Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife Unit
The best traffic-free bike rides in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife Unit
4.6
(189)
2,188
riders
87
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife Unit traverse a landscape characterized by an extensive paved trail network, diverse habitats, and prominent lakes. The area features marshes, prairies, woodlands, and glacial drumlins, offering varied scenery for cyclists. Trails often provide views of Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa, with some sections featuring unique boardwalks over wetlands. This region provides a mix of flat paths and gentle inclines suitable for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(6)
15
riders
12.2km
00:49
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. 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.
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5.0
(1)
9
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. 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.
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.
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Popular around Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife 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.
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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Cute little park, great views. Cool part of Monona history.
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From this spot along John Nolan Drive, you can see sweeping views of Lake Monona with the short skyline of Madison the background.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- MMSD Wildlife Unit?
There are over 80 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area- MMSD Wildlife Unit. The majority of these, around 60 routes, are rated as easy, making them suitable for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain and surfaces can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic touring routes primarily feature extensive paved trail networks, including sections of the Capital City State Trail and the Lower Yahara River Trail. You'll also encounter unique features like the 0.9-mile-long boardwalk bridge over Lake Waubesa. While mostly paved, some areas within the MMSD Wildlife Unit might offer trails traversing wetland areas and ponds, often with boardwalks.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, the area is excellent for family-friendly cycling. Many routes are rated as easy, offering gentle terrain suitable for all ages. A great option is the Lower Yahara River Trail loop from Capital Springs State Park, which is just over 12 km and features the scenic boardwalk over Lake Waubesa.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes in the Capital Springs State Recreation Area are designed as loops. For instance, the Yahara River – Lizard Effigy Mound loop from Monona offers a 22.9 km circular ride, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path.
Do I need a permit to cycle on the trails?
Yes, parts of the Capital City State Trail, including the nine miles that pass through the Capital Springs E-way, require a state trail pass for cyclists aged 16 and older. You can find more information about passes and regulations on the Wisconsin DNR website: dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Where can I park my car when accessing these routes?
The Capital Springs State Recreation Area offers various access points with parking facilities. Specific parking locations can be found near popular trailheads along the Capital City State Trail and Lower Yahara River Trail. It's advisable to check local maps or the official park website for the most convenient parking for your chosen route.
What natural features or viewpoints can I see along the no-traffic touring routes?
Cyclists can enjoy diverse natural settings, including marshes, prairies, woodlands, and views of Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa. The Lower Yahara River Trail offers sweeping views from its boardwalk bridge. The MMSD Wildlife Observation Area provides opportunities to cycle through wetland ecosystems, with observation platforms for birdwatching.
Is there wildlife to observe while cycling?
Absolutely. The MMSD Wildlife Observation Area is a notable birdwatching hotspot, with over 200 documented bird species, including migratory shorebirds. While cycling through the wetlands and prairies, you might spot various birds and other small wildlife. The diverse habitats of the recreation area support a rich array of flora and fauna.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes here?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 220 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the scenic views of the lakes and diverse habitats, and the well-maintained paved surfaces that make for enjoyable touring cycling.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring routes for more experienced cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the Lower Yahara River Trail – Yahara River loop from Monona offer a moderate challenge, covering over 41 km with some elevation gain. These routes connect various sections of the trail network, providing extended touring opportunities.
Can I connect to other regional trails from the Capital Springs area?
Yes, the Capital City State Trail, which runs through the recreation area, serves as a crucial link to other regional trails. You can connect to the Lower Yahara River Trail, the West Waubesa Trail, and further afield to trails like the Military Ridge State Trail and the Badger State Trail, expanding your touring cycling possibilities significantly.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Madison skyline?
Yes, specific routes, particularly those along John Nolen Drive and sections near Lake Monona, provide sweeping views of Lake Monona with the Madison skyline in the background. The Paunack Park on Lake Monona – San Damiano Park loop from Alliant Energy Center offers excellent opportunities for these urban-meets-nature vistas.
Most popular routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Mmsd Wildlife Unit
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