Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit is a 2,500-acre urban-edge park located just south of Madison, Wisconsin. This recreation area features a diverse landscape composed of extensive wetlands, sedge meadows, native forests, and restored prairies, alongside miles of undisturbed lakeshore and numerous springs. The terrain includes both flat, paved paths and natural dirt trails, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and more. The Monona Conservancy Unit itself is a 226-acre wetland area known for its undisturbed wildlife habitat.
The Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit offers 1 routes across several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and more. More than 17,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars. For hikers and joggers, the area provides over 6 miles (9.7 km) of trails and boardwalks, including an intricate 5-mile (8.0 km) system through the Lewis Nine Springs E-Way that winds through wetlands and forests. The Monona Conservancy Unit contributes over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails ideal for bird and wildlife viewing. Cyclists can explore an extensive paved network, including the 17-mile (27.4 km) Capital City State Trail, which connects to broader regional routes. Discover more options for Hiking in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit or explore Road Cycling Routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit.
100
Routes
4.4
(59)
Average rating
1706
People visited

5.0
(1)
12
hikers
26.7km
06:50
100m
120m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

3
hikers
7.33km
01:52
20m
20m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

1
hikers
4.45km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

2.01km
00:31
10m
0m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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72
riders
42.5km
02:01
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3.0
(1)
105
riders
48.3km
02:04
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.0
(4)
97
riders
53.4km
02:24
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.3
(3)
89
riders
24.4km
01:00
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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97
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

26
runners
4.21km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy run. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(1)
19
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(1)
20
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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4.7
(3)
63
riders
41.6km
02:29
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

14
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

5.0
(1)
43
riders
23.3km
01:26
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.

21
riders
19.9km
01:08
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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10
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
27.0km
01:37
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.0
(2)
7
riders
32.6km
01:48
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride.

4
riders
31.3km
01:39
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride.
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Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The area features over 6 miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails and boardwalks, alongside an extensive paved trail network for cyclists. The Monona Conservancy Unit itself provides over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails for wildlife viewing.
Yes, the recreation area features over 6 miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails and boardwalks, including a 5-mile (8.0 km) system through the Lewis Nine Springs E-Way. The Monona Conservancy Unit specifically offers over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails. Explore various options with the Hiking in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
Capital Springs State Recreation Area is a premier destination for cyclists, featuring an extensive paved trail network. The 17-mile (27.4 km) Capital City State Trail winds through the area, connecting to broader regional networks. Find suitable routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
Yes, the recreation area offers trails suitable for various fitness levels, including easy and family-friendly options. Many segments of the paved trails are accessible, and some hiking paths are relatively flat. Consult the Family-friendly hikes and Easy hikes guides for specific recommendations.
Specific regulations regarding dogs may vary by trail section or unit within the recreation area. It is generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and follow posted signage. For dog-friendly options, refer to the Dog-friendly hikes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
The area is known for its diverse natural features, including extensive wetlands, sedge meadows, native forests, and restored prairies. Visitors can observe miles of undisturbed lakeshore, numerous springs, and the Nine Springs Creek. The Monona Conservancy Unit is a 226-acre wetland area, offering significant bird and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 17,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from over 850 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Trail maps and detailed route information can be found on komoot, often within specific route descriptions or guides. The Wisconsin DNR and Dane County Parks websites also provide official maps for the recreation area. These resources help in planning visits and navigating the extensive trail system.
Parking is available at various access points throughout Capital Springs State Recreation Area, including locations near trailheads and park facilities. Specific parking areas may be managed by either the Wisconsin DNR or Dane County Parks. Visitors should check official park websites for detailed parking information and any associated fees.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking, Road Cycling, and Running Trails. There are also specialized guides for Family-friendly hikes, Easy hikes, and Dog-friendly hikes.
The official website for the Wisconsin DNR section of Capital Springs State Recreation Area is dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/capsprings/. For inquiries related to Dane County Parks, which manages parts of the area, the phone number is +1-608-224-3730. These resources provide up-to-date information on park regulations and facilities.
Yes, the Monona Conservancy Unit is a 226-acre wetland area specifically known for its undisturbed wildlife habitat and excellent bird viewing opportunities. The broader recreation area, particularly the MMSD Wildlife Observation Unit, attracts over 200 different species of birds. Interpretive signs along some trails provide educational information about the local environment.

