Published October 6, 2014 11:00PM
Masterpiece Trails: Boardwalk Empire
Get the story behind the Plover River Segment, Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin—and how to see it yourself.
'Boardwalk on the Plover River section of the Ice Age Trail. Photo by Dave Caliebe'
THIS 5.7-MILE (ONE-WAY) route, the newest segment of a 1,000-mile National Scenic Trail, meanders past Ice Age remnants such as boulder trains (lines of glacially deposited rocks) and along the placid Plover River in central Wisconsin. Despite mostly flat terrain, builders faced big challenges, from unearthing half-buried boulders to anchoring the support posts for 1,200 feet of boardwalks in 30 feet of primordial muck. More than 18,000 volunteer hours went into the effort. Start off Highland Drive, .7 mile south of WI 52, and head north for a half-day out-and-back. Contact (800) 227-0046; iceagetrail.org