Cross Plains segment #1

Welcome to another hike hosted by the Sole Seekers hiking group. Our group was formed last year with the desire to bring people together to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the special trail that we have within our state.

This hike will be the first of 3 separate hikes dividing this segment and will highlight the Village of Cross Plains, an Ice Age Trail Community and the Alliance-owned Anderson Preserve. The terrain will include what the conservationist Increase Lapham named the "Great Dividing Ridge", which marks the boundary between the most recent glaciated area to the east and north and the Driftless Area to the west and south.

The Hike:
We will begin our hike behind the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters and travel through the Village of Cross Plains. We will climb a series of switchbacks to the top of the Bluff, and loop around Anderson Preserve, exiting at Hickory Hill. We will then proceed back through the village to the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters.
The total hike will be approximately 3.3 miles.
There is limited parking behind the Ice Age Trail Headquarters, otherwise there is ample street parking in the area, or a public lot off Main St.
This is a moderate difficulty hike.
There are bathroom facilities available in the Village of Cross Plains.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

What to wear/bring:
Layers for variable temperatures and weather conditions
Day pack with water, snacks, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Hiking poles may be helpful

Our goal is to host group hikes along all the Dane County Ice Age Trail segments over the next couple seasons. Those that complete the segments with us will receive a special "Sole Seekers" sticker, in addition to being eligible for a Dane County Ice Age Trail patch.