3 Segments, 3 Days
Arbor Ridge & Devil’s Staircase - 6.1 mile
The "Hungry, Hungry, Hikers" embarked on our latest escapade, completing the Arbor Ridge and Devil's Staircase segments in Rock County. With another beautiful day, we began our journey in Janesville, parking downtown amidst the busy Farmer's Market crowd. The 2.1-mile Arbor Ridge trail proved moderately challenging yet pleasant, leading us through the Robert M. Cook Memorial Arboretum. The well-maintained paths, an 1800s log cabin, and the serenity so close to downtown Janesville were delightful surprises.
A small trailhead parking lot between Arbor Ridge and Devil's Staircase was a perfect snack break before setting off again. My worries about the treacherous-sounding "Devil's Staircase" were unfounded, as the 2-mile segment turned out to be less daunting and showcased stunning scenery. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the trail's name derived from the purposefully placed boulders resembling natural steps along the ridge. Climbing staircases, following the Rock River's edge, and emerging at Riverside Park made for a beautiful journey. We continued through the park and completed two miles of the City of Janesville path. The remaining 8 miles will be saved for a future adventure.
Valley View - 3.3 miles
A few days later, I embarked on my first solo hike along the IAT, tackling the remaining stretch of the Valley View segment and its connecting route. With recent additions of 1.6 miles of yellow-blazed trail, including a remarkable 400-foot boardwalk completed in 2021, I was excited about the challenges and the solitude on this 3.3-mile trek. Figuring out where to park for easy retrieval was a minor obstacle, but it didn't deter me.
During this solo expedition, I made two intriguing discoveries. First, I found myself walking much faster when alone. If you know me, you know I generally tend to walk pretty fast. But that's nothing compared to this hike. About 20 minutes in, I realized my pace was twice as fast as that of our Hungry, Hungry, Hikers pace the last few weeks – which is strange because when hiking with the HHH, I tend to be middle of the pack and can't keep up all the time. But something about being alone made me feel the need to race. I consciously slowed myself down, taking additional breaks to truly appreciate the beauty surrounding me. Second, while I usually enjoy music on solo walks, the tranquil sounds of the forest and neighboring residential areas filled the quiet perfectly and created the perfect backdrop for my journey. Perhaps I'll start leaving the earbuds at home more often.
Most of the hike was very enjoyable, encompassing two-thirds of the beautiful trail. However, the final leg, a connecting route to the Cross Plains segment, presented challenges due to heat and a lack of shade. By the time I reached my car, I was ready to head home for some well-deserved rest.
As I explore outside my home base, the logistics of getting to and from the trail will become challenging. But I'm sure there are some Trail Angels out there who can lend a hand. I look forward to uncovering more of nature's wonders and experiencing personal revelations on the trail.
