Home › Wisconsin › Waunakee › Yahara Heights County Park
Yahara Heights County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 235 Google reviews · Running trail in Waunakee, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Yahara Heights County 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.
Large dog area and a trail network at this park featuring lake views.
What runners say about Yahara Heights County Park
“The trails are well maintained and pass through prairie, oak savanna, forest, and marshland.”
“Piles of hiking trails, gorgeous landscapes of rolling WI prairies dotted with ample patches of forested hills.”
“Please respect this POSTED info, or the privilege of leashed dog walking in the greater area will be eliminated.”
Nice big fenced in area for your dog to run around and go swim. There is a $5 permit for the day to use the park.
This place is gorgeous, nature at its finest. Lots of trails, and water if you wanna let the dog swim.
Great place to commune with nature, spring, summer, winter or fall. Piles of hiking trails, gorgeous landscapes of rolling WI prairies dotted with ample patches of forested hills. Also affords some uncommon vantage points for scenic vistas of north shore of Lake Mendota, with the isthmus in the far distance.
The park is nice. Large dog area with walk in ramps. The kayak canoe boat launch is small and seperate from the dog park. It's easy to use when there aren't any fishers (who aren't supposed to be there. The short road in is unpaved.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a great dog park with access to the water for the doggies.”
“Piles of hiking trails, gorgeous landscapes of rolling WI prairies dotted with ample patches of forested hills.”
“Summary: Enjoy this invaluable resource responsibly, and follow the reasonable & minimal guidelines for users, & this resource will be accessible to all, forever.”
Plan your run at Yahara Heights County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- 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 Waunakee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - South
4.6 ★★★★★ 132 reviews
Nature preserve featuring trails for hiking and biking, as well as ponds and a boat ramp.
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
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Governor Nelson State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 863 reviews
Picturesque park featuring a beach on Lake Mendota, trails through woods & prairies, & a playground.
Bolz Conservancy Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
