The best walks and hikes around Madison

Many trails in the Madison area are dog-friendly, but rules can vary. State parks like Devil's Lake State Park generally permit leashed dogs on most trails, but not in picnic areas, on beaches, or in certain nature preserves. Always check the specific regulations for the park or preserve you plan to visit before you go.

Yes, Madison has many options for easier walks suitable for families. The region has over 40 easy-rated routes. A great choice is the Briant Park loop — Union County, which is a short and relatively flat walk. The UW-Madison Arboretum also offers miles of gentle trails through diverse landscapes that are perfect for all ages.

For dramatic views, head to Devil's Lake State Park, where trails climb 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking the lake. Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in southern Wisconsin, also offers expansive panoramic views from its observation towers. For beautiful lakeside scenery closer to the city, the trails at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve are a popular choice.

Devil's Lake State Park is the most visited park in Wisconsin, known for its stunning bluffs and challenging climbs. Governor Dodge State Park is another local favorite, offering diverse trails through forests and past waterfalls. For expansive views, Blue Mound State Park provides a more rugged experience.

While the immediate Madison area is more known for its lakes and wetlands, you can find waterfalls in nearby state parks. Governor Dodge State Park features Stephens' Falls and Lost Canyon, which are especially scenic after rainfall. Further afield, Clifty Falls State Park in Indiana offers impressive canyons and several waterfalls.

Absolutely. Several segments of the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail are accessible near Madison. The trail winds through Devil's Lake State Park, offering some of its most rugged and scenic sections. Other nearby segments showcase the unique glacial landscapes of the region, providing a great way to experience Wisconsin's natural history.

There are over 50 hiking routes to explore in and around Madison. These range from easy lakeside loops within the city to more moderate treks through state parks and nature preserves, offering plenty of variety for all skill levels.

The trails around Madison are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the mix of accessible urban trails and more rugged routes in nearby state parks.

Yes, you'll find many circular routes that make planning a hike simple. The Kitchell Pond loop from Loantaka Brook Reservation is a pleasant loop through woodland. Many state parks and conservancies, like Pheasant Branch Conservancy, are designed with interconnected loop trails of varying lengths.

For a longer, more substantial hike, consider the Traction Line Recreation Trail — Morristown. This 5.5-mile (8.9 km) path follows a former railroad line. For a true challenge, you can connect various segments of the Ice Age Trail or explore the extensive trail systems at Governor Dodge or Blue Mound State Parks.

Several areas are local favorites for hiking. Key spots include:

Devil's Lake State Park: A top-rated destination known for its dramatic cliffs and lake views.

UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve: Offers beautiful, accessible trails along Lake Mendota right in the city.

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park: The city's largest conservation park, featuring boardwalks through serene wetlands.

Many trails within Madison's city parks, like the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve and Cherokee Marsh, are free. However, access to Wisconsin State Parks, such as Devil's Lake and Blue Mound, requires a vehicle admission sticker or a state trail pass, which can be purchased for a day or a full year.