Elroy-Sparta State Trail

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Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
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The Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail is a 32-mile (51 km) rail trail between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin.

It is one of four connecting bike trails in west-central Wisconsin than spans approximately one-third of the state. The trail is known for its rustic rural scenes and three historic tunnels. It is part of the larger Wisconsin bike trail system, operated by the state of Wisconsin.

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))
  • the Great River Trail (25 miles (40 km))

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. Bike lights are advisable even on the brightest summer days when going into the long unlit tunnels. Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.

The trail is constructed upon 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 miles (400 m) each and the Norwalk tunnel (closest to Sparta) is 0.75 miles (1.21 km). The trail is not paved but is smooth and covered with packed crushed limestone.

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 designated as a multiuse trail, offering recreational access to the routes, and is open to the public.

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