Madison Trails
Madison might be the capital of Wisconsin and its second biggest city, but despite the very urban feel, it is brimming with trails! If you’re wondering what to do while visiting the city (on top of exploring a trail, obviously) check out this page. And if you’re wondering where to eat, here are my recommendations.
Madison is a very bike-friendly city and people love to walk there. Here are a few of the trails that you can explore within the city, many are shared between bicycles and walkers/runners, so always make sure to look around for people passing.
Howard Temin Lakeshore Path (near the UW Union)
Yahara River Path (Marquette neighborhood)
Howard Temin Lakeshore Path
If you are exploring downtown Madison and need to get away from the hustle and bustle, then head over to the Howard Temin Lakeshore Trail, easily accessible from State Street through the UW Campus. You can start it from the Union’s Terrace. Head west and you can walk alongside Lake Mendota for over two miles within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.
The first mile is between the lake and campus (dorms and other buildings), but then it is in a forest. The trail is sometimes paved, sometimes not (as you can see on the photo), and it is shared by walkers, runners and bikers, so be aware of your surroundings. There are several benches along the way, if you need to rest or just to take in the view.
This path links to the Lake Mendota Path and other trails in Bill’s Wood and you can walk further, to Picnic point and more, within the woods.
For more information, check out the university’s website: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/places/the-lakeshore-path/
Yahara River path
If you’re in the Williamson/Marquette neighborhood, check out the Yahara River Trail and go from Lake Mendota to Lake Monona (or vice versa) in just about a mile!
Starting by Lake Mendota (check out the locks!) you can take a detour in Tenney Park, then continue along the Yahara River and under a couple of bridges. As with many trails in Madison, this trail is shared between walkers, runners and bikers. It is entirely paved, and flat. The trail connects with the Capital City State Trail near Winnebago Street, but it you keep going using the sidewalk on South Thornton Avenue, you can get all the way to Lake Monona.