The best walks and hikes around Madison

The Lake Monona Loop is a diverse route that wraps around the lake, offering a constantly changing panorama of Madison's urban landscape and natural beauty. You'll traverse paved paths, quiet residential streets, and some dirt trails, all while enjoying stunning views of the Madison skyline, the Wisconsin State Capitol, and the Monona Terrace Convention Center. Keep an eye out for public art installations and charming lakeside neighborhoods as you make your way around.

This difficult 16.6 miles (26.7 km) hike involves 338 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible from various points around Lake Monona, making it convenient for locals and visitors alike. It's a popular spot for multiple activities, so you'll likely encounter cyclists and runners, especially during peak times.

The Lake Monona Loop stands out for its versatility and connectivity. It links up with other trails like the Capital City Trail, allowing you to extend your adventure into broader scenic areas. Beyond the main loop, you can explore points of interest such as Olbrich Botanical Gardens, numerous parks, and sandy beaches like Schluter Beach, making it a great option for a full day of exploration.

Embark on the Lake Wingra Recreation Loop, a moderate 7.3-mile (11.8 km) hike that offers a diverse journey through Madison's natural landscapes. You will experience a mix of unpaved paths, gravel, and paved sections, with boardwalks guiding you over wetlands. The route features picturesque views of Lake Wingra and takes about 3 hours and 2 minutes to complete, gaining 199 feet (61 metres) in elevation.

For your visit, parking is conveniently available at spots like the Wingra Woods Trailhead. This trail is considered suitable for a wide range of hikers, including those new to the activity and families looking for an accessible outdoor experience. The route also passes through Vilas Park, which provides additional amenities such as a swimming beach and fishing piers.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the trail holds significant cultural importance, featuring ancient Native American effigy mounds. These mounds, some shaped like birds and water spirits, offer a unique glimpse into the region's rich history. Keep an eye out for water lilies on the north shore and the distinctive Skunk Cabbage Bridge as you explore.

The Picnic Point Marsh Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, winding through peaceful wooded areas and alongside a vibrant 6-acre marshland. You'll enjoy expansive views of Lake Mendota and the Madison city skyline, with the chance to spot lily pads in season. This 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route, with a minimal 73 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 56-minute escape into nature, providing a tranquil atmosphere despite its urban proximity.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible from Madison and the UW–Madison campus. The wide, smooth paths make it a family-friendly trail, even suitable for strollers in many sections. While parking is available, consider using the B-Cycle Station at Picnic Point for an eco-friendly arrival. For the best time to hike Picnic Point Marsh Loop, spring offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, though the trail is enjoyable throughout the year.

What truly sets this route apart is its rich natural and historical context. The marshland is a dedicated Wisconsin Important Bird Area, with over 255 bird species observed, including sora rails and wood ducks. The broader Picnic Point area also holds significant historical value, with evidence of human habitation for at least 12,000 years, including ancient Native American effigy mounds.

Step into a living history lesson on the Curtis Prairie, Noe Woods, and Leopold Pines Loop, an easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) hike that takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete. You'll experience a fascinating blend of landscapes, from the expansive, sun-drenched tallgrass of Curtis Prairie to the cool, shaded paths of Noe Woods' oak forest. The route culminates in the serene, towering red and white pines of Leopold Pines, offering a diverse natural experience with only 145 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit to this University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum trail is straightforward, with parking available on-site. While the trail is generally easy, be prepared for potentially uneven or muddy sections, especially after rain or during thaw. The Arboretum's varied ecosystems mean there's always something to see, but the fall colors in the prairie and woodlands are particularly striking.

This loop is a testament to modern restoration ecology, traversing Curtis Prairie, which is recognized as the birthplace of these efforts. It also honors conservationist Aldo Leopold, whose vision shaped the Arboretum's goal of recreating "original Wisconsin" ecosystems. It's a fantastic way to see a wide array of southern Wisconsin's native habitats in a relatively short and accessible outing.