Explore the Mammoth Hike Challenge as a Family This Fall

Your guide to joining the statewide adventure in 2025

Looking for a fun and active way to explore Wisconsin’s natural beauty with your family this fall? Mark your calendar for the 2025 Mammoth Hike Challenge, a perfect blend of hiking, learning, and supporting local communities—ideal for families across the North Shore and beyond.

🥾 What is the Mammoth Hike Challenge?

Every October, the Ice Age Trail Alliance invites hikers to take part in the Mammoth Hike Challenge:

• Hike 43 miles on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

• Visit 3 Ice Age Trail Communities during the month of October

Why 43? Because the Ice Age Trail turns 43 this year as a National Scenic Trail! You can log your miles from anywhere on the trail, and yes—family strolls, short hikes with toddlers, or even jogging with a stroller all count.

Whether you’re an experienced hiking family or new to exploring the Ice Age Trail, this is a challenge you can customize to fit your family’s pace and schedule.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why It’s Perfect for Families

• Choose your pace: Hike a few miles at a time throughout the month

• Flexible locations: There are multiple trail segments within driving distance of the North Shore, including in Cedarburg, West Bend, Delafield, and Janesville

• Kid-friendly goals: Set your own family milestones—maybe 1 mile a day or a weekend hike tradition

• Learning opportunity: Talk about glacial history, geography, and Wisconsin wildlife while you hike

And best of all, it’s free to join!

📍 Trail Suggestions Near the North Shore

• Cedar Lakes Segment (West Bend area): Gently rolling hills, boardwalks, and great fall colors

• Holy Hill Segment (Erin): Scenic views and a great picnic stop

• Lapham Peak (Delafield): A popular spot with a lookout tower, perfect for adventurous kids

Each of these segments offers manageable hikes for families and options for shorter loops or out-and-back routes.

🛍️ Make It an Adventure: Visit Trail Communities

As part of the challenge, participants are encouraged to explore three Ice Age Trail Communities—hiker-friendly towns that welcome families and offer rest stops, restaurants, and local attractions.

Some nearby communities to consider:

• West Bend – Grab lunch downtown after your hike

• Delafield – Stop for a treat at a local coffee shop

• Hartland – Visit Nixon Park or check out local fall events

You can even turn it into a fall break or weekend getaway.

✅ How to Join the 2025 Challenge

Registration opens on 8/1 through the Ice Age Trail Alliance website, and you’ll receive:

• A digital tracking sheet

• Access to maps and recommended segments

• A finisher patch when you complete your goal!

Pro tip: Sign up for email reminders and follow the Ice Age Trail Alliance on social media so you don’t miss the registration window.

🌲 Plan Ahead for a Memorable October

Fall colors. Family bonding. Screen-free time outdoors. Whether you complete the full 43 miles or just enjoy the journey together, the Mammoth Hike Challenge is a tradition worth starting in 2025.

We’ll be sharing more local hiking ideas, trail spotlights, and family checklists as October approaches—stay tuned, and tag us in your trail adventures!