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A wide path that loops around much of the scenic Pheasant Branch Conservancy.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.2

KM

Loop

946' 288 m

High

864' 263 m

Low

158' 48 m

Up

155' 47 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

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

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

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.

Shared By:

Chris Rozoff with improvements by Jessica Roum

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 8 votes

#23779

Overall
  3.5 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
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3 Star
75%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#279

in Wisconsin

#23,779

Overall
2 Views Last Month
951 Since Mar 28, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

40%
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Photos

Overlooking prairie from the Main Loop.
Mar 29, 2016 near Middleton, WI

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 94 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 13, 2020
Jacque M
Brad, Bolt, & I Parked at Gaylord/Nelson Went S 1st explored the creek. Last 1/2 super sunny & hot. Didn't explore Fredrick's Hill.
Dec 17, 2019
P.J. Mergen
27° (16° wind-chill) 4.1mi — 1h 30m
Oct 8, 2019
Judy Benish
Apr 23, 2019
Melissa Reiss
Quick lunch break hike 1.1mi — 0h 30m
Sep 16, 2018
Kayla B
May 6, 2018
Kenton Smith
Oct 8, 2017
Pat Rich
Ran 3 loops 10mi
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