Janesville skiers take a hike

  • 2021-01-23
Skiers yearning to get outside to enjoy the winter will get two opportunities to do just that in the coming weeks.

The Rock County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is hosting its annual Rockport Park Candlelight Hike, and there will be another Candlelight Hike in Gibbs Lake County Park. Both activities are scheduled in February.

The serene evening two-mile hike in Rockport Park will be lined with candles placed in the center of the trail and on side rails. If weather permits, the trail will be prepared for classic skiing, and for hiking with or without snow. Hotdogs and hot chocolate will be available around a bonfire.

The trail in Gibbs Lake Park will have candle luminaries placed along the route.

Attendees may use their own cross country ski equipment or snowshoes, borrow from friends or rent skis, boots and poles, or snowshoes and poles from the Recreation Division or local stores. Weekend adult equipment rentals at the Recreation Division run for $16, or $10 for youth rental.

Although the two events and parking will be free, donations are encouraged. All donations will go to Friends of Rock County Parks.

Parks that hold night events like these often have pictures taken of the lighted trails to put into their visitor guide brochure printing.

The Candlelight Hike at Rockport Park, 2801 Rockport Road, will take place on February 6 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. The one in Gibbs Lake County Park, 9103 W Gibbs Lake Road, will take place February 13 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm.