Rail trail · Wisconsin
400 State Trail
A 22-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail following the Baraboo River valley between Reedsburg and Elroy, forming the eastern anchor of the famous Elroy-Sparta trail system and passing through classic Driftless Area scenery.
Length
22 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Reedsburg to Elroy
Season
Best May through October; the corridor sees some winter snowmobile use after snowfall; a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older
Plan your ride or walk
The 400 State Trail gets its name from the Chicago and North Western's famous 400-series passenger trains that once ran this corridor. The 22-mile rail-trail connects Reedsburg and Elroy on a smooth crushed-limestone surface, following the Baraboo River through the gentle ridges and valleys of the Driftless Area. At Elroy, it links directly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which in turn connects to the La Crosse River State Trail, creating one of the longest multi-day rail-trail networks in the Midwest. The 400 Trail passes through the small communities of La Valle and Wonewoc, where services are available. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass; walkers and runners are free.
Getting there
The eastern trailhead is in Reedsburg, about 55 miles northwest of Madison via US 12. The western terminus in Elroy connects seamlessly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail's eastern end, making Elroy the natural junction town for multi-trail tours. Parking is available at both ends and in La Valle and Wonewoc.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: 400 State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the 400 State Trail?
The 400 State Trail is 22 miles long, running point to point from Reedsburg east to Elroy. At Elroy it connects directly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and together the two trails offer over 54 miles of continuous rail-trail riding.
How did the 400 State Trail get its name?
The trail is named for the Chicago and North Western Railway's 400-series passenger trains, which ran the Chicago-to-Minneapolis route at an average speed designed to cover 400 miles in 400 minutes. The trail follows the former rail corridor.
Do you need a pass for the 400 State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual pass at trailheads or online. Walking and running are free. The pass also covers the connected Elroy-Sparta and La Crosse River State Trails.
Does the 400 State Trail connect to other trails?
Yes. The western terminus in Elroy connects directly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (32.5 miles), which in turn links to the La Crosse River State Trail and the Great River State Trail, creating a multi-day rail-trail network stretching to the Mississippi River.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.