Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail
Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail
4.9
(2312)
19,067
hikers
Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail
00:31
2.01km
10m
Hiking
The Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, winding through marshland, prairies, savannas, and oak forests. You'll find boardwalks over ponds and ditches, and the path even crosses a unique glacial drumlin. This 1.3-mile (2.0 km) hike, with just 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick outing for all ages.
Planning your visit is straightforward, but note that dogs are not allowed in the conservation park, and there are no restrooms or water facilities directly on the trail. However, the adjacent Aldo Leopold Nature Center can provide amenities when open. The trail is generally well-maintained, but some sections can be soft or rough, so it's not stroller-friendly.
What truly sets this trail apart are the ancient Native American Effigy Mounds, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which you can respectfully observe. It's also a goldmine for bird-watchers, with observation platforms for spotting waterfowl, and you might see frogs and tadpoles in the spring. The park's active conservation efforts protect this rich urban ecosystem.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Edna Taylor Conservation Park
Highlight • Forest
A BELIEVER IN SENSIBLE ECOLOGY" SHE PROPOSED TO SELL
37 OF HER 98 ACRES OF LAND TO THE CITY OF MADISON ADDED TO 10 ADJACENT ACRES ALREADY HELD BY THE CITY AND 11 ACRES PURCHASED FROM OTHER OWNERS, THE LAND, WHICH INCLUDES A SPRING, A GLACIAL DRUMLIN INDIAN MOUND, A MARSH, AND OAK STANDS WOULD FORM A CONSERVATION PARK TO BE ENJOYED BY FUTURE GENERATIONS.
THIS CITY PURCHASED THE LAND IN
1912. FOUR MONTHS ATTER TAYLOR'S DEATH.
Tip by
227 m
Bench With View of Pond and Wetlands
Highlight • Viewpoint
945 m
Oak Savanna
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
1.49 km
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
1.57 km
Mary Bean Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
1.86 km
Susan Young & Robert Shaw Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
2.01 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.01 km
Surfaces
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Elevation
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to hike this trail?
The main loop of the Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail is about 1.3 to 1.4 miles long and is considered an easy hike. It generally takes around 30-40 minutes to complete, depending on your pace. You can extend your hike to 4-5 miles by connecting to the adjacent Aldo Leopold Nature Center trails.
What is the terrain like on the trail?
The trail offers diverse terrain, starting in high grass and marshland before transitioning into prairie and wooded sections. You'll traverse a glacial drumlin, an elongated hill formed by glaciers. While generally easy, the ground can be soft and rough, and paths are lightly maintained and susceptible to weather. Paths are wider in the woods but can be narrower along the marsh.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the route?
Yes, the trail features several points of interest. You can find a Bench With View of Pond and Wetlands, explore an Oak Savanna, and visit the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. There's also the Mary Bean Memorial Bench and the Susan Young & Robert Shaw Overlook. The park also contains Native American effigy mounds on the glacial drumlin.
Is the Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail dog-friendly?
Information regarding dog-friendliness for this specific trail is not explicitly available in the provided sources. It's always best to check local park regulations or signage upon arrival to confirm if dogs are permitted and if leash rules apply.
What is the best time of year to visit Edna Taylor Conservation Park?
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring is great for spotting frogs and tadpoles, and fall offers a handsome assortment of vibrant wildflowers. Birdwatching is excellent throughout the warmer months, with observation platforms available.
Are there any entrance fees or permits required to access the park or trail?
The provided information does not indicate any specific entrance fees or permits required for Edna Taylor Conservation Park. Generally, conservation parks in Madison, Wisconsin, are free to access, but it's always good to check the official City of Madison Parks website for the most current information.
Where can I park to access the trailhead?
Specific parking details for the trailhead are not provided in the available data. However, given its connection to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, parking may be available near that facility or at designated park entrances. It's advisable to check local maps or the park's official website for precise parking locations.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The park is known for its abundant wildlife, especially birds. You might spot Canadian geese, cranes, herons, mallards, redwing, and tricolor birds. In the springtime, frogs and tadpoles are common. Observation platforms are available for birdwatching.
Is the trail suitable for families with young children?
The trail is generally considered an easy, nice short hike enjoyable for most people. However, the ground can be soft and rough, and paths are lightly maintained, which might make it challenging for very young children or strollers, especially after rain. It's best suited for families comfortable with varied natural surfaces.
Can I extend my hike beyond the main loop?
Yes, you can easily extend your hike. The Edna Taylor Conservation Park Trail connects to the adjacent Aldo Leopold Nature Center trails, allowing you to create a longer route of 4-5 miles if you wish to explore further.
Are there public transport options to reach the park?
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the provided sources, Edna Taylor Conservation Park is located in Madison, Wisconsin. You can check the Madison Metro Transit website for bus routes that may serve the area near the park.
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