Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Capital City State Trail

The Capital City State Trail is the link around and through Madison between the Military Ridge State Trail and, eventually, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Nine miles of the trail go through the scenic Capital Springs State Recreation Area (Dane County E-way) south of Madison between Verona Road and Industrial Drive near Nob Hill.

In the City of Madison, the trail follows seven miles of city bikeways from Industrial Drive near Nob Hill, under the Beltline Highway, along John Nolen Drive, past the Monona Terrace Convention Center downtown, and through the east side of Madison.

A 1-mile link along Verona Road in Fitchburg connects the Capital City Trail to the Military Ridge State Trail. The Capital City Trail also connects to Madison's Southwest Path and the Badger State Trail to the Illinois border.

Activities

The Capital City State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]

Walking, Bicycling and In-line Skating

     The Capital City State Trail's asphalt surface is good for bicycling, walking, jogging, and in-line skating. A state trail pass is required for anyone 16 and older who bikes, skates, or roller-skis on the nine miles of the trail that go through the Capital Springs E-way south of Madison between Verona Road and Nob Hill near Industrial Drive. Passes are available at the trailheads at Verona Road and Nob Hill, the kiosk at the Syene Road parking lot or at the Lussier Family Heritage Center during normal business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dane County [exit DNR] subsidizes passes for bicyclists who use the trail primarily for transportation rather than recreational purposes.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

The asphalt surface make portions of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments. There are some hills on the Capital City State Trail that may have some some steep inclines.

Camping

Camping is available at the Capital Springs State Recreation Area.

More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Capital City State Trail.

For more information, ask:

Dane County Parks Division
1 Fen Oak Court, Room 208
Madison, WI 53718-8812
(608) 224-3730