White River State Trail: Elkhorn to Burlington

The western section of the White River State Trail journeys through Walworth County from Elkhorn to Burlington. The 11.4 mile path traverses a rural landscape, crosses several streams and the White River, and passes through the towns of Springfield and Lyons. The trail surface is in very good condition, composed of crushed limestone. While the route is fairly level, it descends about 175 feet from west to east. Horseback riding is permitted on the trail. Cyclists should exercise caution when meeting hikers and horseback riders.

The trailhead on the southeast side of Elkhorn is located on County Highway H. From Interstate Highway 43, take exit 27A south to U.S. Highway 12. Then take the County Highway NN exit west, and turn left (south) on County Highway H. Drive 0.6 miles south to the trailhead parking lot. The trailhead has a paved parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station, picnic tables, and park benches.

Elkhorn was settled in 1836. It was named for a rack of elk antlers that its founder, Colonel Samuel Phoenix, spotted in a tree. Two brothers, Daniel and Milo Bradley, along with LeGrand Rockwell, eventually created a community there. In 1846, Elkhorn became the county seat for Walworth County. The community grew with the advent of a railroad line in the 1850s. Today, Elkhorn has several parks that may interest cyclists. From the trailhead, a spur trail leads across County Highway H to Proctor Drive and Babe Mann Park. The park at 960 Proctor Drive features a fishing area, picnic shelter and tables, and restrooms.

There are several places to eat in Elkhorn. A popular stop is Annie’s Burgertown, a classic drive-in restaurant. In summer months, carhops wait on customers in their vehicles. Their homemade root beer has been made for over 50 years. It goes well with an extensive diner menu including burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and ice cream.

Returning to the White River State Trail, the path heads southeast out of Elkhorn trailhead. After three-quarters of a mile, it travels under U.S. Highway 12, then out into farm country. A corridor of trees and bushes lines the trail for most of the route. In late spring, the puffy seeds of cottonwood trees blow through across the landscape.

Purple-colored Hesperis matronalis bloom trailside. These spring flowers are called dame’s-violet, mother-of-the-evening, or sweet rocket. Honeysuckle shrubs (Lonicera) are commonly found along the trail corridor. In late spring, the honeysuckle’s flowers and fragrance make it impossible to miss. Bluebirds and orioles may also be seen darting across the path.

Each mile of the trail is designated with a marker. Park benches are strategically placed along the route. At the junction with County Highway NN is another trailhead, about three miles from the trail’s start in Elkhorn. This trailhead has a paved parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station, and picnic tables.

It is 2.7 miles to the trailhead in Springfield. On the way, the trail crosses three streams, including the First Branch of Ore Creek. The trail bends northeast in this section. The Springfield trailhead has a parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station, bike rack, picnic tables, and portable toilet. It can be accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 120.

An old railroad depot, built in 1911, is located in Springfield. The building is home to the Pedal & Cup, a charming establishment that rents bicycles, serves coffee and ice cream, and hosts live music. The shop is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, and worth a visit.

Cyclists should use caution crossing the highway in Springfield. From that intersection, it’s about three miles to the next trailhead in Lyons. This straight section of trail crosses several streams and passes under Wisconsin State Highway 36. The Lyons trailhead has similar amenities to the other trailheads, but Riverside Park offers another option for a rest stop. A sign at Mill Street directs trail-goers 2.5 blocks (0.3 mile) south to the town park, which has two portable toilets and a covered picnic shelter. By car, the trailhead in Lyons is reached by turning south on Mill Street in Lyons from Wisconsin State Highway 36.

Continuing northeast, the trail crosses a small stream. A mile northeast of Lyons, the trail passes over the White River. This is a terrific place to pause and enjoy the scenery. Much of the river passes through marshes, and is known for its water clarity. The river meanders away, then briefly parallels the trail. Shortly afterwards, Spring Creek runs under the path. This is another delightful spot to enjoy the beautiful stream and surrounding wetlands.

From the community of Lyons, the next trailhead is 2.6 miles down the path. It is located on Spring Valley Road. There is a gradual uphill climb from the Spring Creek bridge to the trailhead. It has a parking lot, information kiosk, self-registration station and park benches. The parking lot is small, and may fill up on summer weekends. To access the trailhead from Burlington, take Wisconsin State Highway 36 west about 1.8 miles to Spring Valley Road. Turn left (south) on Spring Valley Road and drive about one mile.

Cyclists wanting to bike to the eastern section of the White River State Trail in Burlington may proceed north on Spring Valley Road in the bike lane for 0.6 mile. A trail to the right (east) then leads up a hill to Sunset Park. Cyclists arrive at the eastern trail section after following Garfield Street, Gardner Avenue, Kane Street, and Jefferson Street.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

In downtown Burlington, trail-goers may want to visit Adrian’s Frozen Custard. This old-fashioned stand serves creamy fresh-made custard in cones, sundaes, and shakes. The Charcoal Grill & Rotisserie is nearby, and their riverside patio offers a great view of the Fox River and downtown Burlington. This local chain features BBQ ribs, specialty burgers and sandwiches, wood-fired stone pizzas, and juicy steaks.

The White River State Trail from Elkhorn to the edge of Burlington is 11.4 miles long. The level grade and compacted limestone surface of the trail make for a pleasant and relaxing excursion. Two highlights of the ride are stopping in the quaint communities of Springfield and Lyon, and crossing the trail’s namesake river.

Trail last ridden and documented in May, 2022.