Things to Do around Madison
Madison, a region in Wisconsin, is characterized by its unique natural setting between five lakes, including Mendota and Monona. This geography provides a distinctive landscape that integrates urban areas with natural beauty, offering varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. The city's extensive recreational infrastructure supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling. Its position on an isthmus ensures pervasive lake access and scenic views, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Madison
…32
Routes
4.3
(11)
Average rating
242
People visited
26.7km
06:55
150m
140m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.8km
03:02
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
5.98km
01:33
40m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
967m
00:15
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
6
riders
37.0km
02:09
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
51.2km
02:55
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
20
riders
20.1km
01:12
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
riders
27.9km
01:37
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
runners
10.7km
01:07
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
8.84km
00:55
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
5.60km
00:35
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(6)
12
riders
19.0km
00:49
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
51.0km
02:02
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
32.6km
01:22
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Most popular attractions in Madison
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Madison?
Madison offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling. The region is known for its extensive network of trails and natural areas situated between five lakes.
What are the best hiking trails in Madison?
Madison provides diverse hiking opportunities, from urban paths to natural preserves. Popular spots include the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum with over 17 miles (27 km) of trails and Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. For more options, explore Hiking around Madison.
Are there cycling routes in Madison?
Yes, Madison is recognized as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" with more than 200 miles (320 km) of biking trails. The 12-mile (19 km) Lake Monona Loop offers scenic views. Find more routes in the Cycling around Madison guide.
Where can I find running trails in Madison?
Madison features numerous trails suitable for jogging and running. Options range from lakeside paths to routes within conservation parks. Consult the Running Trails around Madison guide for detailed information.
Are there road cycling routes in Madison?
Road cyclists can find various routes in and around Madison, utilizing the city's extensive network of paved paths and roads. The region's terrain offers diverse experiences for road cycling enthusiasts. Specific routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Madison guide.
What are some scenic natural features in Madison?
Madison is defined by its five lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. Picnic Point, extending into Lake Mendota, offers expansive views of the lake and city. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum features restored prairies and forests.
How popular is Madison for outdoor activities on komoot?
Madison is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts on komoot, with more than 270 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the region have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars based on 11 ratings.
What komoot guides are available for Madison?
Komoot offers several guides for Madison, including Hiking around Madison, Cycling around Madison, Running Trails around Madison, and Road Cycling Routes around Madison.
Where can I find official information about Madison?
The official website for the City of Madison is cityofmadison.com. For direct inquiries, the city's general phone number is +1-608-266-4601.
Are there extensive trail networks near Madison?
Yes, Madison serves as a gateway to significant natural attractions and extensive trail networks. These include Devil's Lake State Park, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, all within easy reach.
What is the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is a 1,200-acre (485-hectare) area featuring restored prairies, forests, and wetlands. It offers over 17 miles (27 km) of trails for hiking and exploring ecological restoration efforts.
Are there trails with lake views in Madison?
Many trails in Madison offer scenic lake views due to the city's location on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona. The Lake Monona Loop and trails around Picnic Point provide excellent vistas of the water and city skyline.
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