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The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin-flavored everything is back. Put on your plaid scarf + sweater, because we’re rounding up the top 5 spots in and around Dane County for an Insta-worthy, quintessential fall adventure.
Lakeshore Path (~5 min. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 Take a stroll along Lake Mendota + through UW-Madison’s campus.
- 📍2000 University Bay Dr., Madison, WI| Sunrise to sunset daily
- 🎟️ Free parking at Picnic Point on the weekends
- Pro Tip: Take a break at the Wisconsin Union Terrace Rathskeller with a hoppy brew.
Lakeshore path along Lake Mendota | Photo via @bossybrittany
Gibraltar Rock (~30 min. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 Venture north of Madison for a short hike on the Ice Age Trail with views of the Wisconsin River Valley.
- 📍 Gibraltar Rock Rd., Lodi, WI| 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
- 🎟️ Free entry
- Pro Tip: Pack a blanket + snacks for a small picnic on the overlook.
Devil’s Lake State Park (~1 hr. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 A must-do fall classic. Hike the East Bluff or West Bluff trail for panoramic views of the lake.
- 📍 S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, WI| 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- 🎟️ Daily or annual vehicle sticker | $13+
- Pro Tip: Spaces fill up fast, so arrive early to guarantee your parking spot.
The hike is always worth the panoramic views. | Photo via @bringmehaunsolo
Holy Hill (~1.25 hr. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 Climb the scenic tower for breathtaking views of the Kettle Moraine area.
- 📍 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI| Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. 1:45-4:30 p.m., May-Oct.
- 🎟️ Free entry, donations welcome
- Pro Tip: Make your way out before All Hallows’ Eve, because the tower closes Oct. 31 for the season.
Geneva Lake Shore Path (~1.5 hr. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 Pick a section of the 26 mile path for a brisk walk around “The Hamptons of the Midwest.”
- 📍 918 W Main St., Lake Geneva, WI | Open daily, sunrise to sunset
- 🎟️ Free entry
- Pro Tip: Park near the library for easy access to the trail.
….And a bonus for those willing to drive a bit more.
Mountain Lookout Tower (~3 hr. drive from Madison)
- 🍂 Climb the 100-ft. National Historic Lookout registered tower for scenery of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- 📍 Mountain Lookout Tower, Mountain, WI | May 1-Nov. 1 | 8 a.m.-Sunset
- 🎟️ Free entry
- Pro Tip: Aim for golden hour to catch stunning light on the leaves.
Trying to hit peak foliage? We’re currently predicted to reach the brightest hues at the end of Oct., but stay up-to-date on other regions of the state.
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