Welcome to a unique walk across and along Lake Waubesa.
A Dane County Naturalist will lead a 3 mile walk along a new walk/bike path.
About the Lower Yahara River Trail:
Phase 1 of the Lower Yahara River Trail was opened to the public on August 27, 2017. This trail provides an off-road connection between the City of Madison and the Village of McFarland that didn’t previously exist. It includes the longest inland boardwalk bridge constructed solely for non-motorized transportation in North America! The mile-long bridge spans Lake Waubesa, connecting the Capital City Trail with McDaniel Park in the Village of McFarland. The bridge runs alongside an active railroad corridor and includes an accessible fishing pier, rest stops, and observation areas with picturesque views.
The walk will cover 1/2 mile of fairly flat dirt path through a woods along the edge of Lake Waubesa and a 1 mile suspended boardwalk over the lake. We will walk this trail both ways for a total of three miles and then have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Our guide is a Dane County Naturalist who will tell us about:
- The boardwalk construction challenges and unique design elements
- The collaborative construction effort
- The history of Dane County bike/foot paths and how this new addition links into the system.
- What is Capital Springs Recreation Area and plans for expansion.
- Long term plans for the bike/walking paths east and south of Madison
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Lunch Following the Walk:
We will have lunch at the nearby Green Lantern, located on Lake Waubesa. Take a look at the menu and views from the restaurant.
The nearly 2,500 acre Capital Springs Recreation Area is cooperatively operated and managed by Dane County Parks and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with additional support from the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area. Recreation opportunities include wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing and camping. The Capital Springs Recreation Area boundary features many parks, trails and natural resource points of interest.
- Overview Map (Capital City State Trail / Capital Springs Recreation Area)
Reminder:
Please remember to bring water, bug spray and clothing appropriate to the weather. This is still tick season so tuck-in and check for ticks after the walk.
Driving Directions and Parking:
We will access the trail from the east at McDaniel Park in the Village of McFarland.
Google Map and driving directions: Get Directions
Restrooms:
There is a park shelter about 1 1/2 miles into our walk. I have asked that the restrooms be unlocked for the morning.
About our $10 fee:
PLATO charges a $10 fee for each walk. We normally use a guide who is a member of the associated friends group. PLATO then will pass this registration fee onto the friends group as a way of saying thanks.
Dear M. Michael DiIorio,
Your event registration has been completed. Thank you for registering.
I'm glad that you decided to join us on our 3 mile guided leisurely walk across and along the northern end of Lake Waubesa. The path will be along the newly opened walking/bike path connecting the village of McFarland's McDaniel Park to Madison's Captial City Bike Trail in Lake Farm County Park.
A Dane County Naturalist will lead the 3 mile walk along this new path as we enter the shaded woods of the Capital Springs. He will tell us about the unique construction challenges presented by building ecological friendly boardwalk elevated over Lake Waubesa.
We will start our walk at 9 am in McDaniel Park, McFarland, parking lot on June 6th. The weather will provide some cloud cover and temps in the 70's.
Lunch Following the Walk:
We will have lunch at the nearby Green Lantern, located on Lake Waubesa. Take a look at the menu and views from the restaurant.
Walk Description:
The walk will cover 1/2 mile of fairly flat dirt path through a woods along the edge of Lake Waubesa and a 1 mile suspended boardwalk over the lake. We will walk this trail both ways for a total of three miles and then have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Our guide is a Dane County Naturalist who will tell us about:
- The boardwalk construction challenges and unique design elements
- The collaborative construction effort
- The history of Dane County bike/foot paths and how this new addition links into the system.
- What is Capital Springs Recreation Area and plans for expansion.
- Long term plans for the bike/walking paths east and south of Madison
Reminder:
Please remember to bring water, bug spray and clothing appropriate to the weather. This is still tick season so tuck-in and check for ticks after the walk.
Driving Directions and Parking:
Trailhead at the McDaniel Park parking lot in McFarland. A google map will provide detailed directions from your starting place.
Mike Di Iorio
