Green Bay’s Chris Frederick completes Ice Age Trail

GREEN BAY – Finishing a project or goal can be very rewarding, whether it was finishing knitting a hat, planting a garden in the backyard, or finishing a 1,200 mile hike.

Green Bay community member Chris Fredrick just completed hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail on Nov. 22.

The Wisconsin Ice Age Trail is a national Scenic trail that follows along the edge of the last continental glacier, passing through 30 counties across Wisconsin.

Completing all sections of the hike continuously would take approximately two months. Frederick noted that finding time for hiking would be challenging since he prioritized being with his family.

Because of this, he planned to complete the trail in smaller segments, using weekends and day trips whenever he could and was able to complete it within 1,162 days.

Frederick noted that his family was supportive and even joined in on hiking, and that they had done 150 miles with him overall.

Frederick grew up in Northeastern Wisconsin and always had a love for the outdoors.

When asked what one of his favorite parts of the hike was, he shared that, “The areas in Antigo and parish hills have so much diversity in the trails and the frosty mornings and crisp breeze in the afternoon. Or seeing the ice break on the rivers and stepping into the cold waters after 20-something miles”.

When asked what one of the hardest experiences of the trail was, Frederick said, “It’s never a guarantee what the weather is going to look like — once, a hiking trip turned into a full on snow storm and I had to cut it short.”

He further explained that he would avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the summer, as making water last would be difficult.

Frederick explained that he discovered meaningful connections via the Ice Age Trail Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting hikers and preserving the trails, and in Facebook groups such as the “Thousand Mile Wannabees,” which bring people together for group hikes and coordinated ride shares.

“It was less about the hike and more about the people. The community that supports the trail, volunteers, and the hospitality, generosity and trust of people who love the trail. It gives me a glimmer of hope in society. I have really developed some wonderful friendships and further love for the outdoors and nature,” Frederick said.

After completing the Ice Age Trail, Fredrick said it felt, “Incredible to say the least. Leading up to it I was worried that afterwards I would be feeling a loss, because when you do something for so long you build a connection with it. Luckily, I haven’t felt that way at all, just incredible to have finished it.”

Frederick’s wife, children, and parents all came out for the completion to celebrate him.

Frederick has now been a member of the Lake Shore Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for the last year and half, volunteering between work and family to support more hikers and share his story.