Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters landscape

Photo: Photo by Uniq Trek on Unsplash

Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters

~2 days · 10.3 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance10.3 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain932 ft
Gain / mile90 ft
High point1,148 ft

What the Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters is known for

The westernmost segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, starting at the trail's western terminus above the Dalles of the St. Croix in Interstate State Park and running about 9 miles through St. Croix Falls and along the river bluffs. Rolling terrain with rocky climbs and glacial potholes; commonly done as an overnight based out of nearby park camping.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,359 ft to 3,757 ft over 10.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 5.2 mi · 50%
  • Downhill 3.0 mi · 29%
  • Flat 2.2 mi · 21%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters take?

Most backpackers hike the Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 10.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters?

The Ice Age Trail — St. Croix headwaters climbs roughly 932 ft total — about 90 ft per mile, topping out near 1,148 ft.

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Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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