16 Top Hiking Trails near Madison, WI

For people who enjoy the outdoors and trying new hiking trails, there are hundreds of miles of them to enjoy near Madison. The Wisconsin capital has five lakes with surrounding trails, 260 parks with hiking and walking trails that run through the city, and several recreation areas, as well as state parks.

One of the nice things about testing new hiking trails near Madison is the variety of scenery that you will experience along the way. You can see the glacial impact on Wisconsin along the Ice Age Trail, take in military history on the historic Military Ridge State Trail, and see plenty of wildlife along the trails that run through nature preserves and wetlands.

Narrowing down the options is tough if you have never been to the Madison area. Plan your adventures with our list of the best hiking trails near Madison, Wisconsin.

Lake Monona Loop/Capital City Trail

One of the most convenient trails in Madison is the Lake Monona Loop, which includes part of the Capital City Trail. The trail that loops Lake Monona in downtown is a 13.8-mile multi-use path that you can hike in a section or in its entirety.

A good section to start on the trail is along John Nolen Drive. The asphalt trail follows the curvature and elevation changes around the lake. The scenery is stunning as you see the Wisconsin State Capitol on the horizon and watch the windsurfers and anglers on the lake.

Take in a view of the Madison skyline from Olin Park, then make your way toward the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace.

You can circle back from here to finish the loop, or connect to one of several other trails, like the Southwest Commuter Bike Path, Badger State Trail, and Military Ridge Trail.

UW Madison Arboretum Trails

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum trails are an exciting way to enjoy a challenging hike in the middle of the city. The Arboretum has more than 17 miles of trails that wind through the elaborate and world-renowned ecosystem on the grounds.

You will hike through woodlands, wetlands, savannas, and tall grass prairies. While the Arboretum is used for educational purposes at the university, it is open to the public and one of the best recreational areas for trails in Madison.

Along the trail system, you will see the restoration of natural areas and wildlife habitats. You can hike the trails on your own or take a free guided nature walk at a leisurely pace as you learn about the work of the Arboretum and the ecosystems it preserves.

Tumbled Rocks Trail

A hiking trail with nice scenery is Tumbled Rocks Trail at Devil's Lake State Park. Its name is derived from the scenic fallen rocks that are in the area. The paved trail goes through forests and the tumbled rocks, with a great view of the lake.

It is easy to create a 1.3-mile loop with this trail by hiking from the north to the south shore and combining it with the West Bluff Trail. Tumbled Rocks Trail is a nice hike most times of the year, but it can be slippery and dangerous in the winter, so you are advised to bypass it during that season, or come prepared with crampons in the winter for icy conditions.

Capital City State Trail

The Capital City State Trail is a great paved hiking and biking trail in Madison that connects to other trails and takes you past the downtown area and east side. The 17-mile trail goes through downtown and links the Military Ridge State Trail and the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.

You can branch off or just do the nine-mile section of the trail that goes through the Capital Springs State Recreation Area.

There is a nice one-mile section along Verona Road that links the Capital City State Trail to the Military Ridge State Trail. It is easy to access sections of the Capital City State Trail from the Dawley Conservancy Park or the Capital Springs Recreation Area.

Blue Mound State Park Trails

Some of the best hiking trails in all of Wisconsin are at Blue Mound State Park. It is just 25 miles west of Madison but it sits at the highest point in the southern part of the state. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails in the park, and all of them come with the reward of unforgettable views.

There are three hiking-only trails that you may want to try. The Indian Marker Tree Trail is a half-mile trail that was once used to locate water by Native Americans who inhabited the area. It is named for the century-old oak tree that led them to a natural spring.

The Weeping Rock Hiking Trail is a one-mile trail that follows a spring-fed creek and takes you through a forest. The Flintrock Nature Trail is a 1.3-mile trail that has informative signs explaining the unique geology of the area.

Badger State Trail

The Badger State Trail is a great trail to tackle several sections at a time since it extends 40 miles between Madison and the border of Illinois. It provides a nice day-hike, with scenery that ranges from hills and farmland to ravines.

The trail runs through several small towns, so you can grab a bite to eat and plot your turnaround point before you head out to ensure that you will return to your starting point before dark. The marquee of this trail is the Stewart Tunnel, which stretches for 1,200-feet and curves.

It is recommended that you take a flashlight if you plan to go through the tunnel. The Badger State Trail connects to the Sugar River State Trail, Capital City Trail, and the Military Ridge Trail.

UW Madison Lakeshore Path

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Path is comprised of two separate trail systems that go 4.3 miles along the Lakeshore Preserve: the Howard Temin Path and the Lake Mendota Path.

The Howard Temin Path is named for Nobel Prize winner and former oncology professor Howard Temin, who would walk this trail along the shoreline to enjoy peaceful solitude. The trail runs from North Park Street to Oxford Road. The Lake Mendota Path meets with the Howard Temin Path at the Picnic Point location then follows the Lake Mendota shoreline to Wally Bauman Woods.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Located just 10 minutes away from Madison are the trails at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. It is actually a wetlands area on the north side of Lake Mendota, which preserves various habitats and wildlife, so the scenery is peaceful.

There are several ways to hike in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy: There is a perimeter loop that is approximately 3.3 miles that takes you past boardwalks, prairies, and small bridges. You can also take a gravel trail, accessed from the Pheasant Branch Road entrance, and hike to an observation deck and freshwater springs. There are several other trails in the conservancy that you can try if you want to spend more time here.

Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is fascinating for its hiking opportunities but also for its story. The 1,100-mile trail is one of the most scenic in the state because it showcases Wisconsin's unique glacial features created by the Ice Age.

The entire trail is within the state borders and is designated as the only State Scenic Trail in Wisconsin and one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. It winds its way from Interstate State Park on the border of Minnesota to Potawatomi State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Hikers can tackle a section of the trail for a day hike or plan a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip to do the entire length. Regardless of what kind of hike you want, the Ice Age Trail requires some pre-planning, so that you understand the lay of the land, the segment options, and the best access.

The Sugar River State Trail

The Sugar River State Trail is a fun hike in south-central Wisconsin, in part because it follows an abandoned railroad track for 24 miles. As you hike the trail, you will pass 14 train trestle bridges over the Sugar River, farmland, hills, and glacial topography.

You can hop on the Sugar River State Trail in New Glarus, which is only 21 miles from Madison. Here, you will see the 1887 railroad depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Sugar River State Trail extends to Brodhead, Wisconsin and connects with the Badger State Trail (after the Monticello trailhead). A section of the trail is also part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Military Ridge State Trail

The Military Ridge State Trail that stretches between Madison and Dodgeville is along a historic military route that dates back to 1855. The 40-mile trail is a nice hike, with several observation areas along the way to view wildlife, prairies, and wetlands, so you can make the hike as casual or aggressive as you like.

If you make it to Ridgeway or start here, you will see an old railroad depot because much of the trail follows the old Chicago and North Western Railroad line. The terrain on this trail is mostly crushed stone, so it is a comfortable surface for walking and hiking.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail

The 52-mile Glacial Drumlin State Trail is only 30 minutes from Madison but offers a nice hike and some of the best glacial topography views in the state. The trail extends from Cottage Grove and Waukesha.

The entire trail passes 10 small communities including Deerfield, Jefferson, Lake Mills, and Wales, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a snack, and lots of options to start and stop your route.

The terrain is mostly crushed stone and asphalt, so it is suitable for most skill levels. The Ice Age Trail follows a stretch of the glacial Drumlin State Trail for two miles along the section west of the town of Wales.

Lower Yahara River Trail

The 2.5-mile Lower Yahara River Trail is a nice hiking option if you are looking for a committed trail length versus having to figure out a section along a major trail. This is an off-road trail that goes from Madison to the village of McFarland. It is a rail-trail, so it is mostly an asphalt surface.

Some of the visual highlights of this trail include a bridge that extends along a current-use railroad corridor and several observation areas and rest stops. The trail also encompasses a mile-long boardwalk bridge that is the longest in North America. You can access the trailhead to the Lower Yahara River Trail in Madison at the Lussier Family Heritage Center.

Welsh Hills Trail

One of the most unique hiking trails in Spring Green, Wisconsin near Madison is the Welsh Hills Trail near Taliesin, a Frank Lloyd Wright home. The Welsh Hills Trail is just over a mile, which takes you from the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center to Unity Chapel, also a historic feature, looping back to the Visitor Center.

There are two paths available: The Welsh Hills Trail starts from the upper parking lot near the Visitor Center. There is also a paved trail accessible from the lower parking lot. Both trails take you through stunning natural scenery.

It is free to hike the trails, but if you want to make a day of it exploring the buildings on the property or the Frank Lloyd Wright home, you will need to book a tour.

Stephens Falls Trail

A short but scenic hiking trail near Madison is Stephens Falls Trail at Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville. The trail itself is a half mile, and it takes you along a nice stream and a waterfall. There is a paved section with an overlook above the falls with the best views of Stephen's Falls and the lush ferns and stone outcroppings that define this area.

If you access the falls from below, you will need to navigate uneven terrain and stone steps. The park has markers along the trail route that make it easy to stay on course. Governor Dodge State Park has longer trails that range from 0.5 to 4.5 miles if you want to add to your day outdoors.

Parfrey's Glen Trail

One of the most breathtaking trails in Wisconsin is Parfrey's Glen Trail in Devil's Lake State Park. The trail is located in Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, so you will have lots of natural growth around you as you walk the trail through wooded areas.

You can continue to the narrow gorge, taking in the scenic large and moss-covered boulders as you make your way to Parfrey's Glen creek. The trail is just under two miles, but it can get heavy foot traffic during the warmer and more popular times of the year.

Madison, WI - Climate Chart

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Outdoors: If you love to hike in Wisconsin then you will enjoy the other outdoor experiences in the state. Try catching the famous Wisconsin musky at one of the top fishing lakes in the state. You can also plan a romantic getaway or an outdoor weekend of kayaking, water sports, and hiking in Door County, which is bordered by Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Visit one of Wisconsin's best beaches or bundle up and enjoy winter sports like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

City Visits: Planning a city escape in Wisconsin is easy with some great metropolitan areas that have everything from sporting events and farm-to-table food experiences to the arts. Spend a weekend in the state capital of Madison, which is a walkable city with boutique shopping on State Street and an always social scene on the University of Wisconsin- Madison campus. Catch a Green Bay Packers NFL game in Green Bay or explore some of the transportation museums in the city. Enjoy a getaway lakeside in Milwaukee or the family-friendly Wisconsin Dells.