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University of Wisconsin- Madison Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from University of Wisconsin- Madison Arboretum'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.
What runners say about University of Wisconsin- Madison Arboretum
“It is well maintained, very beautiful in the summer and spring time.”
Overall, this is a decent alternative to the main Arboretum. The terrain is hilly-er making it a more interesting place to walk. However, the trails mostly end up looking like roads and large sections have had controlled burns.
One of our favorite hiking spots. It’s hidden and that kinda makes it better. The cons: a tiny parking lot and the place floods often and it’s so muddy that it’s better to avoid the place for a couple days. The pros: You’ll go from woodland to prairie to marshland within a 15-30 minute walk.
This is one of my favorite hikes in Madison. There are plenty of trails to explore and within each trail it takes you to a different environment. It is well maintained, very beautiful in the summer and spring time.
Very nice place for hiking and birding. Much less populated than the Main Arboretum, much more heavily wooded.
Trail conditions & character
“There's a small parking lot where you can park free so you can go in and visit the arboretum from this end there are several different entrances into the arboretum.”
Plan your run at University of Wisconsin- Madison Arboretum
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance17 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitearboretum.wisc.edu
- Phone(608) 263-7888
- 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.
Dawley Conservancy
4.7 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Hiking and biking space with a marsh and scenic views.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum
4.9 ★★★★★ 442 reviews
1,200 acres of varied habitats including prairies, forests & wetlands plus trails & nature classes.
Rosecommons Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 35 reviews
Dawley Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 reviews