The best running trails around Monona

Monona offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 230 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy strolls to more challenging runs.

You'll find diverse terrain in Monona, ranging from mostly paved paths around Lake Monona to dirt trails, wooded areas, and wetlands. Parks like Edna Taylor Conservation Park and Woodland Park offer varied landscapes, including oak forests, savannas, and some hilly sections, often built around glacial drumlins.

Yes, Monona has plenty of options for beginners. There are 34 easy running routes available, such as the Wingra Creek loop from Alliant Energy Center, which is a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail that can be completed in about 26 minutes.

The running routes in Monona are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the scenic beauty, diverse terrain, and well-maintained paths.

Absolutely. Many of Monona's parks and trails, including sections of the Lake Monona Loop and areas within Edna Taylor Conservation Park, are suitable for families. These routes often feature flat, paved sections and offer opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife.

Monona offers several dog-friendly trails, particularly in its extensive park system. While specific leash laws may apply, many natural areas and multi-use paths are welcoming to runners with their canine companions, allowing you to explore the scenic landscapes together.

Monona's routes offer numerous scenic views. The Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Alliant Energy Center provides urban and lakeside scenery. You can also explore natural landmarks like the Edna Taylor Conservation Park, known for its wetlands and oak forests, and historical sites such as Native American effigy mounds found in both Edna Taylor and Woodland Park.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Monona has 40 difficult running routes. A notable option is the Lizard Effigy Mound loop from Starkweather Uplands, a 14.3-mile (23.1 km) trail with over 100 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial workout.

Many of the running routes in Monona are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The iconic Lake Monona Loop is a prime example, offering an 11 to 13-mile circuit with continuous scenic views.

Yes, parking is generally available near many of Monona's running trails and parks. For routes starting from areas like the Alliant Energy Center or various community parks, you can typically find designated parking facilities to access the trails.

Monona is rich in natural beauty. Beyond the Lake Monona shoreline, you can explore the diverse ecosystems of Edna Taylor Conservation Park with its wetlands and oak forests, or the hilly, forested terrain of Woodland Park. The Aldo Leopold Nature Center, connected to Edna Taylor, also offers trails through prairies and ponds.

Yes, the Lake Monona Loop, particularly the stretch along John Nolen Drive, is renowned for offering some of the best views of the Madison skyline. A shorter 3-mile 'Bay Loop' also provides views of the Capitol and Brittingham Park.