La Crosse River Trail
The La Crosse River State Trail is a 22-mile (35 km) rail trail between Sparta and Onalaska, Wisconsin. It is 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.
It is one of four connecting bike trails in west-central Wisconsin that spans approximately one-third of the state. The trail is known for the rural scenery and terrain of the Coulee Region. It is part of the larger Wisconsin bike trail system, operated by the state of Wisconsin.
The four connecting west central Wisconsin trails, known as the Bike 4 Trails, going from southeast to northwest are:
- the 400 Trail (22 mi or 35 km)
- the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (32 mi or 51 km)
- the La Crosse River Trail (22 mi or 35 km)
- the Great River Trail (24 mi or 39 km)
The La Crosse River Trail connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Elroy, and the Great River State Trail in Onalaska. A bridge at Medary connects the La Crosse River State Trail and the Great River State Trail.
The trail headquarters is located in a historic depot in Sparta 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 $20.00 yearly Wisconsin bike trail pass. 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. The trail is not paved but is smooth and covered with packed crushed limestone.
See also
External links
- Official website including history and campground information and maps
- Discover Onalaska
- DNR page