Ice Age Trail: Lake Eleven Segment

The terrain is rugged and hilly, featuring rolling hills, eskers, moraines, and kettle lakes, all remnants of glacial activity. You'll encounter memorable hill climbs, especially through the Richter Lake Hemlocks State Natural Area. Be prepared for muddy sections and stream crossings, particularly in spring. The footpath is often narrow, and you'll navigate natural obstacles like rocks, roots, and beaver dams. Much of the trail is unimproved, offering a true wilderness feel.

This segment is considered difficult due to its length (15.5-15.6 miles), remoteness, and varied terrain. It's primarily suited for backpacking rather than a day hike. If you're a beginner or intermediate hiker, it's recommended to limit your daily backpacking mileage to around 8 miles on this segment.

The full 15.5 to 15.6-mile segment typically takes around 8.5 hours of active hiking time. However, due to its challenging nature and length, many hikers choose to backpack it over two days, covering about 8 miles per day.

The segment is a point-to-point trail. One common access point is the Ice Age Trail — Lake Eleven Trailhead. Given its remote nature, you'll need to arrange for a shuttle or a car drop at the other end if you plan to hike the entire segment in one direction.

The Ice Age Trail: Lake Eleven Segment is located within the Chequamegon National Forest. Generally, there are no permits or entrance fees required for day hiking. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the national forest, but specific distance requirements from trails, roads, and water apply.

You'll experience a quintessential "Northwoods" atmosphere, with picturesque northern forests. The trail showcases significant glacial features like kettles, moraines, eskers, and erratics. You'll also see the clear, deep waters of Lake Eleven and cross the South Branch of the Yellow River.

The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, porcupines, and red foxes. You may also observe many species of trees, wildflowers, and impressive beaver dams and their structures.

Spring offers vibrant greenery and wildflowers, but be prepared for very wet and muddy conditions, especially after snowmelt, and a higher presence of insects. Summer is warm but also brings more insects like ticks, mosquitoes, and deerflies. Fall provides beautiful foliage and generally drier conditions, making it a popular time. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Ice Age Trail. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste. Be mindful of wildlife and other hikers.

Due to the trail's remote and natural setting, you should be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and deerflies, especially during warmer months and after rain. Consider bringing insect repellent and checking for ticks regularly.

Yes, the route primarily follows the IAT - Lake Eleven Segment. It also passes through sections of Forest Trail 333, Ice Age Trail, Forest Trail 308, Forest Trail 306, and Forest Trail 301.