"Taychopera" translates from the Ho-Chunk language to mean "four lakes," and is the glacial-formed chain of lakes, marshes and river now known as Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, Upper and Lower Mud Lake and the Yahara River. While the water trails are now used for recreation, they were once the highways and trade routes of indigenous people and early settlers prior to other forms of transportation, playing a key role in the exploration and settlement of the area. Traveling the Yahara waterways offers a fresh perspective of the physical character of this famous water resource and the histories behind the present day landmarks.

Trail info: This trail is at the heart of Dane County, surrounded by many municipalities. If you find yourself travelling to Madison, WI for fun or business, you won't have to let your paddle dry out. Many opportunities exist for paddlers of all experience levels to get out on the water in between meetings or family get-togethers.

The best time to paddle is spring through autumn, with numerous launch sites available.

Camping: There is one campground on Lake Mendota (~30 sites), two campgrounds on Lake Waubesa (~75 sites), one campground on Lake Kegonsa (80 sites). The facilities at each campsite varies, with more info available from the reservation websites and the guide.


Reservation info  http://www.wiparks.net and https://www.reservedane.com/ 

Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide: This 44-page color guidebook presents an interpretive view of the history, the culture and the environmental diversity that is found on and along our lakes, the Yahara River, and their environs. The guide is an educational tool with maps and information for paddle sport enthusiasts, schools, summer camps, youth groups, and other recreational users of the Yahara waterways. The area covered in the guide is south from Cherokee Marsh including the Yahara River and all the lakes to Kegonsa.


You can download the guide at: www.danewaters.com/articles/guideDownload.aspx.


Follow this link to learn where to purchase water trail guide copies at public and private outlets around Dane County.

How can one get involved with the trail?  Contact Mad-City Paddlers www.madcitypaddlers.org/ or Capitol Water Trails www.capitolwatertrails.org to get involved in trail maintenance of waterways throughout  Dane County.


More contact info listed at: http://www.danewaters.com/other/friends.aspx

Want to see your favorite water trail in a future newsletter? Contact editorial@seakayakermag.com