Yahara Heights County Park — Attraction in Madison

Great place to commune with nature, spring, summer, winter or fall. Piles of hiking trails, gorgeous landscapes of rolling WI prairies dotted with ample patches of forested hills. Also affords some uncommon vantage points for scenic vistas of north shore of Lake Mendota, with the isthmus in the far distance. A fence enclosure dog park is adjacent to main hiking area. The dog park allows dogs to free run, WITH OWNER SUPERVISION. However, the several hundred acre main area of Yahara Heights Park only allows dogs if on leash at all times. Please respect this POSTED info, or the privilege of leashed dog walking in the greater area will be eliminated. Dane County Park has made clear in it's public outreach, media, & signage over many years that some individuals are quite egregious in complete lack of leashing of their animal companions repeatedly, in clearly signed areas, with repeat notice/reminders from park staff. If people begin to abuse the privilege again, for leashed dog walking in the main Yahara Heights hiking area, it is quite likely this privilege will permanently end. This is because of the numerous complaints from visitors and landowners in the immediate vicinity in the recent past. Summary: Enjoy this invaluable resource responsibly, and follow the reasonable & minimal guidelines for users, & this resource will be accessible to...

The no-leash dog park requires a $5 permit, but you don't need one to take the short path to the donated canoe launch or to hike the awesome trail. The trail looks like a plain mowed path next to the dog park fence at first, but shortly you get an interesting view of the diverse vegetation around the Yahara waterway. Then the trail splits up into meadow loops and forest paths, about 4 miles in total. Every section has something different to look at -- a great hike.

Besides the official park entrance on the west side (Catfish Court), you can also enter the trails from the shoulder of River Road, from the two cul-de-sacs off Riverview Drive, and on the east end via a public easement at the end of...

It's a lovely off leash dog park. I met plenty of dogs and their owners all of whom were nice and friendly, both species. But I am giving this two stars because the trails have very little shade. It was not a good place for me and my little dog. We did much better at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. That said, If you're looking for a great place for your dog to be with other dogs and to be off leash I think this...