Located near the old crystal ridge ski hill, now called the rock sports complex in franklin, wisconsin, it is a 3mile 4. A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older biking, crosscountry skiing, horseback riding or inline skating on certain trails. This website is just an introduction to 4 of wisconsins finest bike trails. Tunnels, bikes and history on the elroysparta state trail. Bike paths and trails near wisconsin dells where to find. Being the novel first trail of its kind, the elroy sparta is one of the best. The small towns enroute all have a bike friendly atmosphere. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and. The trail is a middle leg of the bike 4 trails route that runs for 100 miles from the mississippi river through wisconsins rugged driftless area. Whether youre training for a race or looking for a familyfriendly trail, these spots around wisconsin are great for getting out on two wheels. The longest between sparta and norwalk is over threequarters of a mile long. The omaha trail is paved and runs south for miles from camp douglas to elroy wisconsin.
The tunnel took three years to build and opened in 1873 for train traffic. These are a few of the amazing, carfree rail trails that guests enjoy on 3, 4, and 6 day fullysupported inntoinn rail trail tours. So get your copy of our wisconsin bike trail map and ride one of our 28 predesigned wisconsin bike trails on your next bicycling trip. The elroysparta trail wisconsin 32m is one of four connecting bike trails in westcentral wisconsin for a total of 101 miles. Wisconsin is blessed with a vast network of bike trails, both rural and urban and not all on former railroad corridors. Browntowncadiz springs state recreation area 1mile 1. Cycling in coulee country the famous elroysparta is just one of the trails in a picturesque pocket of wisconsin. Find the best trails for mountain biking in wisconsin. We will contact you to confirm your reservations once you submit the form. The elroy sparta trails tunnels are a major draw to the. Tunnels, bikes and history on the elroysparta state.
Southwest wisconsin bike trail map containing 28 loops all wisconsin bike trails in 3 different counties. Cycling on wisconsin trails requires a trail pass that you can pick up at posts on the trail or purchase ahead of time from a number of bike shops. The region offers scenic winding roads, peaceful trails, five state parks, 19 county parks, and dozens of nature preserves to explore. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. Get outside with us this summer, and book a room at our wisconsin bed and breakfast resort. The best mountain bike trails in wisconsin singletracks. What a treat that one of wisconsins best bike trails is in one of the best biking regions in the state. Theres a beautiful pocket of wisconsin that dairy farmers would have had all to themselves if it hadnt been for a few renegade bicyclists. These are a few of the amazing, carfree railtrails that guests enjoy on 3, 4, and 6 day fullysupported inntoinn rail trail tours. Bikers pass through three tunnels, so bike lights are recommended.
Enjoy a fun day or two biking through the historic tunnels of the elroy sparta trail, located just minutes from our wisconsin bed and breakfast resort. Youll pass through three tunnels on the spartatoelroy trail, so if youre riing just one of the trails, thats the one to do. Terrific trail to bike, run or walk and because its in onalaska, wi, youre more likely to encounter nice and friendly people than not. Alpha mountain bike trail milwaukee county parks first official mountain bike trail. Considered the first railto trail in the united states, the elroysparta state trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. Wisconsins most unique tunnel has a truly fascinating history. Love the tunnels and the small towns that you go through. This amazing trail in wisconsin takes you through abandoned train tunnels.
Biking five of wisconsins great rails to trails experience. Located in one of the most scenic parts of driftless region wisconsin, the elroysparta bike trail, is great for families, with plenty of amenities bathrooms, water, food at regular intervals and the tunnels serving as a fun goal to keep kids pedaling. Facilities noted where available near or on the trails with trail distances. Wisconsin s top mountain biking trails mountain biking. Your guide to biking or hiking the elroy sparta trail. The elroy sparta state bike trail is a 32 mile linear bike path on crushed. Pedaling for a pint thanks to mutual attraction, breweries are popping up along bike trails. Most small towns along the way have parking lots just for people to use the trail.
