The best cycling routes around Madison

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Madison, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate paths, with 14 easy routes and 10 moderate routes to explore.

Madison's unique "lake-city-lake" landscape means you'll often cycle alongside its five major lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The region also features rolling countryside, farmlands, forests, and areas shaped by glacial formations, offering diverse and picturesque views.

Yes, Madison offers several family-friendly options. The Lake Monona Loop is a popular 13-mile paved loop that's easy and perfect for beginners and families, offering scenic views of the water and downtown skyline. The Capital City State Trail also provides a paved, accessible route through the city.

Madison's trails offer varied terrain. Many routes, especially those around the lakes and within the city like the Lake Monona Loop and Capital City State Trail, are paved and relatively flat. However, venturing into the surrounding countryside, you'll encounter rolling hills and glacial landscapes, providing gentle elevation changes.

Many routes pass by significant attractions. The Lake Monona Loop goes by Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Monona Terrace. The Capital City State Trail offers access to the State Capitol and the UW-Madison campus. You can also enjoy peaceful rides along Lake Mendota's shores, passing the Memorial Union Terrace and Picnic Point.

Absolutely. The Badger State Trail extends approximately 40 miles from Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois border, taking you through farmlands, woods, and prairies, and features the 1,200-foot Stewart Tunnel. Another option is the Military Ridge State Trail, a 40-mile packed dirt trail between Madison and Dodgeville, offering a scenic ride through agricultural lands and wetlands.

Yes, Madison has several excellent loop routes. The Lake Monona Loop is a well-known 13-mile paved circular route offering continuous scenic views. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum also features scenic routes, including one looping around Lake Wingra, providing a natural and tranquil experience.

The touring cycling routes around Madison are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, extensive trail networks, and the beautiful lakefront paths that define the region's cycling experience.

Yes, Madison makes cycling accessible with e-bike rentals available from BCycle at numerous stations around town. Various local bike shops also offer rentals, making it easy to explore the area even if you don't bring your own bike.

Beyond the city, you can explore the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, with over 20 miles of walking trails through protected springs, savannas, and prairies. Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, a 2,000-acre preserve, also offers trails through prairies and wetlands, including a 4.4-mile loop.

Yes, the Capital City State Trail connects to the Badger State Trail, which then extends south to the Wisconsin-Illinois border. This allows for longer touring adventures beyond the immediate Madison area, linking you to broader regional trail networks.

While not explicitly stated in the guide, Madison's diverse landscapes are best enjoyed during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Spring brings blooming flora, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases stunning foliage, making these seasons ideal for touring cycling.