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Capital City State Trail

• Trail map [PDF]
• Rail trail: No
• Length: 17 miles
• Surface: asphalt
• Counties: Dane
• Communities: Madison, Fitchburg
• State trail pass required for bicycling and in-line skating in the Nine Springs E-Way (9 miles)

Contact information

For information, contact:

Dane County Parks Division
5201 Fen Oak Dr, Room 208
Madison WI 53718-8812
608-224-3730

Wisconsin State Park System Capital City State Trail

DNR Photo

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 one-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.

Trail activities

The 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]

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 [exit DNR] 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.

Camping

Camping is available at Capital Springs State Recreation Area.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

Directions

Parking for the Capital City State Trail is available at the Dawley Conservancy Park on Seminole Highway, the DNR Service Center on Fish Hatchery Road, Syene Road and Capital Springs Recreation Area along Lake Farm Road. Trail map [PDF].

Volunteering

• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• Madison [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Madison Bikeway System [exit DNR]
• Madison [exit DNR]
• Lussier Family Heritage Center [exit DNR]
• Dane County Bicycle Map [exit DNR]
• Dane County Parks [exit DNR]