FAQs
Who can take part?
Hikers of all abilities may partake in the Leaf Stomp. The 22-mile and 15-mile routes will challenge even the experienced hiker with the distance and the ruggedness of the trail.
What is the minimum age to register?
The recommended minimum age required to take part in the 22-mile and 15-mile routes is 16 years old. Any hikers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs are allowed at this event.
How do I know where to go on the trail?
All routes are clearly marked with the Ice Age Trail’s yellow blazes, There will be sweep hikers to make sure no one is left behind on the trail. Road crossing guards and refreshment stand volunteers will also be able to provide you with details of the trail.
What is the minimum/maximum travel rates?
Leaf Stomp is a non-competitive hike, not a running event. We recommend walking at a pace of 2-4 mph. Our refreshment stations along the route will be set up based on this average speed. If you traverse the trail faster than 4 mph, the refreshment stations may not be set up when you arrive.
We will have sweepers walking with the last hikers on the trail. They make sure everyone makes it safely to the next rest stop, road crossing, or ultimately the finish line. However, we will strongly encourage you to take the shuttle back to Mauthe Lake if you risk finishing after 6:00 pm. Hikers who reach the Butler Lake refreshment/aid station after 3:30 pm will be shuttled back to Mauthe Lake. We do not want anyone to be hiking the trail in the dark.
What services can I expect along the route?
Bring a refillable water bottle. However, if you have any food allergies or can’t hike without your favorite snack, we recommend packing a few of your own snacks.
There are refreshments stations about 5-7 miles that will provide:
- Water and other drinks, e.g. electrolyte drinks like Gatorade
- Fruits and snacks, e.g. bananas, apples, granola bars, chips, trail mix, cheese curds
- First aid services
There will be crossing guards at most road crossings to help you safely cross.
Vault and portable toilets strategically located along the route with hand sanitizer.
A shuttle will be available for those who feel they cannot complete an entire route. Hikers can ask a road crossing guard or refreshment stand volunteer to contact the shuttle drivers and there will be an emergency phone provided to each participant.
How does a hiker prepare for the Leaf Stomp?
Here are three suggestions to help you prepare for the Leaf Stomp.
1. Train, but don’t push yourself too hard
Leaf Stomp’s 22-mile and 15-mile routes may be too difficult if you are not an experienced hiker or someone who is in good shape. After you decide to take up the challenge of a longer route, start by walking lengthier distances at least a month before the event. Pack some snacks and water and go for a 6-mile walk; listen to your body, especially your feet and muscles. Don’t push too hard and remember to take one step at a time as you condition yourself for longer distances and the rugged terrain.
2. Choose gear wisely
Please see our suggestions listed below of what to bring besides a water bottle for the Leaf Stomp. Make sure you have the correctly sized and broken-in shoes/boots and socks. This is the most important part of your preparation and something you need to figure out for yourself. People who hike long distances feel comfortable in different types of shoes such as light running, trail running or trekking shoes, or hiking boots. Socks should fit perfectly, be well ventilated with no stitching on their soles or along the toe area. You may find it better to wear a light-weight wicking sock under a heavier, cushier sock.
3. Find your own personal pace
Always hike at a pace with which you’re comfortable. Remember this isn’t a competition. We do not track times; we will encourage you heartily to reach the finish line.
Do I need to finish the whole hike?
No. Your health and safety are our first priorities. We will provide first aid service along the route to assist with any physical issues you might experience. We will provide an emergency number should you require assistance. If it is a severe emergency, call “911.”
If you cannot finish, you can drop out at a refreshment station or at any staffed road crossing. We offer a shuttle to make sure everyone gets back to Mauthe Lake safely for anyone who cannot finish the whole distance.
You will be asked to take the shuttle back to Mauthe Lake in case you risk finishing after 6:00 pm. Hikers who reach the Butler Lake refreshment station after 3:30 pm will be shuttled back to Mauthe Lake. We do not want anyone to be hiking on the trail in the dark.
We will do our best to take care of you; all we ask is that you do the same and listen to your body!
How should I dress?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution as no single hiker will feel comfortable in the same clothes. However, most participants wear multiple layers, allowing them to easily adjust to changing weather conditions. October weather in Wisconsin can be highly variable so plan for weather conditions from soggy rain and cold winds to warm sunshine. It may start out in the morning with dew/frost on the ground and cool temperatures making for a slightly slippery trail tread with increasing temperatures throughout the day.
Do you offer refunds?
Upon registration, our ticket provider offers to protect your ticket purchase against a variety of unforeseeable events when registering. They will issue a refund in case you are eligible (e.g., injuries, flight cancellations, etc.). Please look for all the particulars upon registration. Please note that Friends of the Kettle Moraine is in no way involved in this third-party option. If you haven’t protected your ticket, you can still transfer your registration to another person free of charge up until the day before the event.
How can I transfer my ticket?
You can transfer your ticket to another person up to the day before the event – free of charge. To do that, log into your RaceRoster account and click on “Transfer.” Follow the quick steps to transfer your entry to a new person for the same event. This new person has to claim the ticket, pay the transfer fee imposed by our ticket provider and then it is all set. It will be up to the original ticket holder to sell the ticket to the new ticket holder. This payment process will not take place on RaceRoster but at the buyer’s/seller’s discretion. If you’re looking for a ticket, e.g., for a sold-out route, please never pay anyone before checking in with RaceRoster or the Friends of the Kettle Moraine to find out if the ticket holder is legit. You will also never receive a ticket from a seller – you always have to claim it through RaceRoster and an email you receive, initiated by the seller.
What should I bring for this hiking event?
Please bring on the day of the event:
- Your ID
- Your ticket (either printed out or stored on your cell), stating your route
- Drinking bottle/water bladder for refills at the refreshment stations (In our effort to reduce waste, we do not offer bottled water, but the option to fill and refill your own bottles at the registration area, refreshment stations and at the finish line.)
- Cell phone (fully charged) and maybe a power bank to recharge during the hike.
We also recommend packing the following items. However, you should use this as a framework and make changes based on your individual needs.
- Backpack (a smaller one like a school backpack)
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Raingear for yourself
- Trekking/hiking pants with zip-off legs
- Wicking base layer
- Sun protection (headgear, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Small first-aid kit
- Well broken-in hiking/trail shoes
- Extra socks
- Blister pads
- Bandana
- Tissues with plastic closable bag for used tissues
If applicable:
- Hiking poles
- Hand sanitizer/disinfectant
What does the route look like?
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail originated in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit. It traverses the length of the Northern Unit from north to south through some of the most beautiful areas of the Northern Unit. The 22-mile and 15-mile routes start at the north end of the Forest and hikers will hike back to Mauthe Lake. The 10-mile and 5-mile routes start at the south end of the Forest and hikers make their way north to Mauthe Lake. The well-marked trail has an uneven surface and makes its way up and down many hills, some being quite steep
There is a 0.3-walk from the finish line back to the parking lots. If someone cannot make the walk back to a vehicle, a shuttle will provide a ride back to the parking lots.
Will the miles hiked with the Leaf Stomp count for the Ice Age Trail Alliance Mammoth Challenge?
Yes, the miles you hike will count toward the Mammoth Challenge. For more information about this year’s Mammoth Challenge go to Ice Age Trail Alliance’s website at https://www.iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge/
More Questions?
Send us an email at friendsofthekettlemoraine.com or call (920) 313-1566 and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.