Take the Mammoth Hike Challenge

Ready for a fall adventure that’s fun, free, and fit for all ages? Join the Mammoth Hike Challenge this October to experience the beauty of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail! Explore 44 miles of the Ice Age Trail and visit at least three designated Trail Communities during the month of October to complete the challenge and earn the official 2024 Mammoth Hike Challenge patch and a certificate of achievement.

The trail is approximately 1200 miles, so picking where to start can be a bit overwhelming. Our suggestion is Manitowoc, of course! We’re proud to have a truly unique piece of the Ice Age Trail—where you enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan one minute and secluded trails surrounded by golden foliage the next.

For a hike outside the hustle and bustle of the city with beautiful views of the Manitowoc River, explore the segment at Lower Henry Schuette Park. The intertwined trails in this dog-friendly park will keep you busy as the leaves light up golden shades of yellow and orange during peak leaf-peeping season, which occurs mid-October. To access the trail, enter the northwest driveway to the park, down the road from the large playground. The trail follows the southern coast of the Manitowoc River and eventually turns to Clay Pit Rd. From there, walk or drive over to the start of the Mariners Trail to continue the Manitowoc segment of the Ice Age Trail, which begins on the sidewalk outside of the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, heading north.

In addition to checking out Manitowoc's trails, the Mammoth Hike Challenge encourages hikers to visit a section of trail that's grown or different to last year, make a new trail friend by striking up a conversation with a fellow hiker, hike at sunset, sunrise, or by moonlight, and learn about glacial geology and how the Ice Age Trail was carved into Wisconsin's history in the first place. This glacial history is evidenced in natural formations like eskers, kames, and tunnel channels that can be seen along the way.   

You’ve got the entire month of October to complete the challenge, and the miles add up faster than you think. You can hike, walk, run, backpack, or just wonder along the trail—there’s no rush. The challenge is designed for all ages and abilities, making it a perfect family-friendly activity or solo adventure this fall. Register now on the official Ice Age Trail Mammoth Hike Challenge website.