Things to Do around Madison
Madison, a region in Wisconsin, is characterized by its unique "lake-city-lake" geography, situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. This distinctive landscape, featuring five major lakes and extensive green spaces, provides a diverse setting for outdoor activities. The area offers a blend of urban and natural environments, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and more. Its varied terrain includes lakeside paths, wooded trails, prairies, and rolling hills, catering to a…
58
Routes
4.7
(26)
Average rating
668
People visited
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
11.3km
02:52
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
2.38km
00:37
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.65km
00:42
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
927m
00:14
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
74
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
42
riders
18.8km
01:45
260m
260m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
41.6km
03:22
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
17.0km
01:16
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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57
riders
78.7km
03:31
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
68.2km
03:19
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
55.8km
02:25
400m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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21
runners
5.43km
00:35
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
48
runners
7.64km
00:47
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
runners
7.63km
00:48
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(5)
14
riders
48.7km
02:55
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
15
riders
26.1km
01:34
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
8
riders
42.1km
02:32
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
6.45km
00:22
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Madison
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Madison, Wisconsin?
Madison offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The region's unique 'lake-city-lake' geography provides varied terrain for these sports. Over 40 routes are available for exploration.
Where are the best places to hike in Madison?
Popular hiking spots in Madison include the UW-Madison Arboretum and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, which features trails at Picnic Point and Frautschi Point. Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail also run through the area. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Madison guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Madison?
Yes, Madison offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including easy hikes. The UW-Madison Arboretum and Lakeshore Nature Preserve provide accessible paths through woods and prairies. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes around Madison guide.
What makes Madison a good destination for cycling?
Madison is recognized as a Platinum-Level Bike-Friendly Community, indicating extensive cycling infrastructure. The city's network of bike trails connects urban areas to the countryside, with e-bike rentals widely available. The 13-mile (21 km) Lake Monona Loop is a prime example of a scenic route.
Where can I find road cycling routes in Madison?
Madison offers numerous road cycling routes, benefiting from its extensive trail network and surrounding pastoral landscapes. The Lake Monona Loop is a popular choice for scenic views. Detailed routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Madison guide.
Are there mountain biking trails in Madison?
Yes, Madison provides options for mountain biking enthusiasts. The region's varied terrain includes trails suitable for mountain biking. For specific routes and information, consult the MTB Trails around Madison guide.
What are the best jogging trails in Madison?
Madison features several excellent jogging trails, including paths along the shores of its five lakes and through its numerous parks. The Lake Monona Loop is a popular choice for joggers. More options are available in the Running Trails around Madison guide.
What are the main natural features in Madison?
Madison is characterized by its five lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The city is situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Notable natural areas include the UW-Madison Arboretum, Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
How many parks and trails are in the Madison region?
The Madison region boasts over 307 parks and more than 200 miles (320 km) of hiking and biking trails. These connect urban areas with surrounding natural landscapes and towns, offering a wide variety of outdoor experiences.
How popular are outdoor routes in Madison on komoot?
Outdoor routes in Madison are highly rated on komoot, with an average rating of 4.78 out of 5 stars from over 100 ratings. More than 2,500 visitors have explored the 46 available routes in the region.
Where can I find komoot guides for Madison?
Komoot offers several guides for Madison, covering various sports. These include Hiking around Madison, Running Trails around Madison, and Road Cycling Routes around Madison, among others.
What is the official website for the City of Madison?
The official website for the City of Madison, Wisconsin, is cityofmadison.com. This site provides general information and resources for the city.
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