Great Runs in Madison, Wisconsin
Note: For the Full Guide to Madison, see the Great Runs Website
Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is an eclectic college town seated on the isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona in the south of the state. It’s cultural feel is largely influenced by the University of Wisconsin and the surrounding beauty of the Wisconsin woods, lakes, and prairies. It’s a city that takes its outdoors seriously. With bustling central streets, gorgeous waterfront neighborhoods, extensive bike paths, and nearby natural spaces, there are plenty of options that make running in Madison a particular treat.
Some of the best places to run in Madison include the loop around the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, the loop around Lake Monona, and the beautiful Mendota Lakeshore Path to Picnic Point. Runners can also explore downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods with the State Street, Yahara Parkway, Capital City Trail, and Maple Bluff routes. Or, get outside the city and find fresh air at Pheasant Branch, the Military Ridge Trail, the Glacial Drumlin Trail, or Devil’s Lake.
University of Wisonsin Arborertum. This 6.2 mile circuit on the gravel paths and paved streets around the University of Wisconsin Arboretum is the most popular spot to run in Madison.
Lakeshore Path/Picnic Point. Another asset of the University of Wisconsin is the 4 mile Lakeshore Path, which hugs the shores of Lake Mendota, circling University Bay and reaching out towards Picnic Point.
Lake Monona and Monona Bay. This large lake to the south of Madison is one of the top local destinations for a run of any length, whether it’s a quick 3 mile jog around the bay, the full 11-mile lake loop.
Capital City Trail. One of the best bike paths in the area, this 17-mile route winds through the forests and prairies of southern Madison and its suburbs. The 6-mile section from Capital Springs State Recreation area to Gunflint Park is great for running.
State Street. For a great tour of downtown Madison, enjoy this 1.9 mile route down bustling State Street, the University of Wisconsin’s main drag for arts, eats, and entertainment. Includes sections of campus, too.
Yahara Parkway. Madison is the city between two lakes, so why not explore both shores with this 5 mile loop around the spit of land that runs between them? A pleasant run along combination of paths and side streets.
Maple Bluff. A hilly route through one of Madison’s nicest neighborhoods, this 3 mile run along the banks of Lake Mendota is a beautiful tour of the local waterfront properties.
Pheasant Bluff. Located on the west banks of Lake Mendota, this taste of the Wisconsin natural environment is close to the city. The main loop plus Frederick’s Hill overlook is ~4 miles. Mainly wooden boardwalks over marshes and gravel trails through grassy prairies.
Military Ridge Trail. This 40- mile asphalt and crushed limestone trail is a former military marching route which connects Madison to Dodgeville in the west. One of the coolest sections to explore is where the path passes through Blue Mound State Park (about an hour outside the city).
Glacial Drumlin Trail. This 52- mile rail trail starts in Cottage Grove (11 miles east of Madison) and runs east all the way to Waukesha (just outside of Milwaukee). One of the most interesting sections is near Lake Mills and Korth Park. We offer a trail map with segment distances.
Devil’s Lake. Adventure seekers looking for a challenging trail run just outside Madison should look no further than the Devil’s Lake Loop, an hour northeast of Madison in Baraboo. The best trail for running is the 6.2 mile loop around the lake.
For the full running guide to the Madison, see it at greatruns.com.
