Rail trail · Wisconsin
La Crosse River State Trail
A 22-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail following the La Crosse River through the glaciated coulees of western Wisconsin, linking Sparta to the Mississippi River bluff town of La Crosse and forming the central link in a three-trail corridor with the Elroy-Sparta and Great River trails.
Length
22 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Sparta to La Crosse
Season
Best May through October; groomed for snowmobiling after snowfall; the downhill grade makes a west-to-east ride more challenging
Plan your ride or walk
The La Crosse River State Trail connects Sparta, the eastern anchor of the famous Elroy-Sparta State Trail, west to La Crosse on the Mississippi River, covering 22 miles of crushed limestone along the La Crosse River through the distinctive coulees of the Driftless Area. Because it follows a former railroad corridor with a consistent grade sloping toward the river, riders heading west enjoy a gentle downhill run; the return eastbound is correspondingly uphill. The trail is the middle link in a celebrated three-trail chain: the Elroy-Sparta to the east and the Great River State Trail to the north of La Crosse connect for a multi-day corridor of over 90 miles along former railroads through some of the most scenic terrain in the Midwest. La Crosse itself has restaurants, lodging, and river access, making it a natural layover point. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older.
Getting there
The eastern trailhead is in Sparta, about 30 miles east of La Crosse off I-90, where the La Crosse River Trail meets the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The western end is in La Crosse near Riverside Park, accessible from downtown. Trailheads with parking are also located in Bangor and West Salem.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: La Crosse River 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 does the La Crosse River State Trail connect to other trails?
In Sparta, the La Crosse River Trail connects directly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which runs 32.5 miles east through three railroad tunnels. In La Crosse, it connects to the Great River State Trail, which runs north along the Mississippi River. Together the three trails form a corridor of more than 90 miles.
Is the La Crosse River Trail mostly downhill?
Heading west from Sparta toward La Crosse, the former railroad grade slopes gently downward along the La Crosse River, making the westbound direction the easier ride. Returning east is a consistent, gradual climb. Shuttles are available in the area for one-way rides.
How long is the La Crosse River State Trail?
The La Crosse River State Trail is 22 miles point to point from Sparta to La Crosse on a crushed-limestone rail corridor through the Driftless Area coulees.
Do you need a pass for the La Crosse River State Trail?
Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, daily or annual, the same pass valid on other Wisconsin state trails. Walkers and runners do not need a pass.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.