| Title | Category | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannonball Path Trail | Flat,Paved | Cannonball Path, Fitchburg, WI | 3.9 miles - This four mile out-and-back asphalt trail was likely pushed off of the list due to all of its competition, however it is worthy of honorable mention due to its scenic views and beltline-crossing bridge. The path starts on Fish Hatchery Rd. (another entrance exists near the Culver’s parking lot off of the Beltline) and crosses over the highway via a pedestrian bridge. It then runs southwest for approximately 3 miles where it meets up at the hub of the Madison pedestrian trail system before turning into the Military Ridge Trail. |
| Capital City State Trail | Paved | Capital City Trail, Madison, WI | 17 miles - Part of the Capital Springs State Recreation Area, this trail runs through miles of preserved prairie land and forest. Numerous miles of grass paths extend off of the trail throughout the recreation area. This stretch can create an ideal long-run by connecting to the Cannonball Path and Southwest Commuter trail. |
| Elver Park | Hilly,Mixed surface | 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI | The largest of all Madison Community Parks, Elver Park spans an impressive 227 acres in the southwest corner of the city. Known for it's impressive hill which is great for repeats, you can also find a great breadth of recreational features offered throughout the year. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy the lighted cross-country ski trials. |
| Glacial Drumlin Trail | Gravel,Flat | 220 S Main St, Cottage Grove, WI | 50 miles - While technically outside of Madison, this crushed limestone trail is well deserving of a weekend drive to its starting point in Cottage Grove. From its starting point it runs east for over fifty miles to Waukesha. Much like the Military Ridge State Trail, this path is path is great for long runs and tempo efforts. |
| Governor’s Mansion out-and-back | Flat,Paved | James Madison Park - 614 E Gorham St, Madison, WI | This destination run borders the east shore of Lake Mendota and traverses several neighborhoods and parks. A rewarding add-on can extend the run north through the beautiful Maple Bluff neighborhood to Warner Park. A convenient starting point is James Madison Park off of Gorham St. The route then runs northeast on Gorham St., Sherman Ave, Lakewood Blvd, and Cambridge Dr. Continuing on Lakewood Blvd, and Farewell Dr will lead to Warner Park. |
| Hoyt Park | Off-road,Single track | 3902 Regent St., Madison, WI | Located between Midvale and Speedway this park offers a couple miles of single-track wooded trails and a beautiful view that overlooks western Madison. |
| Lake Monona Loop | Flat,Paved | Olin Park - 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI | 12 miles - This twelve mile loop circles the entirety of Lake Monona while passing through the neighborhoods of Monona, Olbrich Park, and the Monona Terrace. While the majority of this route consists of roads and paved trails, it’s rolling elevation creates an honest route for those looking for long runs and lengthy tempos. A convenient starting point is Olin Park, where runners can head south on the Capital City trail before meeting up with Waunona Way, Winnequah Rd, Monona Dr, and Atwood Ave. From there the loops heads west on Lakewood Ave, Rutledge St, and Spaight St. before meeting up with the Capital City trail once again. |
| Lakeshore Path | Mixed surface | UW-Madison Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI | 5.2 miles - This Madison runner’s mainstay on the UW campus offers great views of Monona and the Lakeshore neighborhood of Madison’s campus. The Lakeshore trail begins at the Monona terrace and runs West to Picnic point where over four miles of trails run to the point and north throughout the nature preserve. |
| Military Ridge State Trail | Paved | Military Ridge State Trail, Fitchburg, WI | 40 miles - This trail traverses Dane and Iowa Counties, connecting Madison and Dodgevile by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville (hence its name). The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies. The Military Ridge State Trail is near the connection of the Capital City and Badger state trails in Fitchburg. The asphalt and crushed limestone surface is ideal for long runs and tempos. |
| Monona Bay Loop | Flat,Paved | 829 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI | 3.3 miles - Right out our front door, this 3-mile route encircles the bay while providing beautiful views of the capitol and Brittingham Park. The route begins in the park and takes Shore Dr, Lakeside St. John Nolen Dr., and the Brittingham Park path to complete its circle. Make sure to stop in the store afterward to update us on your training! |
| Movin' Shoes | 528 South Park Street, Madison, WI | Phone: 608-251-0125 | |
| Olin Park Trail (Turville Point Conservation Park) | Off-road | 1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI | Located at the Southwest corner of Lake Monona just off of John Nolen Dr., Olin Park offers several miles of open and wooded trails extending from the northeast corner of the park past Edgewater Ct. down to the southeast corner of the Turville Point Conservation Park. With ample parking and athletic fields for your post-run strides, this park is a convenient starting point for many other runs in the area. |
| Owen Conservation Park | Gravel,Off-road,Hilly | 6021 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI | 3 miles - Nestled in the neighborhood between Mineral Point and Old Sauk Rd, this park contains about 3 miles of hilly grass and gravel trails. It features a beautiful view of the city from its access point off of Old Sauk. |
| Pheasant Branch Conservancy | Mixed surface | 4864 Pheasant Branch Road, Middleton, WI | Located in in Middleton lands, this trail is known for its seclusion and scenic beauty. This space and its three-mile connecting trail to the Southwest offer striking views and varied environments. Over a mile of trails in the conservancy consist of boardwalks over marshy forest area, while over three miles of gravel trails to the north traverse grassy fields. Take a moment to run up the mound in the northern-most tip of the park for a beautiful overlook of Middleton and Madison. |
| Shorewood Hills Out-and-Back | Hilly,Paved | 715 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53706 | This route begins at the UW’s University Bay fields and proceeds to take Lake Mendota drive north and then west all of the way until it dead-ends at Camelot Dr. This beautiful and hilly route runs along the neighborhood shores of Lake Mendota and past the Blackhawk country club prior to reaching its turn-around point atop the steep incline of Camelot Dr. |
| Southwest Commuter Path/Badger State Trail | Flat,Paved | 785 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI | 40 miles - This well-known asphalt bike path begins off of the Monona Bay Loop Path in Brittingham Park and jets through campus before heading Southwest through several neighborhoods, jumping the Beltline, and connecting with the trail system hub (where it turns into the Badger state trail and runs south to Illinois). Just be sure to watch out for bikers! |
| UW Arboretum | Mixed surface | Vilas Park Shelter, Madison, WI | The UW Arboretum is a runner’s paradise amid the neighborhoods of Madison. From the 10k loop through Nakoma, the Edgewood Campus, and Vilas park, to the many miles of trails through the Arb’s fields and wooded areas, this oasis within the city contains terrain for a variety of workouts. Single-track trail runs through areas close to Lake Wingra, while wider gravel loops near the visitors center provide ideal loops for pick-ups. If you’re looking to add on a little extra to your arboretum run, don’t be afraid to venture to the ‘South-Arb’ by crossing through the off-the-path tunnel under the beltline. This connecting underpass can be found in the southwest woods of the park and connects to another 3 miles of trails. |
| Yahara Parkway Loop | Paved | 472 E Gorham St, Madison, WI | This classic Tour de Downtown run traverses State St., provides views of the capitol, and runs the length of the Yahara Parkway. A convenient starting spot is James Madison Park, where runners can take Gorham and Sherman before crossing from Mendota to Monona on the Yahara River Bike Path. After heading southwest along Monona, Broom St and Gilman will connect back to James Madison. |
Trails and Routes
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