Rail trail · Wisconsin
White River State Trail
A 19-mile former railroad corridor through Walworth and Racine counties in southeastern Wisconsin, passing bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, and wetlands between Elkhorn and Dover, within five miles of Lake Geneva.
Length
19 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Elkhorn to Dover (with a short gap in Burlington)
Season
Open year-round; best for biking and walking May through October. Spring and fall offer farmland views and blooming or turning foliage along the corridor.
Plan your ride or walk
The White River State Trail covers 19 miles of a former rail corridor through the rolling farmland, wetlands, and small towns of Walworth and Racine counties in southeastern Wisconsin. The trail runs from Elkhorn east to Dover, with a short gap in Burlington where local roads bridge the discontinuity. It passes numerous former-railroad bridges, open scenic vistas, and the working farm landscapes typical of this corner of the state. The trail sits within five miles of Lake Geneva, one of Wisconsin's most popular resort towns, and is close to Big Foot Beach State Park for those combining a trail ride with a day at the water. The trail is operated by Walworth and Racine counties. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists and horseback riders 16 and older.
Getting there
The western trailhead is in Elkhorn, about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee via I-43 and US 12. The eastern terminus is in Dover in Racine County. Contact Walworth County Public Works (262-741-3114) for current access and trailhead information.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: White River 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 White River State Trail?
The trail runs 19 miles from Elkhorn in Walworth County to Dover in Racine County. There is a short gap in Burlington where local roads connect the two sections. Most users ride out and back from Elkhorn or one of the other access points.
How close is the White River State Trail to Lake Geneva?
The trail is within five miles of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin's most popular resort town on Geneva Lake. Elkhorn, the western trailhead, is about a 10-minute drive from Lake Geneva, making it easy to combine a trail ride with time in the resort area.
Do you need a pass for the White River State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists and horseback riders 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. The trail is managed by Walworth and Racine counties; contact Walworth County Public Works at 262-741-3114 for current fee and access information.
What is the surface of the White River State Trail?
The trail is surfaced in crushed stone on a flat, former railroad grade, suitable for hybrid and gravel bikes and comfortable walking. The surrounding landscape is open southeastern Wisconsin farmland, wetlands, and small town communities.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.