
Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Capital City Trail
A scenic biking and walking trail that connects Madison's east and west sides along the Yahara River.
- Length: Spans over 14 miles, offering a variety of sights along the way.
- Pedestrian Friendly: Safe for walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of parks, wetlands, and the river.
2. Lake Monona Loop
A popular biking route around Lake Monona with stunning lake and city views.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a picturesque view of Madison's skyline and lake.
- Recreational Activities: Close proximity to parks, beaches, and cafes along the route.
- Distance: A 10-mile loop that can be adjusted according to preference.
3. Isthmus Bike Path
A biking and walking path that connects Madison's east and west isthmus with beautiful lake views.
- Iconic Landmark Views: Provides breathtaking views of the State Capitol, Lake Monona, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Urban and Natural Scenery: Combines urban scenery with natural beauty as it winds through parks and along the lake.
- Accessibility: Well-maintained path that is easy to access from various points in Madison.
4. Lake Waubesa Loop
A tranquil biking and walking route surrounding Lake Waubesa with scenic views of the lake and wildlife.
- Natural Wildlife: Opportunity to spot local wildlife such as herons, beavers, and eagles.
- Picturesque Countryside: Enjoy the serene beauty of rural Wisconsin with farmlands and wooded areas.
- Distance: A 10-mile loop that provides a peaceful escape from the city.
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
A research garden and nature preserve with over 1,200 acres of trails for biking and walking.
- Research Garden: Innovative plant collections and landscape designs demonstrate sustainable horticulture practices.
- Nature Preserve: Protects rare plants, animals, and habitats in a diverse ecosystem.
- Trail Variety: Offers various trails of varying difficulty levels for different cycling or walking experiences.
6. Lake Mendota Loop
A scenic biking and walking route surrounding Lake Mendota with stunning lake views and various attractions.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a picturesque view of Madison's skyline, the State Capitol, and UW-Madison.
- Recreational Activities: Close proximity to attractions like Tenney Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and James Madison Park.
- Distance: A 14-mile loop that can be adjusted according to preference.
7. Madison Greenway
A network of bike paths and walkways connecting various neighborhoods and attractions in Madison.
- Connectivity: Effortlessly connects to other biking and walking trails throughout the city.
- Urban Scenery: Provides a glimpse into Madison's vibrant neighborhoods, local businesses, and parks.
- Accessibility: Well-maintained paths that are easy to access from various points in the city.
8. Twin Lakes State Park
A scenic state park offering biking and walking trails, beaches, and camping facilities.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of Twin Lakes, forests, and wetlands.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching in addition to biking and walking.
- Camping Facilities: Allows for overnight stays for an immersive experience in nature.
9. Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park
A beautiful conservation park offering biking and walking trails through wetlands, prairies, and forests.
- Natural Habitat: Protects rare plants and wildlife in various habitats such as marshes, prairies, and woodlands.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the marsh, wetlands, and surrounding countryside.
- Trail Variety: Provides various trails for different levels of biking or walking experience.
10. UW Arboretum Vilas Park Area
A serene area within the UW-Madison Arboretum with biking and walking trails, picnic areas, and a conservatory.
- Natural Beauty: Provides peaceful surroundings filled with native plants, flowers, and wildlife.
- Recreational Activities: Includes picnic areas, a conservatory, and a variety of gardens for exploration.
- Accessibility: Easy to access from the UW-Madison Arboretum main entrance.
11. Steeplechase County Park
A park with biking and walking trails, a fishing pier, and picnic areas along the Yahara River.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque views of the Yahara River, forests, and open grasslands.
- Recreational Activities: Includes fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
- Distance: Has a network of trails for varying distances depending on preference.
12. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A beautiful garden with walking paths and various collections of exotic and native plants.
- Horticultural Beauty: Showcases a variety of exotic and native plant collections in stunning landscapes.
- Tranquility: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for walkers.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers workshops, classes, and guided tours to learn more about horticulture.
13. Olbrich Park
A park with walking paths, a lake, and various recreational facilities such as tennis courts and playgrounds.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of Lake Monona and the surrounding landscape.
- Recreational Activities: Includes tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas for various activities.
- Accessibility: Easy to access from the nearby Madison Greenway biking and walking paths.
14. Lake Farm County Park
A park with a lake, trails for biking and walking, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
- Recreational Activities: Includes fishing, picnicking, and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Distance: Has a network of trails for varying distances depending on preference.
15. McFarland Cliff Trail
A trail offering scenic views of the Yahara River and the surrounding countryside.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides breathtaking views of the Yahara River, forests, and farmlands.
- Distance: A relatively short trail perfect for quick exercise or a leisurely walk.
- Accessibility: Easy to access from McFarland, Wisconsin, and the nearby Madison Greenway biking and walking paths.