The best running trails around Maple Bluff

This challenging 17.8-mile (28.7 km) jogging route, the Lake Wingra – Monona Terrace View loop from Madison East High School, offers a unique blend of Madison's natural and urban landscapes. You'll journey through the tranquil woodlands and wetlands of the UW-Madison Arboretum, past the wildlife of Wingra Creek, and along the shores of Lake Monona, all while enjoying impressive Capitol skyline vistas and the iconic Monona Terrace. With 390 feet (119 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 1 minutes, it's a substantial outing for those seeking a difficult, rewarding run.

For planning your visit, consider starting early, especially on weekends, to secure parking near Madison East High School. The route is primarily paved, making it suitable for jogging in most conditions, though some unpaved sections around Lake Wingra add variety. While the trail is generally accessible, be mindful of short, steep climbs along the Lake Monona portion, which are part of the IRONMAN Wisconsin course.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience Madison's

This popular running trail along the Yahara River in Madison offers a unique blend of urban parkland and natural riverfront scenery. You'll experience a smooth, predominantly paved surface, perfect for a moderate 3.3-mile (5.3 km) jog with only 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 33 minutes. The route provides diverse landscapes, from cityscapes to wetlands, and even includes sections with boardwalks, making for a varied and engaging experience.

To start your adventure, head from Breese Stevens Field towards Tenney Park or James Madison Park, where you'll link up with the extensive Yahara River Bike Path and Capital City Trail system. The trail is generally considered easy with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for most. It's a great option for a quick workout or a leisurely run, and its paved nature means you won't have to worry about muddy conditions.

One of the highlights of this area is the potential to connect to the Lower Yahara River Trail, which features a nearly mile-long boardwalk over Lake Waubesa, recognized as the longest inland boardwalk in North America for non-motorized transport. This blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, with viewpoints along Yahara River loop, truly sets it apart from other Madison jogging routes.

If you're looking for a quick, scenic jogging route near Madison East High School, this Yahara River loop delivers a delightful experience. You'll glide along paved surfaces, including the impressive mile-long boardwalk bridge across Lake Waubesa, offering expansive views of the lake and its surrounding wetlands. The route also connects to the Capital City Trail, providing diverse scenery from prairies and meadows to stretches along Lake Monona, making it a rewarding 3.7-mile (5.9 km) journey.

This moderate route, with a minimal 89 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a refreshing 36-minute run. Parking is usually available near Madison East High School, making access straightforward. While the trail is generally flat and easy, be mindful that boardwalks can be slippery when wet. If you plan to bring a dog, note that pets are typically not allowed on the boardwalk sections of the Lower Yahara River Trail.

This loop is part of the larger Capital Springs Recreation Area, an expansive natural space that offers more than just jogging. The Lower Yahara River Trail is particularly notable for its status as North America's longest inland boardwalk bridge built solely for non-motorized transportation, paralleling an active railroad corridor. You'll find observation areas and interpretive signage, especially within Lake Farm County Park, enriching your experience with insights into the area's natural and archaeological history.

This jogging route from Madison East High School offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural escape, taking you along the scenic Yahara River and past ancient effigy mounds. You'll experience a mix of paved paths and natural surfaces, with views of Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa, making for a varied and engaging 4.0-mile (6.5 km) loop. With only 74 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, it's a moderate effort that most can complete in about 40 minutes, perfect for a quick but rewarding outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route begins conveniently from Madison East High School. While much of the path is well-suited for jogging, be mindful that pets are generally not permitted on the impressive boardwalk sections, including the mile-long span over Lake Waubesa. This jogging route from Madison East High School to the Lizard Effigy Mound and Yahara River loop is a great option for a refreshing run any time of day, offering a chance to connect with nature and history.

The trail's true distinction lies in its integration of the Yahara River's natural beauty with the profound historical significance of the Lizard Effigy Mound, a 700-1200 A.D. Native American landmark. This area is part of Wisconsin's rich effigy mound heritage, providing a tangible link to the past. The Yahara River Trail system itself is notable for its engineering, featuring the longest inland boardwalk bridge in North America for non-motorized transport, adding a unique architectural element to the natural features and viewpoints.

The Olbrich Park loop offers a delightful jogging experience along the shores of Lake Monona, providing expansive water views and plenty of green space. This moderate 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route, with a minimal 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed run, taking about 50 minutes to complete. You will find yourself moving between mowed grassy paths and paved sections, with the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens and its unique Thai Pavilion often in sight.

Planning your visit to Olbrich Park is straightforward, as it is easily accessible and suitable for jogging year-round. Parking is available within the park, though it can get busy during peak recreational hours. Consider an early morning or late afternoon run to enjoy the best light and potentially fewer crowds. The park's seasonal Biergarten also offers a nice post-jog refreshment option.

Olbrich Park is a significant recreational hub in Madison, known for its extensive lakefront along Lake Monona and its proximity to the renowned Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The park itself boasts a rich history, originally established thanks to Michael B. Olbrich's efforts to preserve the Lake Monona shoreline for public use. It is a vibrant spot, offering everything from athletic fields to a beach, making it a true community asset.