Candlelight Hike
Event Description
1/10/26 Update: This will be a walk/hike event. The snow we're receiving will make for beautiful trails but is not enough for snowshoes, which need about 6-8 inches of snow. Expect trails to be a winter mix of snow, mud, puddles, and ice. If you have them, please consider wearing waterproof boots and snow or ice grips.
In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Madison Parks presents this wonderful hiking event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park. Take a walk through the parks and then enjoy a roaring bonfire outside. All ages are welcome. Set your own pace and length of trail you'd like to walk. See trails identified on the trail map -- short loop (approx. .5 mile) or longer loop (approx. 1 - 1.5 miles).
- Parking information and free shuttle service: Plan to park along a nearby street, or at Edna Taylor Conservation Park (802 Femrite Dr.), and walk to the start of the event OR at Ahuska Park, 400 E. Broadway and take the FREE shuttle. The shuttle runs approximately every 10 minutes. Only ADA accessible parking is available at Aldo Leopold Nature Center parking lot, 330 Femrite Drive.
- Food Carts - Tom’s Traveling Coffee, Donut NV, Jakarta BBQ Station, Tacos El Cucuy, and Runnin’ on Empty
- Borrow Snowshoes: If conditions allow, we'll have snowshoes available to borrow during the event. Quantities are limited.
- S'more kits are available for $4 each and make 2 s'mores.
- Restrooms are available inside the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.
- Please no pets, skiing, or sleds allowed.
- If there is no snow, the event will be a walk/hike.
Volunteering Opportunities: Assist with placing the many lights along the trails prior to the sun setting. Meet at Aldo Leopold Nature Center at 2pm. Volunteers can also help with clean-up or picking up the lights starting around 6:30pm. If you can come early or stay late to help, please email John at: Jweichelt@cityofmadison.com