Picnic Point Mound Group – Howard Temin Path loop from Madison
Picnic Point Mound Group – Howard Temin Path loop from Madison
4.7
(6131)
10,318
hikers
Picnic Point Mound Group – Howard Temin Path loop from Madison
02:49
11.0km
40m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
3.22 km
Bridge - University Bay
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
3.24 km
Howard Temin Lakeshore Path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
HOWARD M. TEMIN
1934- 1994
Distinguished Professor of Oncology (1960-1994)
Eminent Virologist at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
University of Wisconsin-Madison …
Tip by
5.12 km
Sunset Beach at Picnic Point (UW Lakeshore Preserve)
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
5.53 km
Picnic Point Lake Mendota Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
5.55 km
Ebling Family Circle, Picnic Point, UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve
Highlight • Monument
honors the memory of Elsie Iwen Ebling (1894-1981) who dedicated her life to her family and to the advancement of art.
Tip by
6.33 km
Picnic Point Mound Group
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
7.11 km
Howard Temin Path
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.89 km
Willow Drive Effigy Mounds (University Creek Group)
Highlight • Historical Site
INDIAN MOUNDS.
EFFIGY FORM
LENGTHS 66.100 AND 143 FEET
MARKED BY THE UNIVERSITY 1922
Tip by
11.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.89 km
2.05 km
Surfaces
4.62 km
3.18 km
3.06 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Monday 22 June
24°C
14°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a hike that perfectly blends natural beauty, rich history, and easy accessibility right from the city, the Picnic Point Mound Group – Howard Temin Path loop from Madison is an excellent choice. This moderate hiking route covers 6.9 miles (11.0 km) with a gentle 128 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 49 minutes to complete. It's ideal for anyone seeking a high-payoff experience without a strenuous climb, offering popular trails and routes that are both scenic and culturally significant.
What to expect on Picnic Point Mound Group – Howard Temin Path loop from Madison
This route takes you on a journey along the southern shore of Lake Mendota, starting on the Howard Temin Path, which is mostly paved or crushed limestone. As you transition towards Picnic Point, the surface remains crushed limestone, winding through lush forests, wetlands, and open areas. You'll be treated to continuous views of Lake Mendota's shoreline and pass below Observatory Hill within the 300-acre Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Keep an eye out for ancient Native American effigy mounds, which are legally protected sites. While the overall difficulty is easy, a slight uphill climb to Eagle Heights Woods offers higher vantage points and additional mounds. The path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and from Picnic Point, you'll get panoramic views of the UW-Madison campus and the state capitol building.
Planning your visit
This trail is a tranquil natural escape within an urban setting, making it easy to access. The Howard Temin Path is named after Nobel Prize winner Howard Temin, who frequently walked it for reflection. It's one of the few natural areas in Madison where leashed dogs are welcome, making it family-friendly and dog-friendly. While bikes are allowed on the Howard Temin Path, they are generally not permitted on the Lake Mendota Path through Picnic Point, ensuring a pleasant walking experience. The best season to hike is generally spring through fall to enjoy the greenery and open views, though it's accessible year-round.
Trail details
- Distance: 6.9 miles (11.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 128 feet (39 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 49 minutes
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