Explore the West Bend segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, offering a diverse hiking experience. Begin your journey on gravel paths that transition to sand, dirt, rocks, and even cliffs, providing ever-changing scenery.
Enjoy views of water, dense forests, and a boardwalk bridge crossing a stream. Discover glimpses of Lucas Lake from a steep cliff trail, and observe local wildlife such as wild turkeys, deer, and various birds along the way.
This accessible trailhead provides a great starting point for hikers of all levels, with ample parking and clear signage ensuring a pleasant and safe adventure through the natural beauty of West Bend.
We hiked from Ridge Run Park and back. The trail is wide and well marked. Footing was good. It was about 5 miles and in early January the ground was frozen with some flurries. The trail was very clean, not trash to spoil the view. As another reviewer mentioned we did find it best to park there. Many more parking spaces and a paved lot.
Some views of water and lots of barren trees. The trail had a decent bit of traffic, we saw about 12 other hikers and 5 to 6 dogs.
Monica K
2 years ago
Ice Age Trail West Bend Segment - on Paradise Drive is the starting point from the south end. This is an excellent starting point with nice changes of scenery as we hiked northbound.
Parking lot is small - only about 8-10 lots available. There was plenty available in the afternoon on Saturday at the end of July. No restroom here.
You will start off with gravel in the forest and eventually sand, dirt, rocks, cliffs trails, etc as you get in deeper in the forest. And at one point a boardwalk bridge with a stream. We caught glimpse of Lucas Lake steep down the cliff trail.
Arrive at Ridge Run Park West (or South as per bulletin) with restroom, playground, party cabin, picnic/rest area from the sun, and both bonfire and BBQ grills. This is a great spot for a break. Plus a large parking lot. This spot has a hidden small pond and off path around the pond.
Continue on this Ice Age trail past Ridge Run Park and you will come across gorgeous forests with full of lily in ponds/lakes. Arrive at the end of this pond/lake at Ridge Run Park Central. There is a large parking lot, parking lot, picnic areas, and restroom here as well. This is about 3.5-4 miles one way. We turned around and headed back.
Note: See my other photos and reviews at other locations (Ridge Run Park West and Ridge Run Park Central).
Ken Kimmes
2 years ago
The West Bend trail is very accessible. Other reviews had said there is room for about 4 cars. There is actually room for at least 8-10 vehicles. While visiting I saw wild turkeys, deer, and birds. The trails are maintained very well and signed well for both the trails and warnings about poison ivy.
Janet Wanamaker
2 years ago
This segment, starting at the parking area off Paradise Drive, is shady and fairly wide. You could probably manage a jogging stroller on this trail. No tall grasses, so you don't have to be as worried about ticks. If you have 90 minutes, you can make it to Ridge Run Parks' shelter and bathrooms then return. If you have more time you can go all the way to the main entrance of the park off University Drive, but then your return trip is twice as long.
Local families enjoy weekly music and seasonal markets in this central park
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