Yahara River – Capital City State Trail loop from Heritage Sanctuary

Bike touring routes & trails

Yahara River – Capital City State Trail loop from Heritage Sanctuary

Moderate

3.4

(10)

riders

Yahara River – Capital City State Trail loop from Heritage Sanctuary

02:38

46.0km

160m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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6.25 km

Yahara River

Highlight • River

The Yahara River flows 62 miles through Madison's four lakes across Dane County to the Rock River. This is the short stretch between Lake Mendota and Lake Monoana where there …

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9.14 km

Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Capital City State Trail is a 17-mile paved multi-use path open year-round. A state trail pass is required to bike the nine-mile portion of the trail that passes through …

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14.2 km

Southwest Commuter Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The 5.6-mile Southwest Commuter Path, also called the Southwest Commuter Path, connects Brittingham Park on Lake Monona to the Capital City State Trail at Arrowhead Park in Fitchburg. It is …

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22.6 km

O'Brien Solar Fields

Highlight • Structure

On both sides of the Badger State Trail, there is a large solar farm, with a generating capacity of 20 MW. For now, that makes it the largest solar power plant in Dane County.

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26.0 km

Capital City State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Capital City State Trail is a paved path that passes through the heart of the Dawley Conservancy Park. There is a lot of brush and overgrowth next to the …

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26.4 km

Dawley Conservancy Park

Nature Reserve

32.1 km

Glenway Woods

Highlight • Forest

Glenway Woods is a beautiful, yet somewhat hidden, gem that spans over 10 acres of land. Although it doesn't currently have a park classification, locals have created a few mountain …

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37.5 km

If you want an unbeatable view of the Capitol building dome — not to mention the rest of Madison — it's well worth tying up your bike and popping up to this rooftop terrace on the convention building.

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37.5 km

Monona Terrace Rooftop

Highlight • Viewpoint

This place provides one of the best views in the area of Lake Monona. It's a perfect spot for a break, offering plenty of seating with tables and umbrellas to …

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