The “400” State Trail
The “400” State Trail takes its name from the former Chicago and Northwestern Railway train that ran between Chicago and Minneapolis. The streamlined passenger train made the 400-mile trip in approximately 400 minutes. At times the train hit 100 miles an hour, as it traveled the route that now serves as a bike path.
The original railway line was built in 1870 by the Baraboo Air Line Railroad. In 1873, after completing three tunnels between Elroy and Sparta, the Chicago and Northwestern Railway took over the route. The line was used for high speed, express passenger service between Chicago and Minneapolis. The “400” ran from 1935 to 1963.
In 1988, the State of Wisconsin acquired the old railway corridor. After renovations were made, the “400” State Trail opened in 1993. The trail runs nearly 22 miles from Reedsburg to Elroy. Its surface is crushed limestone, in good condition. Today the path’s surface is two lanes of compacted earth between a grassy median. The elevation ascends less than 5% from Reedsburg to Elroy, a gradual incline of 340 feet.
The Baraboo River valley is the setting for the “400” State Trail. Wetland forests and low swampy marshes surround the trail near Baraboo River crossings. The path bridges the river 11 times. Not far off the path, trail-goers see wooded hilltops, sandstone cliffs, and dramatic rock formations. Deer, raccoons, otter, muskrats and other wildlife may be seen. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl make the trail a bird-watcher’s paradise.
This rolling countryside is part of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The region escaped the glaciers of the last ice age, which flattened other parts of the landscape. The Driftless Area is marked by steep, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys. The “400” State Trail traverses unglaciated land through low, river-bottom wetlands surrounded by lofty bluffs and hills. In two places the trail cuts through high, rocky ridges.
Five communities sit along the “400” State Trail. Each town offers places to eat or have a snack. In Reedsburg, the renovated railroad depot serves as DNR trail headquarters and home of the Chamber of Commerce. Trailheads with ample amenities are located in LaValle, Wonewoc, and Union Center. Camping is available in Elroy and Wonewoc. Elroy Commons is a full-service station with bicycle rentals, restrooms, hot showers, and a small bike store.
The “400” State Trail is part of a 100-mile trail system called Bike-4-Trails. From Reedsburg the route runs north to Marshland, in Buffalo County. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail connects to the “400” State Trail in Elroy. The La Crosse River State Trail links Sparta to La Crosse, and the Great River State Trail joins La Crosse to Marshland.
Bicyclists may also venture off the “400” State Trail on two spur trails. At Union Center, the 4-mile Hillsboro State Trail leaves the “400” State Trail and journeys west to Hillsboro. At Elroy, bicyclists may take the scenic Omaha Trail north to Camp Douglas.
There is a $5 daily fee or $25 annual fee to use the “400” State Trail. Passes may be bought at the Reedsburg trail headquarters, Elroy Commons bike shop, and local businesses. Trail-goers should obey all posted rules. The path is well-marked and well-provisioned.
A unique feature of the “400” State Trail is a 7-mile horse path that parallels the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle. Horseback riders cross rivers and streams using the same bridges as cyclists, who should slow down or stop when approaching horseback riders.
A ride on the “400” State Trail is pleasant, tranquil, and enlightening. Interpretive markers along the route convey the region’s history and ecology. The scenery surrounding the trail is beautiful, abounding with vegetation and wildlife. The landscape offers stunning views of sandstone outcroppings, rolling farmland, and swampy bottomlands by the Baraboo River.
Route Descriptions