With so many people worried about being in public, it’s a wonder that more people haven’t picked up hiking. If you’re looking for a great hiking trail in the Madison, Wisconsin, area, here are a few you should check out.
-
Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail
The 2-mile Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail is an easy hike right in Madison’s Shorewood Hills. This trail is flanked nearly completely by Lake Mendota, offering great lakeside views to one side and forest on the other. Its location makes it one of the more popular hikes in the city, but if you avoid peak times, it can be a great escape. Since it’s a loop trail with only an 88-foot elevation gain, this is a great trail for beginners and families.
-
Devil’s Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
On the other side of the hiking difficulty spectrum, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail will make you work for your progress. The entire trail is 1,200 miles long, but if you’re looking for a good section hike near Madison, check out the Devil’s Lake Segment. This part of the greater trail is 13 miles long, beginning near the intersection of County Highway DL and 113 and ending at the southern border of Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area. With an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, you’ll want to bring out the hiking boots for this trek.
-
UW-Madison Arboretum Trails
If you have an ecological and zoological interest in hiking, head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Over 17 miles of trails in this protected area will take you through a wildly interesting display of Wisconsin’s many ecosystems and terrains, from prairies and wetlands to savannas and woodlands. The trails are made up of fairly easy-going footpaths and boardwalks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Wisconsin’s natural environments.
-
Holy Wisdom Monastery Trails
That’s right; the Holy Wisdom Monastery near the northwest shore of Lake Mendota is a worthy hiking destination. The monastery has a focus on natural preservation, which has left visitors with about 4 miles of trails to walk. These nature trails are great for the leisurely hiker looking for a bit of serenity away from the city.
-
Lake Monona Loop
Also known as the Capital City Trail, Lake Monona Loop is 13.8 miles long and right in Madison’s backyard. As its name suggest, the trail loops around Lake Monona in downtown Madison, offering great cityscape and waterfront views. If you’re looking for a paved path to get in a good trail run, the Lake Monona Loop is a great option. With the lake to one side and beautiful residences on the other, this loop is the perfect city-bound trail.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you just want to get out of the house for a little while, each of these Madison-area hikes is well worth the visit. Cross each off your hiking bucket list to start experiencing everything Wisconsin’s natural beauty has to offer.
Image by Yinan Chen from Pixabay
Connect with us
