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Hoyt Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hoyt Park'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.
A former quarry, this recreational area has picnic shelters with stone fireplaces & a trail network.
What runners say about Hoyt Park
“It has: great views looking over Madison, great stone work paths, exposured rock cliffs, a big field, a basketball court, great playground, and two pretty big shelters.”
“Lots of shade on a hot day, and some nice, large grass areas to get some sun as well.”
“Somehow, the city sounds seem to fade away, and you're left with a peaceful silence rarely found in the middle of the city.”
Amazing 🤩 If you ever want a great place to have a bonfire date or just want to hike in a near by forest preserve, then I highly recommend giving Hoyt Park a try! There is wood provided and many fire pits to choose Perfect for cold summer/fall nights
My Take on Hoyt Park: A Madison Gem! If you're anything like me, you appreciate finding those hidden havens in a bustling city, and Hoyt Park is exactly that for Madison. Tucked away just enough to escape the constant hum of traffic, it truly feels like a breath of fresh air.
This is truly an amazing place. Somehow, the city sounds seem to fade away, and you're left with a peaceful silence rarely found in the middle of the city. I really enjoyed taking the trail along Bluff Street, the signs along the way made this city park as nice as a county or state park.
The park is a nice escape from the busy city that surrounds it. You really do feel like you're in the middle of the woods/prairie without having left Madison. We like to come here for walks and to relax. The neighborhood is also very nice surrounding the park.
Trail conditions & character
“It has: great views looking over Madison, great stone work paths, exposured rock cliffs, a big field, a basketball court, great playground, and two pretty big shelters.”
“Lots of shade on a hot day, and some nice, large grass areas to get some sun as well.”
“Somehow, the city sounds seem to fade away, and you're left with a peaceful silence rarely found in the middle of the city.”
“Beautiful forested trails (dogs allowed), rock outcroppings, prairie, and great fireplace picnic areas.”
Plan your run at Hoyt Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofmadison.com
- Phone(608) 266-4711
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 4 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.
Quarry Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 123 reviews
Wooded area showcases hiking & mountain biking trails with steep hills, sharp bends & rocky terrain.
Raymer's Cove
4.8 ★★★★★ 237 reviews
Nature preserve with hiking trails leading to a small beach on the lake.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
4.9 ★★★★★ 442 reviews
1,200 acres of varied habitats including prairies, forests & wetlands plus trails & nature classes.
Owen Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 341 reviews
This 97-acre property offers a network of hiking trails, views & an abundance of plants & wildlife.
