Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor and North Fork Trail

This route is generally considered moderate, combining sections of the easy Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail and the North Fork Trail. Both trails are primarily paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for a wide range of users, including beginners and families.

Yes, both the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail and the North Fork Trail are well-suited for families. The paved, mostly flat terrain and scenic environment make it enjoyable for all ages. There are also parks like Penni Klein Park and Middleton Firefighters Memorial Park along the North Fork Trail with recreational facilities.

You can access the trail from various points. A good starting point for the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail is the Pheasant Branch Nature Preserve – Park Street Entrance. The North Fork Trail also connects to several parks, offering parking options.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails, but they must be kept on a leash. The area includes amenities like a dog park at Penni Klein Park along the North Fork Trail.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers the chance to see wildflowers and active wildlife, while summer provides lush, shaded sections. Fall brings beautiful foliage, and winter can offer a peaceful, snowy landscape. The paved surfaces make it accessible even after light snow.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Pheasant Branch Conservancy or its trails, including the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor and North Fork Trail.

The route primarily features paved, two-lane paths that are mostly flat with only gentle grades. Some sections of the North Fork Trail may have unpaved paths weaving through evergreens. The Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail was renovated in August 2023, ensuring an excellent surface.

The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is rich in biodiversity. You might spot deer, sandhill cranes, various songbirds, frogs, herons, ducks, hawks, and owls. The trail follows Pheasant Branch Creek through a lush, wooded forest, and the conservancy includes wetlands, prairies, meadows, and an open-water marsh.

Yes, you'll cross several scenic wooden bridges, such as PBC Corridor – East River Crossing and West PBCC – Clark Street Crossing. Within the conservancy, you can access Frederick's Hill for panoramic views of the State Capitol building, the Madison skyline, and Lake Mendota, as well as Native American effigy mounds. There's also a bird blind for wildlife viewing.

Yes, this route is a key connector. The North Fork Trail intersects with the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail, the US Highway 12 Path, and the Deming Way Trail. The route itself includes sections of the North Fork Trail, Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail, North Mendota Trail, Pheasant Branch Conservancy West Trail, and Marina Court Trail.

Yes, Middleton Firefighters Memorial Park, located along the North Fork Trail, offers restrooms and water fountains. Additionally, a self-service bicycle repair station is available at the intersection where the North Fork Trail meets the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail.