Rail trail · Wisconsin
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Widely credited as the nation's first rail-trail: 32.5 miles of crushed limestone through three hand-dug railroad tunnels and the rolling Driftless Area between Elroy and Sparta.
Length
32.5 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Elroy to Sparta
Season
May to October; the tunnels are cold and wet year-round, and the long Tunnel 3 is closed in winter
Plan your ride or walk
The Elroy-Sparta is the trail that started it all, opened in 1967 and often called the first rail-trail in the United States. Its signature is three former-railroad tunnels, including the quarter-mile-plus Tunnel 3, which you walk your bike through with a flashlight. The 32.5 crushed-limestone miles roll gently through the Driftless Area's farms and small towns. Bring a light and a layer for the tunnels, which stay cold and dripping even in summer, and a Wisconsin State Trail Pass for cyclists 16 and up.
Getting there
The trail runs between Elroy and Sparta in west-central Wisconsin, about 90 minutes northwest of Madison. Trailheads and parking are in Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta, and the trail connects to the La Crosse River and 400 State Trails for longer rides.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Elroy-Sparta 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
Why is the Elroy-Sparta State Trail famous?
Opened in 1967, the Elroy-Sparta is widely credited as the first rail-trail in the United States, the model for the rail-trail movement. It is best known for its three former-railroad tunnels, which riders walk their bikes through.
How long are the tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
There are three tunnels. The longest, Tunnel 3, runs more than three-quarters of a mile and is cold, dark, and dripping year-round, so bring a flashlight and a layer. You walk your bike through all three tunnels.
Do you need a pass for the Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, daily or annual. The crushed-limestone surface suits hybrid and gravel bikes; the long Tunnel 3 typically closes for winter.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.