Thanks to the efforts of 115 volunteers from around Wisconsin and beyond, there’s a new feel to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along the Wisconsin River at Grandfather Falls. On the south end of the Grandfather Falls Segment you head north from Camp New Wood County Park, which was a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in 1935 named Camp McCord. For the next two miles, the Trail along the Wisconsin River is filled with the history of the logging era. This segment also includes some of the last remaining wooden tube structures, called penstocks, which feed the power plant from above. At the north end lies the location of the defunct logging town of Champaign.
Volunteers spruced up the historic segment during a recent Ice Age Trail Alliance Mobile Skills Crew (MSC) event. From July 14 to 17, volunteers worked hard to build rock retaining walls, install signposts and trail markings, build three new informational kiosks, and construct several hundred of feet of puncheon. As with all segments of the Ice Age Trail, the Grandfather Falls Segment is open for walking, hiking, snowshoeing and ungroomed cross-country skiing.
Through the MSC program, all volunteers were given thorough training on trail construction techniques along with meals and a place to camp. The dedicated volunteers from the Local Northwoods Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance made a significant contribution during this event. They will continue to take care of this segment along with the rest of the 51 miles of Ice Age Trail in Lincoln County and keep it in good shape for Trail users. If you would like to get involved with the Northwoods Chapter, contact Herb Schotz, the chapter’s coordinator, at 715-536-9392 or [email protected]. You can learn more about the Northwoods Chapter by going to their homepage on the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s website. To find out more about upcoming MSC events, please visit www.iceagetrail.org/msccalendar.htm.” target=”_blank”>www.iceagetrail.org/msccalendar.htm.
The Ice Age Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails, is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin’s world-renowned Ice Age heritage and natural resources. The work done at this project will enhance the experience of local individuals, groups, and families using the trail and beckon to those outside the area to come and enjoy.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a non-profit volunteer- and member-based organization established in 1958 that works to create, support and protect the Ice Age Trail. Visit www.iceagetrail.org for more information.