By Jeffrey Affeldt
Glacial Drumlin Trail Visitors Guide
Madison is well-known for its bike-friendly streets and trails, often garnering national attention for its outdoor recreation opportunities and quality of life. The Northside is no exception, offering designated routes and often scenic routes for cyclists of all skill levels. Here are a few of my favorites.
A good starting point for a bike ride is Warner Park. Centrally located in the Northside, this large greenspace features a paved trail that winds through the park, offering expansive views of Lake Mendota and the surrounding neighborhoods.
For a green and woodsy destination with great lake views, ride to Governors Island.
From the northwest corner of Warner Park, at the intersection of Northport and Troy Drives, ride west on Troy Drive then turn left onto Main Drive into the rolling green grounds of Mendota Mental Health Institute. Turn left onto Cinder Lane, and follow this to the parking area. Here you’ll find several wooded trails and paths, including a loop around Governors Island, a high sandstone bluff nearly surrounded by the waters of Lake Mendota. Between the majestic cottonwoods, visitors are granted expansive views of the state capitol and more.
For those looking for a more urban adventure, head south on Sherman Avenue toward downtown Madison. Sherman Avenue is a designated bike route, offering a safer and more direct way to reach the heart of the city. Along the way, you’ll pass through vibrant Northside neighborhoods, home to an array of stores, restaurants and even a new bike shop.
If you’re looking for a quieter and more natural experience, head north on Sherman Avenue to Cherokee Marsh. The six miles of unpaved trails are off-limits to bikes, but lock your ride in the provided rack and enjoy a restorative walk through hills of oak forest or down to the namesake marsh.
Starkweather Creek Path is a popular bike and pedestrian route that runs along the banks of Starkweather Creek, a tributary of Lake Monona. The path is about 2 miles long and connects several neighborhoods on the north and east sides of the city. The path starts near the intersection of Packers and Aberg Avenues, heads east along the edge of the Bridges Golf Course, then swings south over a swooping, modern pedestrian bridge.
The path is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and skill levels, and offers pleasant views of the creek and surrounding natural areas. One of the highlights of the Starkweather Creek Path is the abundance of wildlife that may be seen along the way. The creek is home to a variety of fish, birds and other animals, and the path passes through several wetland areas, providing important habitat for many species. The south end connects with the Capitol City Trail near the Goodman Community Center.
No matter where you choose to bike on Madison’s Northside, there are plenty of resources available to help you plan your route. The City of Madison’s bike map provides detailed information on bike-friendly streets, trails and bike parking locations. The city’s bike share program, B-Cycle, offers a convenient way to rent a bike for the day and explore the city on two wheels, and boasts several stations throughout the north and east sides.
Biking around the Northside of Madison offers a variety of options for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through scenic parks or connecting with more urban destinations, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and bike-friendly city.
Grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and discover all that the Northside has to offer.
Jeffrey L. Affeldt lives and works on the Northside and is editor of the new Glacial Drumlin Trail Visitors Guide (GlacialDrumlinTrail.com).