As a lover of WI's dying prairies, having this remnant prairie so close to Madison, WI almost seems too 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! read more

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I'm a bit amazed by how good all the reviews for the Conservancy are on Yelp and Google, given how little 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. read more

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Great place to take your dog for a walk on the path (leashed please, as it's a wildlife conservancy), go for a bike ride or a walk. There's a few small parking lots and be sure to stop by and see the bubbling spring in the mud - it stays the same temperature no matter the time of year! read more

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Shiba Inus enjoying their hike. IG: @sukiyakishiba - Hiking Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Love hiking these trails. Can spend an hour or more and the dog loves it. Nice variety which keeps it interesting.

There is a 4.2 mile loop trail surrounding this spring fed creek on the outskirts of Middleton. Perfect for a walk or run, we saw quite a few people with doggies too! Very scenic and well maintained, with multiple parking areas around the conservancy. read more

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I've always loved the vast amount of areas the conservancy has! Lots of places to take great photos, see nature and just be free.

Awesome trails. Love all of the river crossings. Many of them have giant stepping stones to get you across the water. While you can start at a variety of areas, I love parking near the Middleton Hills neighborhood so I can get in a run and then have brunch with my friends at Prairie Cafe afterwards. Scenic prairie, woods, rivers, and a couple of spots you'll be in more of the commercial side of town, but I'm good with mixing up the scenery. Still plenty I have to explore yet, maybe when it warms up a couple of degrees! read more

My favorite place running on the west side of town. You can tag a run here on to the trails system taking you all the way out through Quisling park for a seriously long run, all on trails (some paved, some crushed gravel) and with minimal road crossings. You'll have a good chance to encounter turkeys, deer, and other critters on the trails, especially early in the morning. Nice place for a bike ride with the family-- take the kids to the springs on the north side of the park and watch things bubble up through the silt. Middleton rocks for places like this! read more

I have been running in this park for over for 15 years. It's one of Dane County's greatest treasure. Middleton provides excellent support for this unique landmark. Pheasant Branch Springs is a national treasure -- most people don't realize that ... The perks proximity to bike paths and the Middleton pool make this area sensational jam for current and future generations. Protect the springs -- buy up the land, and make this place a treasure that people 50 or 100 years from now can enjoy. read more

I live right next to the conservancy. It is my favorite place to be. I love to walk around the entire thing. I can't always do that but I try to get out there as often as I can. I have never walked through the conservancy without seeing new things. Every single time I go something is exciting that I have not seen previously. It is a gem in our midst. I find the pathways extremely helpful and comfortable there are plenty of places to sit and rest. People are very thoughtful of one another whenever I come across them. There are endless things to draw your interest and compel you to return. Please see my photographs! read more

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With approximately 3.5 miles of trails to walk, run, and/or bike, the Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a gem in the Madison area. The main loop passes through woods and prairie, past some neighborhoods, and is a mixture of wood planks, gravel, and dirt. Gravel/dirt offshoots go into the marshy areas, up some hills, and generally add to the outdoor enjoyment one can get from spending time in the Conservancy. With an abundance of wildlife, the Conservancy is also a prime bird watching destination (http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail/sites/PheasantBranch.htm). There's even a playground, some soccer pitches, tennis courts, and a shelter with water fountains and soda machines one one side of the Conservancy. read more

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I wish southern states invested in this sort of regularly / easily engageable park or park information regularly (or, well, actually, at all). Yeah, I understand that at some times of the year portions of certain trails don't offer much in the way of nature - personally, I don't think that merits a useful complaint, as it means that the trails (overall) remain more accessible to average folks in higher traffic areas. 'Them's the facts' of having traverse-able trails meant mostly year round for multiple users (walkers, runners, strollers, bikers) in this climate, it's not all going to be gorgeous water views or crossings on warm summer days. And in my opinion, they've planned fairly well, even for the winter. read more

I'd say this is the best park in Madison and one I've been going to quite regularly for at least 3 years now. The actual length of the path is quite generous and it takes a solid 50+minutes to walk the whole thing at a leisurely pace. The scenery changes from woods with streams to gorgeous meadows with flowers. There is a tall hill and other trails also that branch off the main loop. It is popular enough now that you might even find parking troubles on weeknights! There are many people traveling at different speeds from biking, running and walking but largely everyone is friendly and polite in this peaceful area. read more

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Pheasant Branch in the Fall. - Hiking Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Tons of trails. I walked along a field type path for a few miles then explored a more wooded area. I saw plenty of man made bird houses but not too many birds. I was really hoping to spot some cranes or owls..maybe next time. Great scenery! read more

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Hiking Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

Great place to walk, run, hike, bike and snowshoe. The recent floods did some damage but amazing volunteers have patched up a lot of it. There is more work to do with the boardwalk but this is a definite favorite place to take walks. read more

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Hiking Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

I recently discovered this gem while looking for a place to hike with my young grandchildren. The paths are fun and wind through both prairie and woods. There are boardwalks and bridges, and a place to check out springs where you can wade in the cool water. We started and ended at the park, which was a plus for the kids. I look forward to checking out additional trails here in the future. I feel like we just scratched the surface even though we hiked for several hours. read more

Some parts are really great: appropriately nature-y, secluded, river crossings, etc. But in many other parts you are literally walking along side the highway or traipsing through suburban backyards. If you go in the heat of summer note that there are long stretches without any shade. And none of the maps posted along the way have an ideo locator (did you know that's what the "you are here" arrow is called?), except for the one just off M where some good samaritan taped on a Post-it note to designate the spot. read more

Love coming here at least once a week! Its so beautiful and always well kept, while still a natural and safe environment for the wildlife!

It seems like only a fool would rate this fewer than 5 stars. Why would you go to a place like this unless you enjoyed nature and outdoor activity? The trails are open to hikers, runners & bikers, and the atmosphere is sublime. I'll go again and again to take advantage of pristine nature and well-groomed and well-maintained trails. Dogs on leash read more

A great treasure of Middleton! Miles of trails for walking, running, or biking with changing view nearly every day - if you keep your eyes open. Some of the best views around. read more

Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Wild flowers bloom all summer long. - Hiking Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

One of my favorite walking paths! I literally drive there, park my car and then go for a relaxing walk that doesn't seem nearly as long as it is because of the beautiful surroundings. read more