'Nutrition For Cyclists'
This comprehensive ebook is just $2.99!
Tunneling Across Wisconsin’s Farm Country
Elroy, Wisconsin
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Distance: 32.5 miles
Wisconsin’s Elroy–Sparta State Trail runs 32.5 miles between Elroy and Sparta, linking five towns along a former railroad corridor. You’ll ride crushed limestone through farmland, wetlands and wooded stretches, with three railroad tunnels along the way.
If you’re looking for a shorter ride, hop on the trail at Kendall, Wilton or Norwalk.
The trail covers part of the former Chicago and North Western Railway and is widely recognized as the nation’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Riders travel through the same rock passages that once carried trains across this part of western Wisconsin.
Riders older than 16 are required to buy a trail pass, which can be purchased online or locally.
Bring a Light—and Allow Time to Walk
Two tunnels, near Kendall and Wilton, measure about a quarter-mile each. The third, between Norwalk and Sparta, stretches roughly three-quarters of a mile. That is a fairly long walk in the dark while pushing a bicycle, and you will need a flashlight or headlamp, even on a bright summer afternoon. The tunnels are dark and cool, and spring water can drip from above. Take a light jacket.
Cyclists ride through three tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Parking, Food and the Return Trip
Parking is available at either end of the trail. In Sparta, the depot at 111 Milwaukee Street is a good place to start. Parking is available at the Elroy trailhead and at Kendall’s restored depot, which houses the trail headquarters and a railroad history museum. Kendall also sells trail passes.
For lunch, try Hidden Inn Bar & Grill in Kendall for sandwiches, burgers and other meals. Or the Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant near Wilton, a restaurant and bakery in a former schoolhouse.
Speed’s Bicycle Shop in Sparta offers rentals and a trail shuttle service.
Trail stats
Distance
32.5 miles one way
Surface
Crushed limestone
Start/Finish
Elroy / Sparta, Wisconsin
Services
Parking at Elroy and Kendall; food in trail communities; rentals and shuttle service in Sparta
Cons
Tunnels require walking; unpaved surface; winter tunnel closures; trail pass required
Your guide to the Elroy-Sparta state Trail and other great Wisconsin trails.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Distance: 32.5 miles
Wisconsin’s Elroy–Sparta State Trail runs 32.5 miles between Elroy and Sparta, linking five towns along a former railroad corridor. You’ll ride crushed limestone through farmland, wetlands and wooded stretches, with three railroad tunnels along the way.
If you’re looking for a shorter ride, hop on the trail at Kendall, Wilton or Norwalk.
The trail covers part of the former Chicago and North Western Railway and is widely recognized as the nation’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Riders travel through the same rock passages that once carried trains across this part of western Wisconsin.
Riders older than 16 are required to buy a trail pass, which can be purchased online or locally.
Bring a Light—and Allow Time to Walk
Two tunnels, near Kendall and Wilton, measure about a quarter-mile each. The third, between Norwalk and Sparta, stretches roughly three-quarters of a mile. That is a fairly long walk in the dark while pushing a bicycle, and you will need a flashlight or headlamp, even on a bright summer afternoon. The tunnels are dark and cool, and spring water can drip from above. Take a light jacket.
Cyclists ride through three tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Parking, Food and the Return Trip
Parking is available at either end of the trail. In Sparta, the depot at 111 Milwaukee Street is a good place to start. Parking is available at the Elroy trailhead and at Kendall’s restored depot, which houses the trail headquarters and a railroad history museum. Kendall also sells trail passes.
For lunch, try Hidden Inn Bar & Grill in Kendall for sandwiches, burgers and other meals. Or the Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant near Wilton, a restaurant and bakery in a former schoolhouse.
Speed’s Bicycle Shop in Sparta offers rentals and a trail shuttle service.
Trail stats
Distance
32.5 miles one way
Surface
Crushed limestone
Start/Finish
Elroy / Sparta, Wisconsin
Services
Parking at Elroy and Kendall; food in trail communities; rentals and shuttle service in Sparta
Cons
Tunnels require walking; unpaved surface; winter tunnel closures; trail pass required
Your guide to the Elroy-Sparta state Trail and other great Wisconsin trails.
Some pages contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission.