Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146934
play Around Town Paddling Adventures Escape to the lakes by canoe Get out and enjoy the waterways and lakes that surround our fair city! We've mapped some scenic routes to paddle—whether you have an hour, or sun up to sun down. Short paddles: Head five miles south to the shallow Nine Springs Creek where local flora and fauna offer a relaxing retreat from the noise of city life. Or take a chill ride down Token Creek to Cherokee Marsh in Token Creek County Park (12 miles northeast of Madison) where enormous lily pads blanket the water in late August. Stay close to town and paddle the perimeter of Picnic Point. The Narrows, midway on the nearly mile-long peninsula, is a convenient landing and portage spot for a refreshing picnic and downtown gazing. Longer loops: Launch your canoe from various beaches along Monona Bay to paddle from Lake Monona to Lake Kegonsa, a 12-mile journey where you'll see plenty of wildlife. To keep it exciting but cut down the travel time, simply pick up the route on Lake Waubesa. For another scenic journey, launch from School Road and paddle Cherokee Marsh into the northeast corner of Lake Mendota where you'll float past a line of sailboats at SkipperBud's and have the option to pull onto the shore at the Nau-Ti-Gal restaurant for lunch. Urban waterways: Check out Madison views from a new perspective by launching from Olin-Turville Park and paddling through the south side of downtown along Wingra Creek up to Wingra Dam. The slow current keeps it a mellow voyage. Need a Guide? Or drift down the calm StarkExplore Wisconsin by weather Creek from Olbrich Park waterway with day trips past Olbrich Botanical Gardens hosted by Rutabaga Paddleto see what's in bloom. (When sports for expeditions through Mirror Lake, the Upper Dells and the water's high, try this route more. Or rent a canoe or kayak by kayak or get ready to porlocally for a Madison adventure tage in a few spots.) Float gently from Rutabaga, Wingra Boats under bustling eastside streets by or Brittingham Boats. heading out from the Tenney Park Dam down the Yahara River to Lake Monona where you'll find plenty of parks and beaches for relaxing. August 2013 bravamagazine.com 51