Explore the Outdoors for Winter Fun at Cherokee Marsh
- Sheila Leary
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
by Jan Axelson
Here is a seasonal reminder about opportunities for winter fun in and around Cherokee Marsh.
You can snowshoe and hike in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s North and Mendota Units. Please stay on the trails and leave pets at home.
Other locations with trails include Dane County’s Yahara Heights Park, Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area just east of Yahara Heights, and Token Creek Park, which has a dedicated snowshoe trail in the disc golf course. Dogs on leash and off-trail exploring are allowed on these county lands.
When conditions and crew time allow, the trails west of School Road in Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park’s South Unit are groomed for classic cross-country skiing. These trails have no fee or permit. Two loops east of School Road aren’t groomed for skiing and are open for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Token Creek County Park has groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, permit required. Please don't hike or snowshoe on designated ski trails that are snow-covered.
Ice fishing is popular at Cherokee Lake (Yahara River) off Burning Wood Way in the Cherokee Park neighborhood. For supplies and advice, visit D&S Bait and Tackle, 1411 Northport Drive. Ice skating is sometimes possible on the frozen river, too.
Be aware that lake and river ice is never officially declared safe for walking, skating, or other activities. If uncertain, don't risk it.
Madison Friends of Urban Nature (FUN) sponsors monthly guided bird and nature adventures for all ages at Cherokee Marsh's North Unit. Find coming events posted on the Friends of Cherokee Marsh home page.
Sunrise to sunset on December 20, help count birds at Cherokee Marsh and nearby areas as part of the Madison Area Christmas Bird Count (sponsored by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance). Join our Northside group for a short time, all day, or bird on your own within the designated area. New birders are welcome. This is a fun and important way to contribute to scientific data about bird populations. To participate, contact
Paul Noeldner, paul_noeldner@hotmail.com or 608-698-0104.
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