Madison’s Core Bike Paths: A Quick Guide

Madison makes it easy to ride without traffic. From downtown you can be on a protected path in minutes; here’s what each major route is, where it goes, and how to get on it.

Capital City State Trail (Downtown Lakefront)

Distance: ~17 miles total (you’ll use the John Nolen lakefront segment most).
Access: Roll down to Law Park / John Nolen Dr. (lake side).
Goes where: East toward the Yahara River and beyond; west along the lake and into the Lake Monona Loop.

Lake Monona Loop

Distance: 13 miles (signed loop).
Access: Join from the Capital City Trail on John Nolen; follow loop signs clockwise or counterclockwise.
Goes where: Continuous shoreline views, parks, and cafes around the lake.

Southwest Commuter Path

Distance: ~5.6–6 miles (downtown through the west side).
Access: Enter at Brittingham Park or along Bassett/West Washington connections.
Goes where: West through campus/Monroe Street with few crossings; links to Arboretum and other trails.

Yahara River Bike Path

Distance: 0.9 miles.
Access: Connect from the Capital City Trail (East) near the Yahara River.
Goes where: Bridges and parks between Lake Monona and Tenney Park on Lake Mendota—a calm lake-to-lake link.

Lower Yahara River Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles (includes a mile-long boardwalk).
Access: From the Capital City Trail (East/South), continue toward the lake marshes.
Goes where: Southeast toward McFarland via scenic wetlands—great add-on to the loop.

Which ULI communities connect easily? 

Capital City State Trail / Lake Monona Loop

Capitol Square: Capitol Hill, The Pressman
The Yards: SEVEN27, Nine Line, Tobacco Lofts, Quarter Row
Bassett: The Depot, Wilson Bay, City Place
Near East/Yards: Quarter Row, (Future) The Penny, Lincoln School Apartments

Southwest Commuter Path

Bassett: The Depot, Wilson Bay, City Place
The Yards: SEVEN27, Nine Line, Tobacco Lofts, Quarter Row
Monroe: 1722 Monroe

Yahara River Bike Path

Near Lincoln School Apartments (quick link to Tenney Park and lake-to-lake connections)

Ready to ride from your front door? Explore our communities and find your perfect bikeable home! ULI Apartment Search