Elroy-Sparta State Trail

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Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail

The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail is a 32-mile (51 km) bike trail between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin. It is one of four connecting bike trails in west-central Wisconsin and makes up nearly one-third of the 101 miles of bike trails across the state. The trail is known for its rustic rural scenes and three historic tunnels. It is a rail trail, part of the larger Wisconsin bike trail system, operated by the state of Wisconsin.

Bike lights are required even on the brightest summer days when going from the bright, hot sunshine into the cool, wet, dark tunnels.

The Elroy-Sparta bike trail connects to the 400 trail in Elroy and the La Crosse River Trail in Sparta.

The four connecting west central Wisconsin trails, known as the Bike 4 Trails, going from southeast to northwest are:

The 400 Trail (22 miles) (35 km)
The Elroy-Sparta Trail (32 miles) (51 km)
The La Crosse River Trail (22 miles) (35 km)
Great River Trail (25 miles) (40 km)

Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.

The trail headquarters is located in Kendall on Highway 71, and is open from May 1 through October 31.

There is a $4.00 per day fee for use of the trail if one does not have the $15.00 yearly Wisconsin bike trail pass.

The trail is on the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway railroad bed and passes through three rock tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels (closest to Elroy) are 0.25 mile (400 m) each and the Norwalk tunnel (closest to Sparta) is 0.75 mile (1.2 km). The trail is not paved but is smooth and covered with limestone screenings.

The trail has a mostly moderate downhill slope (grade) from Sparta to Elroy.

The Elroy-Sparta Bike trail is one of the many rail trails, or converted railway rights-of-way to paths designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian or light motorized traffic. It is a designated multiuse trail, offering recreational access to the routes, and is open to the public.