Take a Hike in Madison Parks

Autumn's arrival earlier this week has us excited for cool days and park trails blanketed with colorful crisp leaves. If you're in the mood for a break in nature, check out these suggested locations to explore this fall.  

Tenney Park, 1650 Sherman Ave. is a favorite place for observing birds and fall colors! Explore the lake path around the picturesque lagoon and along the Yahara River for scenic fall views.

Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North Unit, 6098 N Sherman Ave. 

Take the River trail to the Hickory Island boardwalk (named after the hickory trees) for a great view of the marsh and go back up the trail to the Overlook trail through the woods. In fall, leaf colors change with shortening hours of daylight. Hayrides & Hikes: Set for Saturday, October 19 at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, North Unit. 

Owen Conservation Park, 6021 Old Sauk Road

Slip on your hiking shoes and discover the amazing variety of native wildflowers, butterflies and other forms of life in the restored prairies at Owen Conservation Park. Hike among the giant oaks and across the Ice Age moraine hill to look for wild turkeys and white-tailed deer feeding on acorns on the ground and colorful woodpeckers hammering for insects in the trees. What kinds of life do you see? Bring binoculars or a camera if you have one. TRAIL MAP 

Turville Point Conservation Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Court 

Start your walk through the woodsy path from the parking lot to the restored prairie. Continue along the winding nature trails for spectacular views of ancient pine groves and colorful autumn trees. If feeling adventurous you can follow a bit steeper paths down to the Lake Monona shoreline and circle back to the prairie and parking lot.

Warner Park, 2930 N. Sherman Ave.Reflections and Change Take a fall nature walk on the easy paths along the Warner Lagoon, through the quiet Warner Woods and up to the sled hill for a beautiful view of the Wild Side of Warner Park.

Edna Taylor Conservation Park, 330 Femrite Drive 

Make your own nature adventure list of interesting things you find. Edna Taylor Conservation Park connects to the trails of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center and nearby Woodland Park in Monona. TRAIL MAP