Rail trail · Wisconsin
Friendship State Trail
A 56-mile rail-trail on a crushed-limestone surface through the central Wisconsin sand counties, connecting Friendship and several small towns on a quiet former-railroad grade.
Length
56 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Friendship (Adams County) to Elroy (Juneau County), connecting to the Elroy-Sparta corridor
Season
May through October for biking and walking; groomed for snowmobiling in winter after adequate snowfall.
Plan your ride or walk
The Friendship State Trail covers 56 miles through the sand counties of central Wisconsin on a flat, crushed-limestone surface through pine and oak forest, agricultural fields, and wetland edges. The corridor is quiet and sparsely populated, passing through small towns that serve as rest stops rather than destinations in themselves. At its southern end near Elroy, it connects with the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, making it part of a broader Driftless-area rail-trail network. Like other Wisconsin state trails, it requires a State Trail Pass for cyclists 16 and older. The flat grade makes it accessible for all fitness levels, and the relative lack of traffic compared to the more famous Elroy-Sparta makes it a good choice for riders seeking a quieter experience.
Getting there
The northern trailhead is in Friendship, Adams County, roughly 1.5 hours north of Madison via US-51 and WI-13. The southern end is near Elroy in Juneau County. Parking is available at the Friendship trailhead and at several road crossings and small towns along the route.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Friendship State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Friendship State Trail?
The Friendship State Trail is about 56 miles long, running point to point from Friendship in Adams County south to the Elroy area in Juneau County. It is one of the longer rail-trails in the Wisconsin state system.
Does the Friendship Trail connect to other Wisconsin rail-trails?
Yes. At its southern end near Elroy, it connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, the first rail-trail in the United States. Together they form a longer corridor through west-central Wisconsin.
Do you need a pass for the Friendship State Trail?
Yes. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. Walking and running are free. Passes can be purchased daily or annually online and at self-pay stations.
What is the scenery like on the Friendship State Trail?
The trail passes through central Wisconsin's distinctive sand-county landscape: open pine and oak forest, sandy soils, small wetlands, and agricultural areas. It is less dramatic than the Driftless tunnels of the Elroy-Sparta but is quieter and well suited to long, unhurried rides.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.