January is a special time for all of us with canine companions. It's Walk Your Dog Month! If you're feeling a bit sluggish after the holidays – or if you made a resolution to be more active – Walk Your Dog Month is the perfect opportunity to head outside with your best friend. I recommend checking out some of these awesome trails here in Dane County on your walks.

• Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail: 7800 Discovery Dr., Middleton, WI 53562
  The Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail is a perfect place to enjoy a short walk. The trail is paved and stretches for 1.37 miles along the Pheasant Branch Creek. You'll enjoy views of the water along the way. The trail passes under the Iron Brigade Memorial Highway.
  
  This trail requires that all dogs be leashed. It's wide and ADA-accessible, and there are several benches where you can sit and rest. Consider stopping to see some Middleton homes for sale after your walk.
  
  
• Glacier Crossing Park: 3702 Ice Age Dr., Madison, WI 53719
  Glacier Crossing Park is a lovely place to walk in nature with your dog. There are both paved and unpaved trails winding through the park. The paved trails are popular with cyclists, but pedestrians and dogs are allowed as long as dogs are leashed. The grass trails are a good choice if you're seeking softer footing.
  
  When you pull into Glacier Park, there is a trail map that will help you find your way around. There are also numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park should you wish to enjoy a packed lunch after your walk.
  
  
• Quann Park: 1802 Quann-Olin Pkwy, Madison, WI 53719
  Quann Park is a perfect place to visit with your dog for some off-leash time. Much of the park is fenced in as an off-leash dog park. The Wingra Creek Bike Path also begins in the park, and you can follow it all the way to Goodman Park. Quann Park has restrooms, picnic shelters, and an open soccer field.
  
  
• Owen Conservation Park: 6021 Old Sauk Rd., Madison, WI 53719
  Owen Conservation Park is a 95+ acre park located at the former retreat of Professor Edward T. Owen. The park's natural prairies are a sight to behold in any season. There are numerous scenic trails weaving through the park. In the winter, some of them are even groomed for cross-country skiing.
  
  This popular park has public restrooms and ample parking. The ponds are home to lots of wildlife, including wood ducks and herons, so keep your dog on a leash.
  
  
• Badger Prairie County Park: 4654 Maple Grove Dr., Verona, WI 59593
  If you're out looking at Verona homes for sale, stop for a walk at Badger Prairie County Park while you're in the area. This park is an access point for the Military Ridge State Trail, which stretches for 40 miles between Dodgeville and Madison.
  
  You can also walk the Ice Age National Scenic Trail from Badger Prairie County Park. This trail traces the edge of a glacier that was in the area 15,000 years ago. Leashed dogs are welcome on both trails.

Should you choose to celebrate Walk Your Dog Month with visits to these trails, I hope you have a wonderful time. The Dane County area boasts many natural wonders to be enjoyed. Contact me if you're still looking for Madison homes for sale to make this area your home!