Mammoth Hike Challenge for all ages and abilities

By Julia Wolf

After a successful first year, the Mammoth Hike Challenge is making a return in 2021.

The free challenge takes place throughout October, where participants can walk, hike, run or backpack 41 miles on the Ice Age Scenic Trail, and visit three communities. The mileage increased one mile from last year, since this year is the 41st anniversary of the Ice Age Trail becoming a National Scenic Trail.

The trail communities are Cornell, Antigo, Cross Plains, Delafield, Hartland, Janesville, Lodi, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Milton, Slinger, St. Croix Falls, Sturgeon Bay, Verona, West Bend and Whitewater.

The challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities, as there are a variety of trail types, from paved to rugged. The miles can be accumulated individually or as part of a team.

Participants are encouraged to visit areas they have never hiked before.

In 2020, more than 7,240 people registered to participate, which brought more than $300,000 to local economies.

Vicki Christianson, Chippewa Moraine Chapter coordinator, says she has seen an increase in use on the trails, since last year’s event.

“For example, I just loaded all of our trail map boxes last week, and I was out there again today, and they were all empty,” said Christianson.

Christianson says the business of the trail also benefits local businesses, such as grocery stores, hotels and Airbnbs, restaurants and even laundromats. She says through-hikers especially like how Cornell has all the basic amenities available, right on the trail as it comes through town.

“It’s been a boon to the area,” said Christianson.

Participants who complete the Mammoth Hike Challenge will earn a 2021 limited edition challenge patch and certificate. Registration is open at iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hikechallenge.

There are also curated challenge itineraries available at the webpage. The StriveOn! mobile app also helps hikers connect to unique places along the trail and in the communities they come across.

Some local events will also take place during the Mammoth 41 challenge, though people do not need to be registered for the challenge to participate in the other events.

A Parade of Colors Hike will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Obey Interpretive Center, near New Auburn, from 9-11 a.m. Families can chose the length of their hike and shuttle volunteers will take them to the starting point, so they can walk back to their vehicle.

There will also be a hike of the Chippewa River Segment, Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m., with activities at the Cornell Visitors Center to follow.

The 2021 Mammoth Hike Challenge is sponsored by Duluth Trading Co. and supported by the Department of Tourism Joint Effort Marketing grant.