Heritage Trail

Why a Trail Needed?
Heritage Trail of Madison began in 1995 as a result of the Total Quality of Life Initiative and the vision of a grassroots committee of interested citizens.  They envisioned the potential opportunities that a multi-use trail throughout Madison would offer the community and identified issues to express the importance and need of the multi-use trail. These initially included the following issues:

 • Safety - The children, especially downtown, but also on the hilltop, needed a safe alternative to riding their bikes through the streets and thoroughfares of Madison.
 • Recreation/Education - Promote healthy lifestyles while providing an avenue for education and environmental awareness, build community spirit and enhance the beautification and tourism efforts already in progress.
 • User Groups - The large constituency of outdoor enthusiasts that are   members of organized bike clubs, jogging and walking clubs, bird watchers, etc. had a desire for additional recreational
experiences.
 • Alternative Transportation -  Connect lower Madison with upper Madison via a non-motorized route.
 • Linkages - the development of a trail could connect the 'jewels of Madison.'   These include the historic districts and structures, the parks, the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Madison State Hospital property, Clifty Falls State Park, the Madison Riverfront Development, schools, shopping and employment opportunities.

Who will use this Trail ? (Just to name a few)

 A. Pedestrians - The trail design will address the long-term ability to accommodate this group.  The surface of the trail will be hard and  smooth, asphalt in most areas. It will be wide enough (12'-14') to provide safety for pedestrians when encountering other user groups.Trail etiquette, education and signage will instruct other user groups how to safely alert pedestrians on approach and passing. Maintenance efforts will insure the trail is regularly cleared of debris.

 B. Bicyclists - The trail design considers the needs of this user group by providing adequate width for passing and riding along side other user groups.Safety measures will be built into the design for speed control on the hillside section.Trail rules and etiquette signage will instruct   bicyclists on appropriate speed, warning alerts to others and rights of   way rules.  Routine maintenance will insure the trail is clear of debris and that low hanging limbs or sideline shrubs
are adequately trimmed. Bike racks will be provided along the trail and at trail heads.

 C. In-Line Skaters  - Adequate width, speed control and trail side buffer   zones are addressed in the trail design to accommodate this user group.Trail rules will guide this group for appropriate
interaction with other users.  Routine maintenance will keep the trail clear of gravel, mud and limbs for safe use by this group.

 D. Cross Country Skiers -  This is a limited user group due to weather conditions, but one that can have a wonderful experience when it snows. The trail maintenance and patrol will insure safe
conditions (snow not ice on hillside) and adequately alert the public if trail conditions should change.  The trail will not be cleared for wheeled user groups until temperatures rise
appropriately, to provide this group with as long an experience as possible.It is anticipated
these conditions will exit for only a few weeks during winter.
 

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