Elroy-Sparta State Trail: Kendall to Wilton

A bicycle ride from Kendall to Wilton on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a dynamic experience. Compared to the relatively flat trail section from Elroy to Kendall, this segment has a long ascent and descent. The land is hillier and wooded. One of the highlights between Kendall and Wilton is passing through one of three tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

The 9.5 miles from Kendall to Wilton rise and fall in elevation over 400 feet. Cyclists endure a long, slow climb for the first part of the ride, then a relaxing descent in the second half. Tunnel Number One is the highest point, about 3.5 miles from Kendall. The gradient ranges from 2% to 3%, and the trail’s crushed limestone surface is in good condition. A few park benches are located along the route.

At Kendall, the trailhead is located next to a historic, refurbished railroad depot. The site has a parking lot, park benches, covered picnic shelter, information kiosk, bicycle self-service station, and historical marker about the trail.

Built in 1900 for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, Kendall’s depot was restored in 1964 by the Wisconsin DNR. Today it houses the headquarters for the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail. State trail passes, bicycle rentals, concessions, apparel and souvenirs are available. There’s also a museum with railroad exhibits, restrooms and drinking water.

The Kendall trailhead is on White Street. To reach it by car, turn north from Wisconsin State Highway 71. The parking lot is to the left (west) on White Street, flanking the old depot.

The small village of Kendall is in Monroe County. It was named for L. G. Kendall, a local farmer and landowner. A post office has operated there since 1874. During the height of the railroad days, a substantial engine roundhouse and turntable operated in Kendall. The 14-stall roundhouse housed “helper” locomotives that assisted other locomotives in climbing the hills between Kendall and Sparta.

Besides the trailhead facilities, Kendall offers trail-goers a few amenities. Most businesses are located on Railroad Street, south of the trail. There are several taverns serving food and a gas station/convenience store.

From Kendall, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail heads northwest out of the village. It crosses Thayer and Spring Streets, then passes under Wisconsin State Highway 71. The trail enters a forest and runs next to the highway for a half mile. The route then turns further west and away from the highway, beginning the slow climb to Tunnel Number One.

As it cuts through the forest, the path bridges a branch of the Baraboo River. The trail also crosses Missouri Avenue. As the path keeps climbing, the forested hillside rises up alongside the trail. Over a century ago, laborers blasting through the hill created this canyon-like cut. The path finally arrives at a dark tunnel entrance, 3.5 miles from Kendall.

Several yards in front of the tunnel, built over the trail, is a tall wooden framework with wires hanging down. A trailside marker explains that railroad brakemen often worked on top of the trains, turning circular handbrakes to slow them down. The wooden structures were located at both ends of each tunnel, and were called “Telltales” or “Hobo Poles.” As a train approached the tunnel entrance, the dangling wires revealed if the brakeman could remain atop or needed to climb down. If the wires touched him, he’d climb down, as there wasn’t enough clearance in the tunnel.

Cyclists are required to walk their bikes through the tunnels. By far the driest of all three, Tunnel Number One is 1,649 feet long. It’s helpful to wear a jacket and use a light source to navigate the damp, dark passageway.

The tunnel’s west entrance has another interpretive marker. It explains that the tunnel was completed in 1873 and cost $98,971. The marker also tells why there are large doors at each tunnel entrance. When closed during the cold weather months, the doors seal in warmer temperatures. This prevents rapid freezing and thawing, which causes rocks to shift and fall.

A spectacular view of the tunnel façade is seen on its west side. As the trail continues northwest, the sides of the tall hill diminish. In the 5.5 miles from the tunnel to Wilton, cyclists enjoy a downhill ride as the elevation drops over 400 feet.

Not far from the west tunnel entrance is yet another interpretive marker by picnic table. This marks the site of an old railway sidetrack and water tower. Continuing to the northwest, the trail slowly descends into scenic Dorset Valley. The path runs along the valley’s southern ridge for 3 miles, then across Loganberry Avenue to Wisconsin State Highway 71.

This downhill section contains Tunnel Trail Campground, 1.4 miles from the tunnel. It’s a full service campground right on the trail, that can also be reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 71. Over 50 campsites with water and electrical hook-ups serve both tents and RVs. Cabin rentals are also available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a swimming pool, mini-golf course, grocery store, playground, wi-fi, game room, athletic courts and horseshoe pits, a laundry facility, and sanitary dump station. The campground also offers bike rentals for its patrons.

Back on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the path runs through Dorset Valley, turning southwest after crossing a bridge over Wisconsin State Highway 71. Along the valley floor, a line of trees surrounds the trail and provides shade. The path crosses the Kickapoo River four or five times as it meanders through the low valley. It also crosses Sleighton Creek. Bald eagles are often spotted here. They perch on tree branches near the water while searching for fish. It is 2.6 miles from the state highway to Wilton.

In Wilton, the trail crosses County Highway M (Main Street) and arrives at a substantial trailhead. It has a parking lot, information kiosk, restrooms, drinking water, self-service registration station, bike rack, park benches and picnic tables. A historic red caboose sits on tracks nearby. To reach the trailhead by car in Wilton, turn north on County Highway M (Main Street) from Wisconsin State Highway 71. The parking lot entrance is 0.3 mile north on the left (west) side of the road.

A village park with campground is also located in Wilton. Off the state highway at the end of East Street, the campground has 50 sites with electric hook-ups. There are restrooms, showers, a sanitary dump station, and water at the nearby bathhouse. The park features a swimming pool, playground, athletic courts, ball diamond, and wi-fi.

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

Several stores and markets in Wilton serve trail-goers. The hardware store sells trail passes, and there’s also a gas station and convenience store. The Township of Wilton was organized in 1856, and the village laid out in 1871. Wilton saw its greatest growth in the 1870s with the coming of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. Over a century later, the amenities of this small town are appreciated by cyclists on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2023.