Wisconsin wanderlust rail trail bike tour come discover and explore central wisconsin on this five day bike tour. State of wisconsin department of transportation facebook twitter youtube department of transportation podcast. In 1967, wisconsin made a bicycling trail out of an abandoned rail bed that it had devoted to hikers until it saw that most of the users were on bicycles. Love the tunnels and the small towns that you go through this is a wonderful bike ride. Wisconsin s many miles of trails and varied terrain make it an ideal place for bicycling. The elroy sparta trail is best known for its three tunnels. Laid out along the former chicago and north western railroad, it passes through wisconsin s driftless and hidden valleys region. Mariners trail manitowoctwo rivers linear bike trails manitowoc. Spring hiking and biking areas worth a visit things to do. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before you. The department of tourism also provides information about wisconsin bicycle trails and bike routes. It is world famous as the first railstotrails trail established in 1967, and for its long cavernous tunnels.
It is world famous as the first railsto trails trail established in 1967, and for its long cavernous tunnels. Wisconsin has been a leader in railsto trails conversions learn more about the firstever railsto trails conversion, the elroy sparta trail, here, but theres a super interesting trail and tunnel about 20 miles southwest of madison that many wisconsinites know nothing about. Trail is part of 101 miles of interconnecting state bike trails and is the original rails to trails bike trail. Purchase the vvmapping map bookprinted map book with over 150 pages of color maps from around wisconsin. On the north, it connects to racine county via the threemile north shore trail, from which the 10mile lake michigan pathway follows the lakefront. Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in wisconsin using our unique trail ranking algorithm.
This is a flat trail that was once a railroad, complete with tunnels through the hills of the driftless region of wisconsin. This coasttocoast initiative provides a carfree way to enjoy the. Stewart tunnel on the badger state trail in belleville. These are the ones i know of or need info on finding the exact location. The elroysparta trail in wisconsin takes you through. Traveling east from sparta, this trail passes through. The elroysparta trail, which is just minutes from the justin trails resort in wisconsin, was the first rails to trails project of its kind in the country. Free wisconsin bike trail map wisconsin bike trails. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and photos. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic.
Going to elroy is a slight uphill, but coming back to sparta is all downhill. The best bike trails are rated by weighing the following ranking factors. The elroysparta trail in wisconsin takes you through three. Beloved by bicyclists, hikers, snow mobilers, and crosscountry skiers, the historic and beautiful elroy sparta bike trail is an adventure everyone should experience. Wisconsin department of transportation bicycle maps. The trail is part of the larger wisconsin bike trail system operated by the state of wisconsin. The four connecting westcentral wisconsin rails to trails, known as the bike 4 trails has over 100 miles of connecting trails. Enjoy 5 car free days on this railtrail ride between lake michigan and the mississippi river in the heart of wisconsin. Dec 20, 2006 i am trying to find all the rail tunnels in wisconsin. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. Walking through the tunnels, you cant ride them, is an adventure in itself. Beginning in sparta at the trailhead tourist center, you might first want to check on ben bikin, a large statue of a mustachioed 19thcentury sportsman atop a victorianstyle penny. The gr eat a nnual b icycling a dventure a long the w isconsin r iver.
The elroy sparta state bike trail is a 32 mile linear bike path on crushed gravel. Railtrails are a perfect path for a bikecamping trip in. Three old railroad tunnels cut through the hills of the driftless region. Utter darkness is as much a part of the scenery along the elroysparta state trail as the views of the rolling hills and farmland. The elroysparta state trail is directly linked to two other state trails. Considered the first railtotrail in the united states, the elroysparta state trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. Explore on two wheels in wisconsins bikefriendly cities biking. You will need your bike light even on the brightest summer days when you go from the bright, hot sunshine into the cool, wet, dark tunnels. Wisconsin s railsto trails program features more than 80 trails waiting to be explored. It is one of six connecting trails in westcentral wisconsin. Wisconsin bike trails will take you on a picturesque journey you are unlikely to forget.
A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. I am trying to find all the rail tunnels in wisconsin. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32. Wisconsin department of transportation local bicycle maps. Get outside with us this summer, and book a room at our wisconsin bed. This is more of a biking trail than a hiking trail, due to the long miles required to complete it.
