Fall is here, and Madison, WI is the perfect place to soak in the season! From colorful fall foliage and crisp autumn weather to family-friendly hiking trails and scenic parks, there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Peak fall colors in Madison usually appear from late September through mid-October, making it the ideal time for leaf-peeping, weekend hikes, and nature walks.
Madison parks has a solid start, and here are some of our personal top recommendations of where to explore this season.
- UW Arboretum - the Arboretum has tall grass prairies, savannas, wetlands and several types of forest. Guide yourself around, or go on an educational tour of the area!
- Picnic Point - nearly mile-long peninsula along the shore of Lake Mendota. There are many walking trails in this park, varying in length and difficulty.
- William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park (South Madison) - located just five miles south of downtown Madison, this scenic county park is a top spot for fall hiking and family fun. Named in honor of longtime Dane County Parks leader William G. Lunney, the park offers hiking trails, an observation tower with beautiful fall foliage views, and easy access to the Capital City and Lower Yahara River paved bike trails.
East Madison
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens (Madison, east) - a 16-acre outdoor botanical garden and a conservatory. This fall, they are hosting an outdoor light show, GLEAM. Check it out on Wed-Sat evenings!
- Door Creek Park - plenty of birds, ponds, woods and open prairie)
- Edna Taylor (connected to Aldo Leopold Nature Center) Lake Farm Park (South/Eastside)
- CamRock County Park (Cambridge) - on this 4.9-mile loop trail, you’ll pass over creeks, through dense forests, and over sweeping plains. This is a great park to bike or walk at
North Madison
- Governor's Island - short, but lots of different paths so each time is different. And great views over the lake.
- Token Creek (Deforest) - do a loop of multiple distances, and yes, explore the creek
- Cherokee Marsh (Northside) - wooded trails, prairie boardwalks, and a lookout tower
West Madison
- Indian Lake - options for hills for a view, woods, or a flatter loop around the lake
- Pheasant Branch Conservancy (Middleton) - tons of intersecting loops and paths to add variety each time, plus a playground and easy access to downtown
- Elver Park - wooded trails, a huge hill with views and a great playground
- Donald County Park (Mt. Horeb) - trails, overlooks in a beautiful area with rolling hills
