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Quarry Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Quarry 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.
Wooded area showcases hiking & mountain biking trails with steep hills, sharp bends & rocky terrain.
What runners say about Quarry Park
“Regardless, I'm giving the park 4 stars for its beautiful trails and legal firepits.”
“It's quiet, peaceful, and exceptionally clean.”
I turned up here to attend a firepit. A bunch of people chased me down screaming "Bigfoot, Bigfoot!" I understand that I'm large but there was no need to chase me out of the woods. Regardless, I'm giving the park 4 stars for its beautiful trails and legal firepits.
Ok, so this place is awesome. I've lived on the near west side for over 30 years and just found Quarry park this year. On the map it's small, but the elevation changes and trees allow you to forget it's surrounded by a city and explore a crazy patchwork of forest trails.
It would appear simple because it's so small, but this really is a great place to practice technical mountain biking skills. There are some jumps that are mostly low consequence, so they can be good for learning (though there are a couple that you need to know what you're doing).
Great place to go hang out in the woods. Rugged, old-school bike trails are a lot of fun for advanced to expert riders, and an absolute gem to have buried inside the city.
Trail conditions & character
“On the map it's small, but the elevation changes and trees allow you to forget it's surrounded by a city and explore a crazy patchwork of forest trails.”
“The whole park is wooded and interlaced with steep trails, a pump track, huge jumps, small jumps, and a "rollercoaster" track.”
“While not much is marked, and everything can be a little tight but it's a fun technical set of tracks hidden away in the middle of madison”
“Super place for birding and dogs are allowed on leash.”
“It's quiet, peaceful, and exceptionally clean.”
“Probably leave the stroller in the car.”
Plan your run at Quarry Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecityofmadison.com
- Phone(608) 266-4711
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.
Hoyt Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 365 reviews
A former quarry, this recreational area has picnic shelters with stone fireplaces & a trail network.
Raymer's Cove
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Nature preserve with hiking trails leading to a small beach on the lake.
Owen Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 341 reviews
This 97-acre property offers a network of hiking trails, views & an abundance of plants & wildlife.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
4.9 ★★★★★ 442 reviews
1,200 acres of varied habitats including prairies, forests & wetlands plus trails & nature classes.
