Reader feedback: Kettle Moraine State Parks, Wis.

Have your own suggestions for visiting Kettle Moraine State Parks? Share your tips with other readers.

Kettle Moraine South actually has much more than a mile of the Ice Age Trail, over 30. Lapham Peak, a part of Kettle Moraine South must be what you are thinking of, there is less than a mile there (Very scenic prairie though).

I highly recommend parking at an Ice Age trailhead in Kettle Moraine South at highway 67 between county road X and Wilton. Hiking south in the spring will take you through some great wildflowers, into a old forest, through Brady's Rocks; a lush area with very cool vegetation, and back into some wetlands where you will always see plenty of Sandhill Cranes.

Mike wrote:

Kettle Moraine South actually has much more than a mile of the Ice Age Trail, over 30. Lapham Peak, a part of Kettle Moraine South must be what you are thinking of, there is less than a mile there (Very scenic prairie though).
I highly recommend parking at an Ice Age trailhead in Kettle Moraine South at highway 67 between county road X and Wilton. Hiking south in the spring will take you through some great wildflowers, into a old forest, through Brady's Rocks; a lush area with very cool vegetation, and back into some wetlands where you will always see plenty of Sandhill Cranes.

Mike is right. South actually has 33 miles' worth of trail. We confused it with something else -- but never mind that now. Thanks.

Don't forget great sights like Holy Hill Basilica.
( make sure to climb the steeple tower if its open that day.) The northern unit around Dundee is my absolute favorite place on earth, with Dundee Mountain and the view of Long Lake from the top. Can't wait to leave the horrifying featurelessness of Florida forever for my beloved Kettles.

Great article! The North and South Kettle Moraines have a number of "loop" hiking trails along with the Ice Age trail. There are also excellent biking trails in both the North and South Units. You can also make your own loop trails using the Ice Age Trail and snowmobile trails.

Remember to buy a day pass sticker to park your car. It's $115 fine to park without one, residents pay about $5, nonresidents $7.

In the South Kettle, the "Scuppernong," "Emma Carlin" and the "Nordic" trails are all excellent places with multiple loop trails.The ICe Age Trail bisects all three.

In the North Kettle, visit the scenic towers at Holy Hill, Pike Lake (near Hartford) and Parnell Tower (near Plymouth) for amazing sights. Also in the North Kettle is great giant drumlin, Mt. Dundee, and the fantastic hiking/biking trails at Greenbush. Mid-October is best for colors in both the North and South units. Enjoy!