The “400” State Trail
The “400” State Trail takes its name from the former Chicago and Northwestern Railway passenger train that traveled 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis in approximately 400 minutes. In June of 1993, the “400” State Trail was opened along part of the former rail line. The trail runs 22 miles through the Baraboo River valley, from Reedsburg to Elroy.
The “400” State Trail is part of a 100-mile trail system (Bike4Trails) going from Reedsburg to Marshland. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail connects to the “400” State Trail in Elroy. The La Crosse River State Trail connects Sparta to La Crosse, and the Great River State Trail connects 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 goes to Hillsboro. At Elroy, bicyclists may take the Omaha Trail north to Camp Douglas.
The “400” State Trail headquarters is located at the historic railroad depot in Reedsburg. It is open from May 1 through October 31. There is a $5 day fee or $25 annual fee for use of the trail. Users should obey all posted rules. The trail is well-marked and well-provisioned. Camping, lodging, restaurants, parking lots, restrooms, bike rentals, and information kiosks are available at numerous points along the trail. A unique feature of the “400” State Trail is a 7-mile horse trail which parallels the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle.
The crushed limestone trail meanders through Wisconsin’s unglaciated Driftless Area. This region escaped the glaciers of the last ice age which flattened the landscape. The Driftless Area is marked by steep, forested ridges, and deeply carved river valleys. The “400” State Trail traverses unglaciated land through wetlands, croplands, and pastures. As it meanders through the Baraboo River valley, bicyclists often see towering sandstone bluffs and rocky outcroppings from the trail. At other places, the trail offers views of swampy, river lowlands.
Route Descriptions