Main Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The scenic main loop at Pheasant Branch Conservancy circles a large wetland on the northwest side of Lake Mendota. It is a relatively wide gravel path with sections of boardwalk and is fairly flat throughout the majority of the loop. While it crosses marsh, it also travels through forests and open meadows. This is a great trail resource since it's located in the city of Middleton and is not that far away for any Madison resident.

As far as urban parks go, this one is respectable in size. In this park, there are many opportunities to view wetland birds.

From this trail, there are a number of other trails in the park, including access to singletrack trails ascending Frederick's Hill, a great hill for those looking to get in some quick vertical and grand views of the Madison capital and Lake Mendota. This trail and park are a great resource for city residents in Dane County.

Waterfowl are quite common in the area, including sandhill cranes, herons, ducks, and many others, while owls, hawks and many songbirds dwell in the forests as well.