Spending a week in the Madison, WI area doing update research for the Madison and Dane County Bike Map. I’ve spent the last couple of days researching the eastern half of both Dane County and the city of Madison. Madison area cyclists rightfully focus on the western side of the county, because of the incredible driftless terrain, but the last few days remind me that the eastern half has an entirely different kind of beauty. Dotted with small lakes and large marshy areas, the landscape is serene and spectacular at the same time. The wetlands and open prairie attract Sandhill Cranes, whose call has serenaded me each morning and evening at my campsite in Lake Kegonsa State Park. The terrain is a nice blend of moderate hills and small rollers. Far more moderate than the hills to the west, but not flat and never boring.

The highlight so far was a detour onto the gravel service roads of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Area. I found a boardwalk that plunged deep into the marsh along the Yahara River, north of town, and a small wooden dock that ended in a cluster of cat tails and giant lily pads.

Spending a week in the Madison, WI area doing update research for the Madison and Dane County Bike Map. I’ve spent the last couple of days researching the eastern half of both Dane County and the city of Madison. Madison area cyclists rightfully focus on the western side of the county, because of the incredible driftless terrain, but the last few days remind me that the eastern half has an entirely different kind of beauty. Dotted with small lakes and large marshy areas, the landscape is serene and spectacular at the same time. The wetlands and open prairie attract Sandhill Cranes, whose call has serenaded me each morning and evening at my campsite in Lake Kegonsa State Park. The terrain is a nice blend of moderate hills and small rollers. Far more moderate than the hills to the west, but not flat and never boring.

The dam at the outlet to Lake Kegonsa was a favorite stopping spot on my travels through the area.