Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
The best traffic-free bike rides in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
4.6
(186)
2,166
riders
84
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit offer a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features extensive paved trails, including sections of the Capital City State Trail and the Lower Yahara River Trail. Cyclists will encounter varied habitats such as wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, alongside views of Lake Monona and the Yahara River. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for accessible touring cycling.
Best…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(6)
16
riders
12.2km
00:48
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
64
riders
41.6km
02:29
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Tips from the Community
Stone Bridge Park is a small lakeside gem along Lake Monona, sitting just west of Winnequah Road & Parkway.  It’s home to the Lake Monona Sailing Club, which maintains a dock, hoist, and space for about 20 sailboats during summer.  The park’s terrain slopes down toward the water in an amphitheater-style fashion, giving strong views across the lake toward Madison’s isthmus.  One of its more unique features is a historic stone pagoda in the southwest corner, fed by a natural spring (especially visible in the spring).  Also, the park has been part of a major stormwater / runoff improvement project — they installed an underground StormTrap vault and improved grading, drainage, and shoreline infrastructure to reduce flooding, erosion, and phosphorus entering the lake.
0
0
Stone Bridge Park in Monona is a tiny but stunning lakeside spot that punches above its weight. It’s got sweeping Lake Monona views, a historic stone pagoda fed by a natural spring, and a cozy launch area used by local sailors. The park recently got a major eco-upgrade with hidden stormwater systems that help keep runoff and pollution out of the lake. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it parks that locals love for quiet sunsets, chill picnics, and a front-row seat to Madison’s skyline.
0
0
Long before it became the Frank Allis estate, the San Damiano site was a gathering and ceremonial place for Indigenous peoples, especially the Ho-Chunk Nation. The land sits along a natural rise overlooking Lake Monona—part of a sacred landscape once lined with effigy and burial mounds. One of those mounds still remains within the park today, protected and marked off from foot traffic. It stands as a quiet but powerful reminder that this shoreline was not just scenic, but spiritual ground long before Monona existed.
0
0
Lake Monona ( mih-NOH-nə) is a freshwater drainage lake in Dane County, Wisconsin, surrounded on three sides by the city of Madison, Wisconsin, and on the south east side by the city of Monona, Wisconsin. It is the second-largest of a chain of four lakes along the Yahara River (also including Mendota, Kegonsa, and Waubesa) in the area and forms the south shore of the isthmus that forms downtown Madison. The name 'Monona' is a word believed to mean 'beautiful', although the lake was originally named by the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) 'Tchee-ho-bo-kee-xa-te-la' or 'Teepee Lake'.
0
0
San Damiano Park in Monona, Wisconsin is a peaceful 10-acre lakefront property with over 1,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Monona, offering stunning views of the Madison skyline. Once the historic Frank Allis estate and later a Franciscan retreat, it’s now a public park blending nature, history, and quiet relaxation. You’ll find picnic tables, bike racks, and walking paths beneath big old trees, plus a few interpretive signs about its Indigenous and cultural past. The city’s long-term plan includes improved trails, native plantings, and better lake access, but even now it’s a perfect low-key stop for cyclists or anyone wanting a calm scenic break along the lake.
0
0
Cute little park, great views. Cool part of Monona history.
0
0
From this spot along John Nolan Drive, you can see sweeping views of Lake Monona with the short skyline of Madison the background.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit?
There are over 75 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit. This includes a wide variety of options, with 60 routes rated as easy, 17 as moderate, and 2 as difficult, ensuring choices for all skill levels.
Are there family-friendly or beginner-level no-traffic cycling routes in the area?
Absolutely. The Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit is well-suited for families and beginners, with a significant number of routes being easy-rated and mostly paved. The Lower Yahara River Trail loop from Capital Springs State Park is a great example, offering a gentle, paved ride perfect for all ages.
What kind of landscapes and natural features will I see on these routes?
Touring cyclists will experience a diverse range of landscapes. Routes offer sweeping views of Lake Monona, with the Madison skyline in the background from certain spots, and undeveloped shoreline on Lake Waubesa. You'll also pass through rich systems of marshes, prairies, sedge meadows, and woodlands, providing constantly changing scenic backdrops and undisturbed wildlife habitats.
Are there any circular no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, many of the no-traffic routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Yahara River – Lizard Effigy Mound loop from Monona offers a scenic circular tour, and the San Damiano Park – Paunack Park on Lake Monona loop from Monona provides another excellent option.
What are the best seasons for touring cycling in Capital Springs State Recreation Area?
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with changing foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Even in winter, the paved Capital City State Trail is open, making it suitable for cold-weather cycling, though conditions may vary.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing along the cycling routes?
Yes, the varied habitats, including marshes, prairies, and woodlands, make the area a hotspot for wildlife observation. You might spot shorebirds, waterfowl, and other local wildlife, especially in areas like the Monona Conservancy Unit's sedge meadows and the MMSD's Wildlife Observation Deck & Boardwalk.
Where can I park when visiting the no-traffic cycling routes?
The Capital Springs State Recreation Area offers public parking facilities at various access points. Many cycling routes are easily accessible from these parking areas, providing convenient starting points for your ride.
Do these no-traffic routes connect to other bike trails?
Yes, a major advantage of cycling here is the excellent connectivity. The Capital City State Trail and the Lower Yahara River Trail seamlessly connect to other area bike trails and commuter routes into downtown Madison, allowing you to extend your rides and explore further afield.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in this area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the extensive paved trails, the diverse and constantly changing natural scenery, and the peaceful, traffic-free environment that makes for a relaxing and enjoyable ride.
Are there any historical points of interest along the routes?
Yes, the recreation area includes the Lake Farms Archaeological District, which is recognized for its cultural importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This offers a unique historical point of interest for visitors to explore during their cycling tour.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the Monona Conservancy bike trails?
While the routes themselves focus on natural beauty, the area's connectivity to Madison means you're never far from amenities. You can easily cycle into nearby communities or Madison itself to find cafes, restaurants, and other services. Some trailheads may also offer basic facilities.
What is the longest no-traffic touring cycling route available?
One of the longer no-traffic options is the Lower Yahara River Trail – Yahara River loop from Monona, which spans over 41 kilometers. This moderate route offers an extended ride through varied scenery.
Most popular routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
