Fall is for flannels, pumpkins, soup season, and looking out for leaves changing color. Taking your bike out, getting the family out of the house for some fresh air, or taking the doggies out for a walk; Madison and surrounding areas have plenty of trails and parks to explore. For fall foliage hikes near Madison, consider the UW Arboretum for extensive trails, Pheasant Branch Conservancy for diverse loops, Devil’s Lake State Park for classic fall color and rugged terrain, and Blue Mound State Park for expansive views from the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Other options include Cherokee Marsh for boardwalks and a lookout tower, and the Ice Age Trail for hiking through prairie and woodlands.
In Madison
- UW Arboretum: Features over 17 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems like forests, prairies, and savannas.
- Pheasant Branch Conservancy: A large network of intersecting loops through woods and meadows, offering varied distances and scenery.
- Cherokee Marsh: Offers wooded trails, prairie boardwalks, and a lookout tower for views of the marsh.
- Picnic Point: A peninsula on Lake Mendota with a scenic path, including a famous bubbler at the tip.
- Lake Monona Loop: A paved 13.8-mile multi-use path that offers beautiful lake views and can be done in sections.
- Capital City Trail: Connects to other trails and offers scenic views along Lake Waubesa when starting from Lake Farm Park.
- Raymer’s Cove: Part of Lakeshore Nature Preserve, easy access to shoreline with beautiful views of the sandstone cliffs.
Near Madison (within an hour’s drive)
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Known for its rugged quartzite bluffs and stunning fall colors; it has trails for various skill levels.
- Blue Mound State Park: Features the highest point in southern Wisconsin, with lookout towers providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Governor Dodge State Park: Offers a unique waterfall-connected trail system, including the popular Stephens Falls.
- Kettle Moraine State Forest: A large area known for unique glacial topography, lakes, and extensive fall foliage
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