Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit is a recreation area located near Madison, Wisconsin, characterized by its diverse landscapes and extensive trail systems. This nearly 2,500-acre area features a mix of shady woodlands, restored prairies, and significant wetlands, including the Nine Springs Marsh and Creek system. The terrain includes glacial drumlins and oak woodlands, providing varied environments suitable for several outdoor activities.
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way…
94
Routes
4.7
(50)
Average rating
1303
People visited

5.0
(2)
11
hikers
11.8km
03:03
60m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
7.33km
01:52
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
4.45km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.71km
01:00
60m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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69
riders
42.5km
02:01
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.3
(3)
110
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(4)
83
riders
48.4km
02:07
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

82
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(3)
19
riders
4.59km
00:25
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
9.38km
00:38
60m
60m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

13
riders
14.0km
01:01
110m
110m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.0
(1)
13
riders
7.16km
00:31
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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93
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
runners
4.29km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
runners
10.5km
01:05
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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27
riders
23.8km
01:24
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
15
riders
12.2km
00:49
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit is a nearly 2,500-acre recreation area near Madison, Wisconsin. It features diverse landscapes including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and the Nine Springs Marsh and Creek system. The area is cooperatively managed by Dane County Parks and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit offers activities such as Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, and Jogging. There are 5 routes available for these sports. Mountain biking is also listed as an available sport.
Yes, the E-Way Unit features a system of hiking trails, including the Lewis Nine Springs E-Way with over 6 miles (9.7 km) of trails and boardwalks. Notable trails include the Lewis E-Way Trail and the Lussier-Drumlin Trail. More information can be found in the Hiking in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit guide.
Yes, the area offers easy hiking options suitable for beginners. The Lewis E-Way Trail, for example, is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long and considered easy. Further details are available in the Easy hikes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit guide.
The Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit provides trails suitable for families. The diverse landscapes and interpretive signs along some paths offer an engaging experience for all ages. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit guide for specific routes.
The Capital City State Trail passes through the E-Way Unit, offering 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of paved trail for bicycling. This trail connects to a broader regional network, including the Lower Yahara River Trail. Guides for Road Cycling Routes and Cycling in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit are available.
Yes, the Lower Yahara River Trail, accessible from the Capital City Trail, features a 0.9-mile (1.4 km) boardwalk bridge. This structure is considered the longest of its kind in North America, traversing prairie, marsh, and Lake Waubesa.
The area is characterized by the Nine Springs Marsh and Creek system, extensive wetlands, and restored upland prairies. Visitors can also find sedge meadows, shady woodlands, glacial drumlins, and oak woodlands. These diverse habitats support a variety of vegetation and wildlife.
More than 19,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit on komoot. The area has an average rating of 4.56 out of 5 stars from over 900 ratings. There are 5 routes available for various sports.
Yes, the E-Way Unit offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The Lewis Nine Springs E-Way provides a six-mile (9.7 km) system of trails that wind through diverse habitats. A dedicated guide for Running Trails in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit is available.
The official website for information regarding the Capital Springs State Recreation Area is dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/capitalsprings. Additional information can be found through the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area at www.friendsofcapitalsprings.org.
For inquiries regarding Capital Springs State Recreation Area- E-Way Unit, the Dane County Parks Department can be reached at +1-608-224-3606. This department manages parts of the recreation area.

