The best cycling routes around Madison

Madison is renowned as the 'bike capital of the Midwest' and holds a platinum rating from the League of American Bicyclists. Its unique 'lake-city-lake' landscape, situated on an isthmus between several lakes, offers continuous scenic views and a blend of urban and natural experiences. The city boasts over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails, catering to all skill levels, and features excellent bike-friendly infrastructure.

Komoot offers a selection of touring cycling routes around Madison, with over 300 touring cyclists having used komoot to explore the area. These routes range in difficulty and length, providing diverse options for your ride.

Yes, Madison offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. These routes often feature flat sections along lake shores and through urban areas. An example is the Five Star Trail, which is 12.9 miles (20.8 km) long and rated as easy.

Absolutely. For those seeking longer rides, Madison is a gateway to extensive trail networks. The Badger State Trail, for instance, is a 40-mile rail trail extending from Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois border, traversing scenic meadows and farmlands. Another option is the challenging Red Waterfall – Homestead Pump House loop from West Newton, which spans 106.5 miles (171.4 km).

Madison's routes are rich with scenic viewpoints, especially those along its many lakes. The Lake Monona Loop offers unbeatable views of Lake Monona and the Madison skyline. The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota provides peaceful riding and leads to Picnic Point, which offers stunning lake views. You can also explore routes that pass through areas like Olbrich Botanical Gardens for beautiful landscapes.

Yes, Madison is known for its excellent circular routes. The Lake Monona Loop is a popular 13-mile paved route that circles Lake Monona, offering continuous scenic views. Similarly, a loop around Lake Wingra provides beautiful views through Vilas Park and Nakoma.

Madison's touring cycling routes often connect to or pass through diverse natural features and parks. You can ride through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, which features prairies, forests, and wetlands. Olbrich Botanical Gardens offers 16 acres of manicured gardens, and Dawley Conservancy Park provides woodlands, prairies, and wetlands with connections to the Capital City State Trail.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 19 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from urban lakefronts to quiet natural preserves, and the extensive, well-maintained trail networks that make touring cycling accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Yes, Madison's trails are often interconnected. The Capital City Trail, a 17-mile paved multi-use path, loops through downtown Madison and connects to the Southwest Commuter Trail. A section of this trail is also part of the Capital Springs E-way, offering seamless transitions between different areas.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Madison. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides warm weather for lake activities, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. While some trails may be accessible in winter, many cyclists prefer the milder seasons for touring.

While cycling, you can pass by or easily access several attractions. The Lake Monona Loop goes by Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The Howard Temin Lakeshore Path leads past the Memorial Union Terrace to Picnic Point. For specific points of interest, you might find highlights like Red Waterfall or Dravo Cemetery near some routes, offering unique stops along your journey.

Yes, Madison supports touring cyclists with easily accessible e-bike rentals. BCycle, an electric bike-share program, has numerous stations across the city, making it convenient to rent an e-bike for your touring adventure.

The terrain around Madison is quite varied. You'll find generally flat sections along the lake shores and through urban areas. However, some routes extend into rolling hills and farmlands outside the immediate city center, offering a more challenging experience. Trails like the 400 State Trail also feature sandstone bluffs and river views.