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Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
4.6 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South'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.
Nature preserve featuring trails for hiking and biking, as well as ponds and a boat ramp.
What runners say about Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
“such a beautiful location, nice scenic area with lots of activities to do.”
“Beautifully maintained, incredible scenery and miles and miles of trails for all levels of skiers.”
Wonderful views from trails! Entrances to trails can be a little hard to find from parking lots, but definitely worth that little bit of wandering about. Favorite one starts to the left of the boat launch. Really well maintained - big thank you to the great parks workers!
One of my favorite places to unwind and escape city life. With it being just outside of Madison, tucked in the quiet neighborhood on the Northside, it's a perfect retreat from the chaos that is humanity. Nice manicured paths that wind up a down through hills, prairies, marshes, ponds and tranquil forests.
Hiking Trail Review Cherokee Marsh South Unit Trails - 4.5 Miles Trailhead is easy to find with plenty of free camping parking. Trial is very well maintained and marked. Super easy with not much of an incline. Dry today with lots of bugs, bring bug spray.
Well-groomed grassy paths meadner through marshland and white oak groves. Lots of oyster mushrooms and prairie plants. This is an easy walk. Dogs are not allowed in the park, but kids would enjoy this casual stroll!
Trail conditions & character
“such a beautiful location, nice scenic area with lots of activities to do.”
“Entrances to trails can be a little hard to find from parking lots, but definitely worth that little bit of wandering about.”
“Nice manicured paths that wind up a down through hills, prairies, marshes, ponds and tranquil forests.”
“Can drive in enough to get to river and portage for kayaking and canoeing.”
Plan your run at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3.8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecityofmadison.com
- Phone(608) 266-4711
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–6 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.
Yahara Heights County Park
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Large dog area and a trail network at this park featuring lake views.
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North
4.7 ★★★★★ 319 reviews
Low prairie & wetlands cover 2,000 acres at this preserve with a trail & boardwalk for visitors.
Walking Trail
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Governor Nelson State Park
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Picturesque park featuring a beach on Lake Mendota, trails through woods & prairies, & a playground.
Bolz Conservancy Park
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