Looking for the best trails around Madison?

Explore the best rated trails in Madison, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Levee Trail (WI) and Wild Goose State Trail . With more than 55 trails covering 525 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Military Ridge State Trail

Not well maintained trail

July, 2024 by jessedirk

Like another user said, there are ruts and lots of loose gravel from Ridgeway to mount Horeb. Unfortunately I found one coming off a bridge and fell off my bike. I landed on right side l, got some bruises and road rash but no brokens or sprains. I had avoided some bigger, deeper ones closer to Mount Horeb but did not see this one between Ridgeway and Barneveld.

Sugar River State Trail

Wildflower wonder

July, 2024 by bikeandrun

I ride the Jane Adams (Il. path) to the Badger (Wi. state line) several times a week as they connect to the Sugar River Trail.
All have amazing views. One bridge missing on the Badger and the tunnel will be reopened in summer 2025 on the Badger.
It's been a horrible year with flooding, tornadoes, trees down and clearing. Trail work has been tedious. But I give the DNR an 'A' for effort.
Plenty of trail heads, places to eat and nature to enjoy.
Unfortunately the picnic tables and benches never seemed to be mowed around much this entire 2024 on all three paths.
Beauty, peace and tranquility is what I get out of it. Often week days I can put in 25 miles and maybe see one other rider.
Good but not great this year.

Sugar River State Trail

Quality of trail disappointing

July, 2024 by tedijw

Biked from New Glarus to Albany round trip. Very disappointed in quality of the trail. Doesn’t appear to be well maintained. Originally planned to bike to Brodhead, but turned around early.

Accordion

Cheese Country Recreation Trail

Not a biking trail. For ATV's.

July, 2024 by mvmadison105

Road Mineral to calamine and back on a ebike with 1.5" tires at 45psi. Scenic but rather brutal ride. Sections are ok but then you come across sections that are really rough. The atvs go fast relative to a bike rider plus generate lots of dust and noise. I would not recommend it for biking.

Badger State Trail

Stewart Tunnnel abandoned

July, 2024 by pressman3887

As of 7/7/24 no work done on tunnel. There isnt even a trail left, leading up to the tunnel. The tunnel project is a complete sham. Where is the 6 million dollars? Where did the insurance money go, for the bridge, north of Monroe? Time for someone to be held accountable.

Cheese Country Recreation Trail

Mismanaged

July, 2024 by pressman3887

Replace a bridge, with breaker rock up a 20 foot embankment. Where did the insurance money go? Close the tunnel, let land owners destroy the trail south of Monroe (driveways and drainage tubes). Please, who ever is in charge, QUIT.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Route of the Badger)

Cottage Grove to Lake Mills and Return

July, 2024 by t5n8nj6tsn

Nice, peaceful, perfect weather Monday morning ride. There is a tree laying over the trail @ 5.3 miles from Cottage Grove. Had to duck low, but was able to ride under it on the side that is still off the ground. No other issues for this part of the trail. Very enjoyable trail.

Sugar River State Trail

July 2024 Sugar River State Trail

July, 2024 by waynejane9

We e-biked a Brodhead to New Glarus round trip with a short jaunt from Crazy Horse Campground (Great Place near the trail in Brodhead). Perfect day: 80 degrees, sunny, low humidity, a few mosquitos when we stopped. We have done this route two other times and this time was still a great experience even after recent weather events. Wisconsin DNR teams were clearing, mowing and as always extremely kind. There was one tricky, soft and slightly washed area just north of Monticello.

An incredible lesson learned while on the trail today. If you ever come across something of value to someone else....like a government ID or a wallet...pick it up and turn it in to the local police/sheriff. The owner of such item will be forever grateful to your kindness.

Great Sauk State Trail

I did this trail about a week ago, was nice having a paved trail to ride on with only 1 road to cross well kept and had a lot of scenery to look at starting in Sauk City and going to the Baraboo Bluffs quiet ride.

July, 2024 by mckenwm10

I did this trail about a week ago, was nice having a paved trail to ride on with only 1 road to cross well kept and had a lot of scenery to look at starting in Sauk City and going to the Baraboo Bluffs quiet ride.

Badger State Trail

As of July 23, 2024 there are no signs of tunnel revival. The first six miles from the northern end are paved and well maintained. After that it turns to gravel and dirt. With a lot of grass. It appears neglected.

July, 2024 by mankato

As of July 23, 2024 there are no signs of tunnel revival. The first six miles from the northern end are paved and well maintained. After that it turns to gravel and dirt. With a lot of grass. It appears neglected.

Military Ridge State Trail

Beware of ruts and loose sand!

July, 2024 by bcurley_tl

While this is mainly a beautiful trail, the section from Dodgeville to Mt Horeb has some technically challenging spots. Many major ruts and lots of loose sand that may grab your rear wheels. The stretch from Mt Horeb to Msn is Way better.

Military Ridge State Trail

Beware of ruts and loose sand!

July, 2024 by bcurley_tl

While this is mainly a beautiful trail, the section from Dodgeville to Mt Horeb has some technically challenging spots. Many major ruts and lots of loose sand that may grab your rear wheels. The stretch from Mt Horeb to Msn is Way better.

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