the wildest or most remote segment of the Ice Age Trail, Verona is prized for its convenience, community spirit, and the sense that every bend in the path yields something new, from a wooden footbridge above Badger Mill Creek to sweeping prairie vistas.

Trail Features & Amenities

• Length: Approximately 6.7 miles point-to-point, with options for shorter out-and-back hikes.
• Terrain: Mostly dirt and grass. Expect a mix of gentle hills, meadows, hardwood forest, and creekside boardwalks.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash. Waste bags are sometimes available at trailheads, but bring your own just in case.
• Connectivity: Links to other Verona-area trails, including the Military Ridge State Trail and Verona’s community parks.
• Wayfinding: Trail is well-marked with yellow blazes, though a few junctions can be confusing for first-timers.
• Rest Stops: Benches scattered along the way, especially near parks and bridges. No official restrooms on the segment itself, but public facilities can be found at nearby parks (like Badger Prairie County Park).
• Biking: The segment itself is for hiking only; bikers are directed to parallel trails like Military Ridge.

Atmosphere & Experience

There’s something earthy and refreshing about the Verona Segment. Early mornings are ideal if you like solitude, with mist drifting over the prairie and birdsong filling the air. As the day unfolds, you’ll likely meet friendly locals, families with kids, and the occasional runner squeezing in a workout. The trail is especially popular in spring and fall, when wildflowers or autumn leaves turn the area into a patchwork of colors.

While the trail is close to Verona’s neighborhoods, it rarely feels urban—once you’re past the first hundred yards, traffic noise fades away, replaced by the rush of the creek, rustling leaves, and the distant hum of grasshoppers. Many sections skirt the edge of Badger Prairie County Park, which provides a more open feel, while wooded sections deliver a welcome burst of shade in summer.

Popular Activities

• Hiking & Walking: The main draw, whether you’re after a brisk workout or a leisurely ramble.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for bluebirds, hawks, and red-winged blackbirds, especially near the open fields and creek.
• Trail Running: Wide, well-graded paths and gentle hills make this segment a favorite for runners.
• Photography: Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular over the open prairie sections; wildflowers and snow-laden branches make for great seasonal shots.
• Winter Activities: Walking and snowshoeing are common after a fresh snowfall, though the trail isn’t officially groomed for skiing.

Drawbacks to Consider

While the Verona Segment is one of the most accessible stretches of the Ice Age Trail, it’s not without its quirks. Parking can be tricky—there’s no designated lot for the segment itself. Most visitors find curbside spots near trailheads or use the lot at Badger Prairie County Park.

In wetter months, some low-lying sections can get muddy or even flood temporarily, especially near the creek. Mosquitoes can be pesky in summer (bring repellent). While most junctions are marked, a couple of cross streets and neighborhood connectors might throw off new visitors, so a map or GPS is handy if you’re exploring for the first time.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• Location: Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Verona, WI 53593, USA
• Parking: No official lot; use nearby streets or Badger Prairie County Park (park info).
• Trail Surface: Not paved—strollers and wheelchairs may struggle in some areas.
• Hours: Dawn to dusk, year-round.
• Entry Fee: None for the trail itself.

Tips & Friendly Recommendations

If you’re searching for a trail with city access but a natural feel, Verona’s segment of the Ice Age Trail is hard to beat. Bring water, sun protection, and bug spray, especially in summer. If you want a longer hike, link up with nearby trails for a bigger loop. Keep an eye on weather forecasts—the trail is open in winter, but ice and snow may require sturdy boots or spikes.

For first-time visitors, starting at Badger Prairie County Park is a solid choice for parking and orientation. The park’s open fields also make a great spot for a post-hike picnic. And don’t forget your camera—there’s always something worth capturing, from a sunrise over the prairie to the winding creek below.

All in all, this segment is a testament to Wisconsin’s natural beauty and community spirit. Whether you’re a local looking for a regular escape, or a visitor hoping to sample what makes the Ice Age Trail special, Verona’s stretch offers a little bit of everything—just be ready to do a bit of map-checking and improvising for parking.