The Capital City State Trail in Madison is both a commuter path and a recreational biking path. The trail cuts through the south side of Madison, from just south of Lake Monona west towards Verona and the Military Ridge Trail through the Capital Springs State Recreational Area. If you are using the trail through the state recreational area, you will need to purchase a state trail pass.
The trail is paved with asphalt and well maintained, although there is one mile that is an on-street bike path. This makes the trail suitable for bike and rollerblade traffic, hiking is really not that great on this trail because of the number of street crossings and the lack of feeling outside the city. You could definitely use it as a running route away from traffic if you wanted.
The Capital City State Trail also intersects with the Southwest Commuter Bike Path and the John Nolan Path and the Monona Trail.
