The best walks and hikes around Madison

Yes, there are over 20 hiking trails in and around Madison. The area offers a great variety, from easy lakeside paths within the city to more challenging climbs in nearby state parks.

Madison is great for beginners. Most of the trails are rated as easy. You can find many flat, accessible paths like the Lakeshore Path in the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve or the boardwalks at Cherokee Marsh, which are perfect for a relaxed walk.

For a more strenuous hike, head to the state parks just outside the city. Devil's Lake State Park is a local favorite, known for its steep, rocky climbs up 500-foot quartzite bluffs. Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in southern Wisconsin, also offers trails with significant elevation gain and rewarding views.

Many trails are suitable for families. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum has a variety of easy trails through different ecosystems that are engaging for all ages. For a unique experience, the Lost Canyon Trail at Governor Dodge State Park is a fun adventure leading to the picturesque Stephens Falls.

Dog policies vary by park. While many city and county parks are dog-friendly, Wisconsin State Parks often have specific pet-designated trails or areas. Always check the park's specific regulations before you go, but many trails outside of sensitive nature preserves will welcome your leashed dog.

For spectacular panoramic views, the trails at Blue Mound State Park are unmatched in the region. The bluffs at Devil's Lake State Park also provide stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape. For a lovely view of Lake Mendota closer to the city, check out Raymer's Cove.

Yes, you can find a beautiful waterfall at Governor Dodge State Park. A hike along the trail to Stephens Falls is a popular choice, especially after recent rain, as it follows a gorge with mossy sandstone outcrops leading to the falls.

The terrain is quite varied. Within Madison, you'll find mostly flat, paved, or gravel paths along the lakes and through marshes. Just outside the city, you enter the Driftless Area, which was untouched by glaciers. This means you'll encounter rolling hills, rocky bluffs, and wooded valleys in parks like Devil's Lake and Governor Dodge.

Hiking is a year-round activity here. Spring is wonderful for wildflowers, while summer offers full, green landscapes. Autumn is particularly spectacular when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Winter offers a different kind of beauty, with many trails open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Yes, many excellent trails are free to access. The paths within the UW-Madison Arboretum, the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and city parks like Owen Conservation Park do not require an entry fee. However, be aware that state parks like Devil's Lake and Governor Dodge require a vehicle admission sticker or a day pass.

The Ice Age Trail is a thousand-mile footpath that traces the edge of the last continental glacier in North America. The segments near Madison offer a unique opportunity to hike through landscapes carved by glacial forces, including hills, valleys, and kettle lakes. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological history.

The trails around Madison are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the variety of options available, from easy urban walks to challenging bluff climbs in the nearby state parks.