The Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota is one of the best places to run in Madison. It passes right through, and is part of, the University of Wisconsin Campus. The path runs for 4 miles between Observatory Hill and Frautschi Point, circling University Bay and reaching out towards Picnic Point (one of the most celebrated views in the city). The gravel path is actually two trails combined: The Howard Temin Path to the southeast and The Lake Mendota Path to the northwest. The paths are a combination of paved and gravel surfaces, some sections wooded and others open with water views. Note: The Lake Mendota Path is pedestrian only.
The Howard Temin Path starts out at the University Boathouse and pier on North Park Street and hugs the coast until it reaches the intersection with the Lake Mendota Path near the University Bay Marsh (after about 1 mile). Take a right onto the Lake Mendota Path, which juts out 1 mile onto the peninsula of Picnic Point. This is the pinnacle of the views on this route, but you can continue on the path another 2 miles out to Frautschi Point and the Wally Bauman Woods.
Add-Ons: Nice paths and some impressive buildings (Memorial Union, Bascom Hall) on the UW campus, as well as a running track. Also, our State St. route is just south of the Lakeshore Path.
The Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota is one of the best places to run in Madison. It passes right through, and is part of, the University of Wisconsin Campus. The path runs for 4 miles between Observatory Hill and Frautschi Point, circling University Bay and reaching out towards Picnic Point (one of the most celebrated views in the city). The gravel path is actually two trails combined: The Howard Temin Path to the southeast and The Lake Mendota Path to the northwest. The paths are a combination of paved and gravel surfaces, some sections wooded and others open with water views. Note: The Lake Mendota Path is pedestrian only.
The Howard Temin Path starts out at the University Boathouse and pier on North Park Street and hugs the coast until it reaches the intersection with the Lake Mendota Path near the University Bay Marsh (after about 1 mile). Take a right onto the Lake Mendota Path, which juts out 1 mile onto the peninsula of Picnic Point. This is the pinnacle of the views on this route, but you can continue on the path another 2 miles out to Frautschi Point and the Wally Bauman Woods.
Add-Ons: Nice paths and some impressive buildings (Memorial Union, Bascom Hall) on the UW campus, as well as a running track. Also, our State St. route is just south of the Lakeshore Path.
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