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Madison, Wisconsin

Looking for the best hiking in Madison? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Madison. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Madison

  • North Freedom, Wisconsin

    Hike the Natural Bridge State Park Loop

    3.5 mi / 566 ft gain
    Located in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, Natural Bridge State Park includes 530-acres of oak and hardwood trees, small prairie remnants with grasses and cacti, ferns, and the rare goldenrod and purple cliffbrake. Wildlife in the park includes turkey vultures, pileated woodpeckers, and bald eagles...
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  • Baraboo, Wisconsin

    Explore Pewit's Nest State Natural Area

    3.8
    1 mi / 30 ft gain
    Please note this warning from the park's website: Climbing on rock walls, cliff jumping or entering the closed area for any reason is prohibited, and violators will be subject to a $175 citation. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing in food or beverage or being on the property between 8 p.m...
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  • Dodgeville, Wisconsin

    Camp at Governor Dodge State Park

    4.7
    You can make campground reservations ahead of time or drive into the park to talk to a ranger, and reserve a hike-in campsite for the a night.Once you're all set up, you can hike to the beach of Cox Hollow Lake to hang out, go for a swim, or snap a few sunset photos.There are beaches on both Cox...
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  • Reedsburg, Wisconsin

    Hike the Echo Rock Trail

    2 mi / 60 ft gain
    Park near the boat launch parking lot and follow signs for the "Echo Rock" trail. This trail will take you roughly 45 minutes round trip to complete from the parking lot. Well worth your time if you are already in the park as it is one of the best scenic areas and topographical landmarks that the...
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  • Palmyra, Wisconsin

    Hike the Bald Bluff Trail

    3.2 mi / 475 ft gain
    Parking There is a small parking lot off of County Rd H. The trailhead is marked at the back of the lot. Please be advised that there are no facilities here. Trail Description The Bald Bluff Trail starts at the trailhead marked behind the parking lot. From there, the trail traverses 0.5 miles up ...
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  • Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

    Chapel Gorge Trail

    5.0
    1.85 mi / 240 ft gain
    Chapel Gorge Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
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  • Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

    Hike through Witches Gulch Slot Canyon

    5.0
    You can most easily visit Witches Gulch via the Upper Dells Boat Ride and it was phenomenal! My kids were mesmerized by the mossy rocks, the walkways. Bring an extra layer because it is significantly cooler in the slot canyons than the boat ride. 
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  • Dousman, Wisconsin

    Ice Age Trail: Scuppernong

    6.8 mi / 545 ft gain
    Ice Age Trail: Scuppernong is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Dousman, Wisconsin.
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  • Horicon, Wisconsin

    Hike through the Wetlands of the Horicon Marsh

    4.5
    5.25 mi
    Horicon Marsh is located about an hour north of Milwaukee. The wildlife refuge features several trails ranging from a quarter mile up to nearly 3 miles long. Terrain can vary slightly, but most of the land, especially around the wetlands, is flat. The marsh features an abundance of wildlife. Hund...
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