Fall for the T.R.A.I.L.
Whether you opt for the LONG (~12km) or the SHORT (~7km) course, you’re in for a great adventure! Flying downhill from the start you’ll experience the beautifully restored sedge meadow in the wetlands surrounding Indian Lake – a kettle lake created in the retreat of the last glaciers.
Rounding the lake you’ll trade the grass path in the meadow and prairie for trees and dirt. And hills. Indian Lake County Park marks the extent of the last glaciation, meaning you can expect the steeper slopes associated with the Driftless Region, and we make full use of these slopes for the run!
Part of the route joins the Ice Age Trail National Scenic Trail (which traverses the entire glacial extent across Wisconsin).
As you trek through the forested middle of the course, reflect that Dane County Parks will be purchasing 300 acres south of the current boundary and start dreaming of more hills!
As you work towards the end of the race, take a moment to appreciate the active oak savanna restoration that is underway. Oak savanna used to dominate the landscape here, but is now incredibly rare. Through the work of county staff and Friends of Indian Lake volunteers, restoration of 170-acres of oak savanna is in progress!
Join the Friends of Indian Lake for a celebration of Fall, trail running, community, and public lands! All proceeds support the Friends’ work with Dane County Parks to preserve and enhance Indian Lake County Park.