Elroy-Sparta State Trail
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is considered the first “rail to trail” recreational path in the United States. Over 32.5 miles, it journeys through west central Wisconsin’s unglaciated country, offering spectacular views of the rolling hills. Stunning views of open meadows, forested hillsides, wetlands, and undulating farmland may be seen. This region is called the “Driftless Area,” as its land was untouched by ancient glaciers. The rugged landscape remained, and now surrounds the Elroy-Sparta State Trail with beautiful scenery.
The trail surface is in good condition, and composed of crushed limestone. The path is rather narrow, and the surface is marked with tractor tire ruts in certain places. In other spots, the surface is compacted earth. Bicyclists should keep an eye out for sections where excessive amounts of loose stone and sand have formed on the trail’s surface. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is very popular, and sees heavy use on summer weekends. Trail etiquette should be used when meeting others on the path.
A highlight of biking the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is experiencing three separate hillside tunnels. Those long dark passageways, combined with the trail’s scenic landscape, have made it a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination. The tunnels were built between 1870 and1873 to ease the passage of railroad trains through the hilly terrain. Tunnel Number Three is the longest at ¾ mile, and by far the wettest. Large tunnel doors at each entrance prevent damage from rapid freezing and thawing.
Trail-goers often congregate at the tunnel entrances, where caution should be exercised. For safety reasons, cyclists are required to walk their bikes through the dark tunnels. This also prevents splashing from puddles on the floor. Bicycle lamps, headlamps or cell phone flashlights will help navigate through the darkness. The tunnels are damp and cool, with precipitation often falling from the rocky ceiling. A light jacket may be welcome.
Another high point of the trail is passing through five quaint communities in Juneau and Monroe counties. The path takes its name from cities at its end points, Elroy and Sparta. The trail also traverses the villages of Kendall, Wilton, and Norwalk. Trailheads and public parks are at each village, and local businesses there cater to trail-goers. Speed’s Bicycle Shop in Sparta and the Elroy Commons Bicycle Shop both service, sell, and rent bicycles.
This trail has a remarkable range of nearby campsites. Two DNR campgrounds are located along the trail, one near Elroy and the other by Sparta. Their campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. Hand pumps and vault toilets are available, but no firewood is sold. Campsites are hike-in/bike-in only, with vehicle parking in adjacent lots. Other designated camping areas along the trail are found in Elroy at Schultz City Park, Wilton Village Campground, Tunnel Trail Campground, and Norwalk Village Park.
These trailside campgrounds are often used by bicyclists who extend their ride beyond the 32-mile Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The trail is part of a 101-mile bicycle network called “Bike 4 Trails.” From Elroy, the route goes south on “The 400″ State Trail to Reedsburg. The Hillsboro State Trail and Omaha Trail both branch off from that main path to separate communities. In Sparta, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail becomes the La Crosse River State Trail. In La Crosse, it connects to the Great River State Trail. In total, the trail network makes it possible to bike 101 miles from Reedsburg to Marshland.
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail follows the former route of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The route had been extended from Winona, Minnesota to Sparta, Wisconsin. Connecting it to Elroy required building a new line through challenging terrain. Work on the line began in 1870. It took three years for railroad workers to carve three tunnels into the imposing hills with hand tools and dynamite. Though difficult to see inside the dark tunnels, marks of their labor are still evident on the interior walls.
The railroad line opened in 1873. At its height, 6 passenger trains and 40-50 freight trains traveled daily between Elroy and Sparta. In 1911, the C&NW Railway built a new corridor called the “Adams Cutoff.” The new route avoided the steep grades of the Elroy-Sparta course. Passenger service was discontinued in 1953, and freight service ended in 1964.
In 1965, a year after the railroad abandoned the corridor from Elroy to Sparta, the Wisconsin Conservation Department (now Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) purchased the land for $12,000. It was designated as a recreational trail and opened for public use in 1967. By 1970, the trail’s surface was laid with crushed limestone and the bridges were planked, which enabled bicycle access. In 1971, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, opportunities to learn about the area’s history are spread throughout the route. Historic depots have been refurbished in Sparta, Kendall, and Elroy. Interpretive markers along the path, including ones by the tunnels, explain railroad history. Other markers describe the development of the trail.
Trailhead sites in Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta serve bicyclists well. Other rest areas with amenities are located along the trail. All have restrooms, drinking water, and park benches or picnic tables. Some rest areas have bicycle self-service stations and self-service pay stations. Public showers are available at Elroy Commons.
There is a fee to use the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Bikers 16 years or older must buy a state trail pass before using the trail. A daily pass costs $5; an annual pass is $25. Passes may be purchased at the historic depots in Sparta, Kendall, and Elroy; at trailhead self-service pay stations; or from some local businesses.
Of note are the 3% grade ascents and descents surrounding each of the three tunnels. These gradients last several miles, and may be challenging for novice cyclists. Nonetheless, a ride on Wisconsin’s premier state trail is a true pleasure. The history, scenery, and overall experience is enchanting.
Route Descriptions