One of the great things about Madison is the variety of parks, walking paths and bike trails located throughout the city. Even better, the city continues to create new outdoor environments for residents to enjoy. One example is the new walking path that runs along the southern edge of Owen Conservation Park, connecting the Faircrest and Crestwood neighborhoods. This is a relatively unknown path that offers a scenic route through the west side of the city.
Photos from my West Side Walking Tour
The dog and I recently entered the path along Inner Drive in the Faircrest neighborhood. This setting feels much more like a state park, with native plantings and stands of old oaks surrounding the path on both sides.
The path narrows and becomes more densely wooded.
A mile into the walk the path leads to a "secret playground" located on the western edge of the Crestwood neighborhood.
The playground has a jungle gym...
And a picnic table, too.
A walk down a long hill leads to the heart of the Crestwood neighborhood.
Near the bottom of the hill is the entrance to Bordner Park.
Bordner Park has its own walking path and a playground for the kids, too.
This part of Madison is very "kid-friendly". Other nearby playgrounds include the playground at Glen Stephens Elementary...
And the playground at Crestwood Elementary.
This is just one of dozens of paths that make it easy to enjoy nature and explore Madison. For more information on the hiking opportunities in and around the city, check out these links from the City of Madison and VisitMadison.com.