Lower Yahara River Trail
The Lower Yahara River Trail is managed by Dane County Parks Department. The 5.1-mile paved trail links the Capital City State Trail in Madison to the village of McFarland. Opened in 2017, there are plans to extend the trail further south to Lake Kegonsa and Stoughton.
A trailhead for the Capital City State Trail also serves the Lower Yahara River Trail. It is on Lake Farm Road. By car, take exit 264 south from Madison’s Beltline (U.S. Highways 12-18) on South Towne Drive. It then becomes Raywood Drive. After 0.7 mile, turn left (east) on Moorland Road. It becomes Lake Farm Road. The trailhead is located on the right side of the road (west) after 0.7 mile. It has a self-registration station, portable toilet, bike rack, park benches, and an information kiosk.
The Lower Yahara River Trail is a picturesque trail that runs through Capital Springs State Recreation Area. Spanning almost 2,500 acres, Capital Springs is managed by Dane County Parks and the Wisconsin DNR. William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park and the Lussier Family Heritage Center are both connected to Capital Springs State Recreation Area.
Numerous amenities are offered at Capital Springs and its adjacent properties. In addition to bike trails, there are hiking trails, boat and canoe/kayak launch sites, fishing piers, athletic fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course, dog exercise area, observation tower, restrooms and showers, and a campground with electric and water hook-up. Lussier Family Heritage Center offers environmental educational programs, and serves as a scenic wedding venue.
The Lower Yahara River Trail is accessed by biking east several yards on the Capital City State Trail across Lake Farm Road. An information kiosk is at the junction of the two trails. The Lower Yahara River Trail goes straight (east). The trail crosses the entrance to Lussier Family Heritage Center and runs by Lunney Lake Farm County Park campground.
After 0.4 mile, the path turns northeast and passes by open meadows. In the summer, beautiful wildflowers bloom there. A spur trail leads off to the right (east) to the county park’s picnic shelters, playgrounds, and observation tower. One mile from the trailhead, a gravel road heads off to the right (east) toward a group campground. Up to that point, the trail and gravel road provide vehicle access to the group campsite. Light vehicle traffic may be encountered on the trail when the group camp is in use.
After passing the group campsite road, the trail passes through a forest of oak and cottonwood trees. Markers name the tree species, and wildflowers line the trail. For a half mile, the path arcs to the southeast. The forest then falls away and the trail ventures out along the shore of Lake Waubesa, on a mile-long boardwalk. Dane County Parks Department claims that this is the longest inland boardwalk bridge in North America built exclusively for non-motorized vehicles . It certainly is the longest boardwalk within the state.
Running parallel to a railroad corridor, the boardwalk crosses the Yahara River, which flows through four lakes: Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. To the left (north) of the boardwalk is Upper Mud Lake; Waubesa is to the right (south). The boardwalk has a fishing pier, rest stop, and observation areas, which offer scenic views of the lakes and countryside.
The boardwalk ends in McFarland at McDaniel Park. Located on the shores of Lake Waubesa, the park has restrooms, drinking water, a covered picnic shelter, grills, and playground. It also has a bike rack and self-service station. Sailing boats line the dock; the park is home to the Waubesa Sailing Club. The 2.5-mile trail from the Capital City State Trailhead to McDaniel Park is a safe and scenic route for families with young children, but is often busy on summer weekends.
The parking lot is at the end of McDaniel Lane. To reach the park by car from Madison’s Beltline (U.S. Highways 12-18), take exit 266 south on U.S Highway 51 (Stoughton Road). Drive 1.3 miles and go right (west) on Siggelkow Road. Turn right (north) on McDaniel Lane and drive to the parking lot.
The trail continues south along McDaniel Lane to Siggelkow Road. There, it turns left (east) and runs adjacent to the road past Brandt Park. Ballfields, a covered shelter, and playground are located there. The trail appears to end at Siggelkow Road and Terminal Drive, but the route continues to the right (south) on Terminal Drive for 0.3 mile. At the next intersection, the paved path picks up again and parallels Taylor Road to the southeast.
The trail runs adjacent to Taylor Road for slightly less than a mile. It then meets quaint Arnold Larson Park. This park has a gazebo, picnic tables, drinking fountain, and benches. The trail traverses the park and crosses Exchange Street.
Cyclists wanting to go to McFarland’s downtown should turn left (north) on Exchange Street. It’s less than 300 feet to the historic McFarland House. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Greek Revival architectural-styled house was constructed in 1857. The McFarland House Café and Lily’s Ice Cream Parlour are located there. Trailgoers may enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches, and baked goods. 28 flavors from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company also tempt visitors.
Back on the trail, after crossing Exchange Street, look for a Dane County historical marker next to a parking lot. The marker conveys the history of the village of McFarland. The trail continues on Bashford Street for a short distance and then crosses Milwaukee Street.
The paved trail starts again next to Creamery Road. It traverses wetlands in Grandview Park and then passes Egner Park. The latter park has a covered shelter, picnic tables, and playground. Where Creamery Road turns left (east), it becomes Elvehjem Road. Grandview Trail branches off from the main path and crosses the road there to the right (west). This spur trail cuts across Grandview Park and ends at a local neighborhood.
The Lower Yahara River Trail continues east adjacent to Elvehjem Road for a half mile. Urso Park sits across the road from the trail’s end point. It is mainly a dog park, but has public restrooms and a parking lot. The park serves well as a trailhead.
To reach Urso Park by car, turn east on Farwell Street from U.S. Highway 51 (Stoughton Road) in McFarland. The road turns into Bashford Street, Creamery Road, and finally Elvehjem Road. Drive 1.8 miles. The park is on the right (south) side of the road.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
McFarland was founded in 1856 by William H. McFarland. Some its early industries were wheat and tobacco farming, and harvesting winter ice and fish on Lake Waubesa. A small resort industry also developed along the shores of the lake. Today, the village is a bedroom community for the city of Madison.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2021.