Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Capital City State Trail is the link around and through Madison between the Military Ridge State Trail, Badger State Trail and, eventually, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Nine miles of the trail go through the scenic Capital Springs State Recreation Area (Dane County E-way) south of Madison between Verona Road and Industrial Drive near Nob Hill.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Capital City State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; and biking in May–June and September–October.
What can you do at Capital City State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking. Spring (March–May): hiking and biking. Summer (June–August): hiking and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color and biking.
Do you need a state park sticker at Capital City State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Capital City State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking and in-line skating: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Capital City State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Capital Springs State Recreation Area (2 mi), Lake Kegonsa State Park (8 mi) and Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
Best months
May · June · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling and in-line skating.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 608-224-3730
Nearby
- Capital Springs State Recreation Area (2 mi)
- Lake Kegonsa State Park (8 mi)
- Governor Nelson State Park (9 mi)
- Cross Plains State Park (13 mi)
- Badger State Trail (21 mi)
Closures and alerts for Capital City State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.