The longest, between sparta and norwalk, is more than threequarters of a mile long. Bike trails are surfaced with fine limestone or similar materials. Some examples are the 32mile elroysparta trail which winds through three centuryold railroad tunnels, wooded valleys, and small towns and the paved 83. The 10 best wisconsin biking trails with photos tripadvisor. Well maintained mountain bicycles, bike trailers and third wheel bikes for kids. Elroysparta state trail wisconsin trails traillink. Since 1986, the railsto trails conservancy has been connecting communities via a network of trails created from former railroad corridors. Online reservation form please fill out this convenient form to make your reservation at our camping resort. Laid out along the former chicago and north western railroad, it passes through wisconsins driftless and hidden valleys region. Discover the best bike paths near wisconsin dells, wi.
Jul, 2019 three tunnels provide thrills on the elroysparta. The small towns enroute all have a bikefriendly atmosphere. Rails to trails bike tours great allegheny passage, katy. The most popular trails are wyalusing state park, newport state park and kettle moraine state forest. The trail has a 875 foot tunnel that was built in 1876. Explore on two wheels in wisconsin s bike friendly cities biking. Wisconsins top mountain biking trails mountain biking. Wisconsin wanderlust rail trail bike tour wilderness voyageurs. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. Discover hundreds of miles of paved bike trails across the state. May 01, 2017 then the trail heads into a narrower valley.
Over 140 years ago, approximately 50 trains passed daily through the three tunnels, carrying passengers, cattle, and other goods for sale. Tunnel trail campground 26983 state hwy 71 wilton, wi 54670 phone. Whether youre looking for an intense, allday bike ride or a leisurely trek with the family, door county boasts some of the best hiking trails in wisconsin. This 3day adventure ride takes us through a mix of pavement, dirt, sand, gravel, and mud from the illinois border to lake. Your guide to biking on the elroy sparta trail in driftless wisconsin. Here are some interesting facts about this unique trail. This area was selected by the olympic committee for bicycling events for 2016 olympics in chicago. Your membership will support railstotrails conservancys work to build, maintain, defend and connect trail corridors across the nation.
The elroy sparta trail is part of 101 miles of interconnecting state bike trails and is the original rails to trails bike trail. Rails to trails bike tours great allegheny passage, katy, c. Located in one of the most scenic parts of driftless region wisconsin, the elroy sparta bike trail, is great for families, with plenty of amenities. The railroad company employed a tunnel watchman from 1910 to 1947 to open tunnel doors when needed. The elroy sparta trail is best known for its tunnels. Mountain bike trails of wisconsin illustrated bicycle. It was added to the railsto trails conservancy hall of fame in september 2008. At the end of your bike ride stay with us for awhile and enjoy another of our natural resources the friendly people. The department of tourism offers the 2020 wisconsin biking guide, a detailed guide showing bike touring trails, onroad routes and mountain bike trail systems. Three unique rock tunnels are highlights along the trail and offer a refreshing. Explore the best bike trails in wisconsin on traillink. The elroy sparta trail is primarily known as a bike trail, but its open for walkers and runners as well. Jan, 2018 this amazing trail in wisconsin takes you through abandoned train tunnels.
Beaches on bike trails after the sweating, cool off in the surf. Centrally located in the heart of the bike 4 trails. This website is just an introduction to 4 of wisconsin s finest bike trails. Since 1986, the railstotrails conservancy has been connecting communities via a network of trails created from former railroad corridors. Thats because visitors pass through three handdug railroad tunnels on their 33mile journey from sparta to elroy on what is widely acknowledged to be the oldest railtrail conversion in the united states. Wisconsins railstotrails program features more than 80 trails waiting to be explored. Tunnel trail campground camping in wilton, wi near sparta.
The historic tunnels date to the 1870s and are a creepycool draw to the trail in wisconsins driftless region. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk your bike through any one of the three trail tunnels. Cycle southwest wisconsin wisconsin bike trails cycle. Find the top rated bike trails in wisconsin, whether youre looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, youll find what youre looking for. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before.
1205 90 1025 730 592 431 251 1241 1425 695 1295 877 50 1366 804 1289 5 875 1170 491 1016 1258 1140 750 588 316 475 942 399 1005 935 148 479