Southwest Commuter Path:
Wisconsin
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Description:
A quick trip on Madison's 5.6-mile Southwest Commuter Path (a.k.a. the Badger State Trail) conceals the full scale of this trail. It also serves as the northern segment of the Badger State Trail which, when completed (there are approximately 5.5 miles still to develop), will travel 40 miles to the state line and continue for another 32 miles into Illinois.
Despite its potential for remote reaches, the Southwest Commuter Path is rich in urban terrain and history. The trail takes you over, under, and sometimes finds the shortest route across major roads.
Pick up the trail just south of the intersection of South Bedford St. and North Shore Drive as it branches off from the Brittingham Trail that hugs the west bank of Lake Monona and runs through Brittingham Park.
The trail makes a northwest arch and parallels an active rail line until it reaches the historic Milwaukee Road railroad depot. Designed by noted Chicago architect Charles Sumner Frost, the imposing 1903 structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Railroad cars of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific railroad line flank the depot.
From here the trail heads southwest, bordered by vegetation and historical homes. Impressive ramping and stairwells connect the trail to the neighboring streets, and you are sure to see neighbors grabbing a quick run or taking the kids for a ride. On the last 2 miles of the trail you sail under simple span bridges that artistically display street names and help you stay oriented. Be sure to take a look back toward downtown Madison, as the bridges and greenery frame a perfect view of the capitol dome.
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Parking & Trail Access:
From the south, take State Highway 151 to Madison, turn right on Red Arrow Trail Road and go 2 blocks to Jenewein Road. Street-parking is available.
From the north, take Hwy. 151, which becomes East Washington Avenue in Madison. Turn left on South Blair Street, then turn right on John Nolen Drive. Follow the water and turn right on Lake Shore Drive. Street-parking is available.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Southwest trail
By msnlifesaver in August, 2010

Awesome trail that we use with the Capital City trail will do a complete loop. Beautiful scenery that changes from a country setting, with wooded areas and the hustle and bustle of city life through a college town! A must if you love to bike. This trail also hooks up with Military Ridge if you feel you need more.
"Well-Loved, Well-Maintained"
By Jesse the K in June, 2002
"I live around 100 feet from the Southwest Path and use it daily in my power wheelchair. I encounter cyclists, in-line skaters, parents with kids in carriages and strollers, walkers (some with dogs) and roller-skiers.

The City of Madison is doing a good job mantaining the trail and two ""volunteer clean-up"" days this spring were well-attended. The active ""Friends of the Path"" are pulling invasive greenery and creating lovely plantings.

Even the autos at the few road/path intersections are learning to respect path users and yield to pedestrians.

It intersects the Capital City Trail at its southern terminus, and ends abruptly at a construction zone to the north.

Right-of-way and bridge supports are set aside for the ""missing link"" trail that will cap Madison's extensive trail system:
http://www.lic.wisc.edu/users/jsc/bike/bike11a.htm"
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