Home › Wisconsin › Madison › Capital Springs Recreation Area
Capital Springs Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 313 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Capital Springs Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This expansive open space features camping, picnic shelters, trails & a pond with boat launch.
What runners say about Capital Springs Recreation Area
“The baskets are well kept and the course is challenging, but fun enough for a beginner to play at.”
“Disc golf course, dog park, bike path, walking trails, camping.”
Really nice park to walk through. I usually play disc golf when I come here. The baskets are well kept and the course is challenging, but fun enough for a beginner to play at. The island hole is most definitely my favorite.
Such a beautiful area. Disc golf course, dog park, bike path, walking trails, camping. They have a lot to pick from and so close to Madison.
Capital Springs State Recreation has several parts you can visit. I went to the park down by the boat dock and walked around the trails for 3 miles and never came across another person. The trails go into the woods and along a field. There are several other parks nearby as well.
This is a great park. We loved the trail. We walked down to lake waubesa. The mosquitos were not too bad at 10am. The trails had a bunch of shade which was nice on the warm day we walked it. The dog park is awesome! Very family friendly!
Trail conditions & character
“I like how big the small dog park area was and the flowers are pretty.”
“Bike trail is close with easy access to water and bathrooms.”
“The main trail is a bicycle path that crosses a long boardwalk and bridge over a lake into Mcfarland.”
Plan your run at Capital Springs Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedanecountyparks.com
- Phone+1 608-224-3730
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Madison
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lower Yahara River Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
Park featuring a long boardwalk and bridge connecting two sides of a lake.
Turville Point Conservation Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
Picturesque, lakeside retreat featuring over 3 miles of trails amid oak trees & spring wildflowers.
McGaw Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
Recreation site offering baseball, softball, tennis, and volleyball courts, plus picnic facilities, and a playground.