Southwest Commuter and Cannonball Paths

The Southwest Commuter Path, along with the Cannonball Path, give cyclists an excellent opportunity to complete a 12-mile circle tour of the city of Madison. The paved asphalt trails are in excellent condition and offer a range of magnificent views. The trails move through tranquil forests and quiet city neighborhoods, as well as commercial districts, the University of Wisconsin campus, and busy downtown Madison. There are several trail overpasses and underpasses, and busy intersections to cross. Cyclists may want to consider wearing bright fluorescent clothing, and using lights to increase their visibility to drivers.

At the Velo UnderRound in Madison, also known as Dunn’s Marsh Roundabout, the northbound Badger State Trail becomes the Southwest Commuter Path. From there, the trail continues north toward the city center. The closest trailhead with a parking lot is in Fitchburg at Dawley Conservancy. To reach the parking lot from the intersection of U.S. Highways 18-151, go east on County Road PD (McKee Road) for 0.9 mile to Seminole Highway, and turn left (north). Drive 0.4 mile to the Dawley Conservancy Bike Hub. Restrooms, park benches, and a bicycle self-service station are found there. There also are several interpretive markers. The trailhead offers a beautiful view of Dunn’s Marsh.

Descend the bike path on the north side of the parking lot to the Capital City State Trail. Turn left (west) on the Capital City State Trail and continue less than a quarter of a mile to the Velo UnderRound. At this junction, the Southwest Commuter Path is accessed by heading north uphill on a connector path. A bridge towering over the roundabout marks where the Badger State Trail becomes Madison’s Southwest Commuter Path.

The Southwest Commuter Path heads north from the roundabout past a series of apartment buildings. After 0.5 mile, it crosses under U.S. Highways 18-151. The path travels another 0.6 mile next to commercial and industrial buildings, and then arrives at an overpass over a busy highway, known as “the Beltline.” A small rest area is situated there by the ramp that circles upward to the overpass. It has a map kiosk, park bench, and self-service station. Atop the ramp, the path then crosses over the busy Beltline. On the north side of the highway, it is joined by a neighborhood spur trail. Offshoot trails like this are found throughout the Southwest Commuter Path, linking to neighborhoods along the route.

The trail continues northeast alongside Odana Hills Golf Course and a wooded residential area. After 0.7 mile, another rest area with a self-service station is located at the trail’s junction with S. Midvale Boulevard. The path moves forward through quiet wooded neighborhoods. At Odana Road, as at other major intersections, flashing crosswalk lights are present to secure safe crossing. Using these safety features throughout the route is recommended, as many roads are busy, and cars move quickly.

This next section of the path travels through the Nakoma neighborhood, where a historical marker shares interesting local history. The trail also runs by Glenway Golf Course and Forest Hill Cemetery. In the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood, the Southwest Commuter Path passes under three roads, and the bridge designs are noteworthy.

The trail heads into a more urban area three miles from its intersection with the Beltline. A city B-cycle station is found at the intersection with S. Breese Terrace. These electric bicycles may be rented and returned to any B-cycle station in the city. At this same intersection, the University of Wisconsin campus begins with Camp Randall football stadium and its iconic fieldhouse noticeable to the left.

Traffic increases as the path moves through the university and downtown. Use caution along this segment of the trail, obeying bicycle stoplights at the busy intersection of Regent and Monroe Streets. To guide cyclists, the trail’s pavement is painted green at this and other busy intersections. The trail also crosses two sets of railroad tracks. A cycling best-practice calls for bike tires to be perpendicular to the tracks when crossing them.

As the trail winds through the university campus, consider pausing at N. Orchard Street to see the Space Science and Engineering Center’s large satellite. The path also travels by the Kohl Center, the university’s main athletic center, though it is more challenging to see.

About 1.7 miles after Camp Randall, the trail crosses W. Washington Avenue. This busy intersection provides a great view of the state capitol to the left (Northeast). There is a B-cycle station is located on the other side of the street.

It is a short distance to the end of the Southwest Commuter Path after crossing N. Shore Drive. Monona Bay is seen from there. Turning left (north) on the Brittingham Park Trail leads to the Capital City State Trail. Turning right (south) takes cyclists through Brittingham Park and to the Cannonball Path.

The trail through Brittingham Park offers splendid views of Monona Bay. This expansive park has a variety of amenities and is a great place to take a break. It also serves well as a trailhead. It offers kayak rentals, a fishing dock, pavilion, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic tables and park benches. The parking lot, which may serve as a trailhead, is located at 829 W. Washington Avenue.

The trail through the park ends on W. Shore Drive. Cyclists should turn left (south) and follow the city bike route 0.2 mile on W. Shore Drive to Erin Drive. The route then turns right (west) and proceeds on Erin Drive across Park Street. At Mills Street, it turns left (south) and follows it to N. Wingra Drive. It is 0.6 miles of biking on city streets from W. Shore drive to N. Wingra Drive.

On the south side of N. Wingra Dive is the Wingra Creek Bike Path. Bikers looking to follow the main route should turn left (southwest). The path to the right (northeast) leads to Henry Vilas Park and Zoo. The 28-acre zoo is free and a worthwhile digression. Managed by Dane County and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo offers a host of amenities: cafes, treats, gift shops, a children’s area, and the chance to see many animals.

Another possible deviation from the bike path involves heading to the right (west) into the University of Wisconsin’s 1,200-acre arboretum. Its entrance is located off Wingra Creek Bike Path by another B-cycle station. The arboretum is a huge greenspace in the midst of the city. A remarkably busy two-lane road takes visitors into the park. Before venturing in, cyclists should review the specific instructions for bikers on the arboretum’s website.

After biking 0.6 mile south, the Wingra Creek Bike Path crosses Fish Hatchery Road. The peaceful journey aside Wingra Creek ends, as the route turns right (south) and follows this busy street. Bikers may use the bike lane or an extra-wide sidewalk on the opposite side of the street. The Cannonball Path begins 0.6 mile down the road on the right (west).

The Cannonball Path heads southwest, past another section of the arboretum and through a commercial business area. After 0.7 mile, it climbs up and onto a long bridge spanning the Beltline. In the next 2.2 miles, the trail passes by a residential neighborhood, Aldo Leopold Park and School, and Knollwood Conservation Park. A spur trail, bike rack, and information kiosk are found at the trail’s entrance to the conservancy.

At Seminole Highway, cyclists may follow the Cannonball Path to the Velo UnderRound and back to the Dawley Bike Hub. Or they may turn left (south) on a connector trail that leads directly to the Capital City State Trail. This route takes cyclists past Dunn’s Marsh, and back to the starting trailhead. To continue on the Cannonball Path, proceed straight across Seminole Highway. The trail arrives at the Velo UnderRound after 0.6 mile. From there, take the Capital City State Trail back to the east to reach the Dawley Conservancy Bike Hub.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Biking the Southwest Commuter Path and Cannonball Path in a circular tour through Madison makes a fabulous trip. In addition to the wonderful scenery, there are many places to relax or stop to see attractions. Numerous restaurants are also found along the route. If biking in the morning, consider dining at Mickie’s Dairy Bar across from Camp Randall, a local favorite for decades. Also nearby is the popular Greenbush Bakery on Regent Street.

There are two bike shops near the trail if service is needed. Budget Bicycle Center is on Regent Street, south of the trail where it crosses Charter Street. Motorless Motion (MoMo) Bicycle Shop is in an old railroad depot where the path crosses W. Washington Avenue.

Trail last ridden and documented in May, 2021.