We started at the Cross Plains trailhead and did this segment of the Ice Age Trail as an out and…read moreback hike that was a little over 5 miles. It was delightful with tons of wildflowers and butterflies! A fair amount of this segment is through restored prairie, so that means sun of course! Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. There are some wooded sections too, and a few hills. While there are some sections with tree roots and rocks, this is a pretty easy trail for anyone who is used to any hiking, so it's a great choice for a relaxing hike to just enjoy being outdoors. In mid-August, we didn't have trouble with mosquitoes or flies, but we did put on bug spray before starting just to be safe. There aren't any water sources on this section so bring whatever amount of water you need. There is a great view of the "Driftless" area at the high point near the end of this segment, be sure to get to that before turning around!

This place is easy to miss being that it's only been open to the public since 2014. Prior to that…read moreyou might remember seeing a farm there. Halfway Prairie is great place to shoot some photos, hike, admire what's left of the old stone house and the still standing shed-barn. This parcel is eventually supposed to be part of the Ice Age Trail. Please be respectful of the site and don't go inside the fenced area where the house is. This is a neat place that makes you think about everything those walls have seen. It's located right across from Indian Lake County Park.

My sister and I came across halfway prairie while visiting Indian Lake for the first time. We were…read moreinstantly curious about the history of the old stone house and barn that are now falling in ruins, and actually would never have realized that Halfway Prairie was there had we not gone to take a look at the ruins! The house is fenced to protect visitors from crumbling stone, but still offers great views and photo opportunities! You can catch a glimpse of Indian Lake across the street. We unfortunately were not able to hike secondary to the large amounts of ice that had accumulated last week, but will definitely return when the weather is better!

stunning such a nice informational ride out there beautiful walk. Would recommend for all agesread more

This was a pretty cool and quick 20 minute walk to breeze through. Pretty and peaceful. Completely…read morepaved easy path.

As a lover of WI's dying prairies, having this remnant prairie so close to Madison, WI almost seems…read moretoo good to be true. A great place to watch the seasons change from the first hint of greens in the spring to the vibrancy of summer and the rich tones of fall. Go mushroom foraging, take a walk, take so many pictures you run out of storage on your iphone!

I'm a bit amazed by how good all the reviews for the Conservancy are on Yelp and Google, given how…read morelittle of the conservancy gets you away from houses or streets. While a fairly nice space in and of itself, those that gush about it apparently have never seen the other 85% of the area that is much more beautiful. It is a nice place to take a hike if you don't have the time or means to get out of the city proper. However, Pheasant Branch itself is a brackish, polluted stream. There are plenty of trout streams within a 15 minute drive of town that are much cleaner and more picturesque. The trails themselves are usually pretty busy, so I've never really felt like I'm getting away from it all. That all said, have at it! If you want to get a hike or jog in, especially with your dog or your kids, don't let me rain on your parade. You can see enough of what it's like yourself from all the posted photos. I do encourage you to cast your net a bit wider, to Donald Park, Indian Lake, or any of the much more secluded and beautiful places just minutes away from Madison.

This family owned cave offers a wonderful intimate experience for those who would like to do a…read morelittle more than walk around in large caverns. The owners worked very hard to make your experience a positive one. They encourage you to get down and dirty as you explore the different parts of the cave. Wear some old jeans, a sweatshirt, and be prepared for fun.

This family owned cave offers a wonderful intimate experience for those who would like to do a…read morelittle more than walk around in large caverns. The owners worked very hard to make your experience a positive one. They encourage you to get down and dirty as you explore the different parts of the cave. Wear some old jeans, a sweatshirt, and be prepared for fun.

Really liked this quick stop for a jaunty little hike before moving on our way…read more Loved the views and thankfully it was pretty quiet on a Monday afternoon. A bit of an uphill climb at the start but very manageable, especially compared to nearby Devil's Lake. There is a decent sized parking lot at the bottom of a hill driving in so you can usually find a spot. Recommend if you're in the area!

It's a fairly steep, but not too long hike to get to the top, but wow, the view is great. It's not…read moretoo busy up there, but I would not bring kids since there are cliffs there. My wife was nervous when I even got close to an edge.

This is a fun section of the ice age trail just outside of Belleville. It has some nice elevation…read morechanges and the beautiful outcroppings are very cool. I like the different topography included on the trail. There is a really nice flat space on top of the ridge to enjoy the view. Dogs are allowed if they are on leash.

Highly recommend hiking here!…read more There is a small parking lot. It helps to come early otherwise you may have to find parking somewhere else. We noticed cars just parking on the side of the county road. After you park you have to pay for a ticket and stick it on your dashboard. This ticket will also get you into Devil's Lake which is awesome so you don't have to pay for both. Right by the parking lot they have some area/trail/hiking information as well as bathrooms. This is the start for 2 different trailheads. You can go right for the Parfey's Glen State Natural Area or you can go left on part of the Ice Age trail. We decided to do both with our dogs. We first did the Ice Age trail which was a narrow wooded trail. Beautiful with a good amount of uphill. We did about 3 miles out and back. We could have gone much farther. It was so nice, we only saw 2 other people on the trail. Then we went over and did about a mile in Parfey's Glen. Everyone we saw in the parking lot seemed to do Parfey's Glen, it wasn't too crowded late morning but we saw a good amount of people. Lot of families so definitely a kid friendly hike. It was such a nice hike, it starts on a paved path and then goes to gravel, and then dirt. Along the way there are streams (that you have to cross so bring your hiking boots or shoes you don't care about). Towards the end I believe there is a waterfall but we didn't make it that far with the dogs. I look forward to going back and doing the entire hike.

Totally worth the time, part of the trail isn't maintained and Ww were able to continue navigating…read more There's a small stream so shoes may get wet. The scenery was heavenly all around you. We had walking sticks and they were helpful .

great scenery and ambience with the stream running and different levels of view places to hike…read moreand views are spectacular highly recommend coming here

Nice little state park for an extended weekend. Please note that there are no shower facilities or…read moreflush toilets. Vault style only. The park features two camping areas. We stayed in Canyon Ridge, which is non electric. All 50 sites were spacious and clean. The camp host and a few area residents sold firewood, which was a nice surprise The park has a number of hiking trails that are short, but challenging. Many lead to, or start at the Apple River, so there is plenty to keep kids occupied.

This is a great mountain biking trail system in Fitchburg. Right off Fitchrona, there's a decent…read moreparking lot to park your car/truck. The trailhead is just beyond the bathrooms. They have a fun selection of singletrack trails from beginner to the more advanced. The trails are nicely maintained and fun to ride. Cyclists are friendly and will let you pass if they're moving a little slower than you. This is a family trail system , with lots of levels of difficulty. Perfect for groups of people of different riding levels. The fall colors are just starting, so the trails are really pretty this time of year. Please keep it clean out there and ride only when it's dry. That helps keep the trail safe for riders out there. The little pond is really scenic when the sun is setting in the evening. There are lots of fun turns and some obstacles too. Watch the signs and have fun!