Trail Descriptions for the North Unit,
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park has several units, described here. Below are descriptions for the trails at the North Unit, 6098 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, Wisconsin.
Aspen Trail
0.2 mile, 6 ft. wide. Woodland. Gently rolling. Packed dirt and gravel. Several wooden erosion bars protrude from the ground.
Bluebird Trail
0.5 mile, 6 ft. wide. Prairie, wetland, woodland. Flat to gently rolling. South end can be wet in spring. Optional wooden “belly board” at pond edge. Gravel, grass.
Lu's Pond Trail
0.5 mile, 6 ft. wide. Wetland views, overlook platform with steps, wooden “belly boards” at ponds. 1 bench. Flat. Aluminum boardwalks have raised edges; can be slippery when wet. Grass and packed gravel; can be wet in spring.
Overlook Trail
0.7 mile, 6 ft. wide. Woods, prairie, overlook with 2 benches. Conical mound. Steep climb to hilltop, otherwise flat. Spur to wooden “belly board” at pond edge. Second spur provides access to DNR Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area. West hillside has gravel and dirt with protruding roots and wooden erosion bars. Other sections are grass.
River Trail
0.5 mile, 5–12 ft. wide. Woods, views of river and wetland, overlook platform with steps. Conical mound. Flat to gently sloping. Large boulder in center of trail to Hickory Island. Aluminum boardwalks have raised edges, can be slippery when wet. Gravel.
South Hill Trail
0.5 mile, 6 ft. wide. Prairie and wetland overlook. Flat and gently rolling with one steep hill. Grass and other roughly mowed vegetation.
Woodpecker Trail
0.9 mile, 6 ft. wide. Woodland, prairie, savanna. 2 benches. Mostly flat, one moderately sloped hill. Grass and packed gravel.