U of Wisco - Mid-May Trip - Running Trails

Scenic run here, https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0843278,-89.4289423,3a,75y,69.85h,77.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbHBnjVGbuAPrPimuNj0-KQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

"https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0843278,-89.4289423,3a,75y,73.93h,73.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbHBnjVGbuAPrPimuNj0-KQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656"

Use full link for best starting spot on scenic trail.

There ain't none.

Madison is a depressing hellhole. Only way anyone can deal is by drinking -- heavily. That's why there's a bar (or two) on every street. Avoid at all costs.

Source: I grew up there and have a BS from UW Madison.

That link is for Picnic Point, which is near campus and very good. The UW

Arboretum is also excellent. Some of the best are in a separate section south of the Beltline highway (parking lot on Seminole Highway, though they are also accessible by a tunnel under the Beltline connecting it to the rest of the Arboretum that sits north of the Beltline).

Shabazz wrote:

Madison is a depressing hellhole. Only way anyone can deal is by drinking -- heavily. That's why there's a bar (or two) on every street. Avoid at all costs.

Source: I grew up there and have a BS from UW Madison.

Really? Where do you live that is so much better? I live in San Francisco. While I'm not about to move to Madison, I've spent about 4 or 5 months there total in about a dozen trips over the last 15 years, I thought it was a decent place.

It is surrounded by lakes and creeks, so is fantastic for 3 seasons if you're looking for some water sports or fishing. The downtown has good restaurants and bars. Multiple minor League sports teams or the college sports if you're really that bored.

Anyway, OP, there isn't much great running right next to campus, since it is in a big city. But there are decent bike paths around the lake and along the O'Hara river that won't require you to drive anywhere. The arboretum is also possible to run through. Some of these bike trails along creeks can feel like you're out of the city and in nature, others are more of a city feel. It is definitely easy to find good trails for training, they just aren't the most interesting.

I'll let others comment on places worth driving to for nearby running. If you're looking for great running, most of the places I know of are a bit farther away. This is because Madison and the surrounding areas are in a glacier valley, so any hills are an hour drive.

Look up the ice age trail if you want to drive a bit to a good destination trail, if you're there over a weekend. There are multiple good stretches of that trail.

Lakeeee trail wrote:

"https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0843278,-89.4289423,3a,75y,73.93h,73.6t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbHBnjVGbuAPrPimuNj0-KQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656"

Use full link for best starting spot on scenic trail.

Thank you, hopefully she is there when I am there!

ezb wrote:

That link is for Picnic Point, which is near campus and very good. The UW

Arboretum is also excellent. Some of the best are in a separate section south of the Beltline highway (parking lot on Seminole Highway, though they are also accessible by a tunnel under the Beltline connecting it to the rest of the Arboretum that sits north of the Beltline).

Great thanks!

Wow the ice age trail looks cool too! I will have to check out segments near Madison.

SpaceIsMyName wrote:

Wisconsin locals and those in the know,

I have a work trip to U of Wisconsin - Madison the third week of May. Any must do trail runs around the campus? Also can you jump in any of the lakes post run?

Thank you!

Arboretum loop

Campus to near west side bike path

Lakeshore path

Yahara hills course : southeast

Elver park : west

Zimmer xc course: South west

There are parks in the counties with forest and trail. Now is a good time to go because the word in the ground is mosquitoes are late. Otherwise bring bug spray and long clothes or better yet come in the fall.

But

I recommend loading up a van of runners, finding a good stretch on a farm on a nice day and give the owner a 6 pack of beer (have them ready) if he should come along with any questions. Go northwest son!

Also

Imagine a xc course so spectacular. In the hills with a cliff promenade and amazing features and visibly, with forest, plain, hill and open mixed in.

Imagine roller coasters and water pools also. Real estate developers will do it soon.