Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Today we biked 29 miles on the Elroy-Sparta, Wisconsin's first and oldest rail-trail which opened in 1967 and is a proud member of the Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame. This trail traces the route of the storied Chicago and North Western Railroad, which from 1873 to 1911 carried 6 passenger trains and 50 freight trains daily. Passenger service ended in 1953 and freight traffic ended in 1964. Now 60,000 bikers per year utilize the roadbed, the 34 bridges, and three historical tunnels. The 32-mile trail is covered in crushed gravel and in very good condition. In fact, I was surprised to see so many road bikes in use.

Most of the trail is tree shrouded. Though many farm fields abut the trail, the railroad right-of-way has not been plowed in a century and a half, and trees and foliage along the rail corridor have flourished and still do today. The result is scenic beauty but with regular vista views displaying the marvelous verdant hillsides and fields.



The highlights of the trail have to be the three tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels are 1/4 mile long and the Norwalk tunnel is 3/4 mile long. You can barely seen the light at the end of the tunnel...


All the tunnels are a very cool 50 degrees and seem like caves, and the longest tunnel is wet, with water dripping its entire length. Many riders wear waterproof gear in this tunnel. The tunnels were built by hand through solid rock and the longer one required three years to complete.



Riders are required to walk their bikes through the tunnels and since they are so dark, a flashlight is highly recommended...



Trailhead parking can be found at the start and end in Sparta and Elroy, and also along the trail in the towns of Norwalk, Wilton, and Kendall. These towns also offer washrooms, eateries, and water.

In 2010, riders had to pay $4 daily trail fee.

The five towns along the trail all offer parking, restrooms, food, and water.

Elroy-Sparta Trail website

Map of trail

History of the trail