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White River Trail
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
White River State Trail
This 12-mile trail follows a former rail corridor as it travels between Elkhorn and Burlington, passing by numerous bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, farmlands, and wetlands in Wisconsin's Southeast Glacial Plains landscape.
Trail Map
- Trail Map [exit DNR]
Courtesy Walworth County -
Trail Activities
Trail Facts
- Rail Trail: Yes
- Length: 12 Miles
- Surface: Crushed Limestone
- Counties: Walworth
- Communities: Elkhorn, Springfield, Lyons, Burlington
- State Trail Pass required for Bicycling and Horseback Riding
- Feasibility Study (1999) [PDF]
Restored Depot in Springfield.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber
The trail is operated by Walworth County and is within 5 miles of Lake Geneva and Big Foot Beach State Park. The western end of the trail begins at County Highway H near Elkhorn. The eastern end of the trail is at Spring Valley Road near the Walworth-Racine county line, just west of Burlington.
Trail Activities
The White River State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]
Walking & Bicycling
The fairly level grade and smooth limestone surface make this 12-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
The fairly level grade and smooth limestone surface make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.
Horseback Riding
The 2-mile adjacent horse trail is open along the corridor between Springfield and Lyons for horseback riding. Each rider age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.
Winter Activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The White River State Trail also connects to many miles of county snowmobile trails.
The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
More Information
See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the White River State Trail.
How to Get There
How to Get There
From Burlington, take State Highway 36 west about 1.8 miles to Spring Valley Road. Turn left (south) on Spring Valley Road and go about a mile to just beyond the bridge over the new Burlington bypass. Geographic coordinates are 42° 39' 33.0" N, 88° 18' 27.8" W.
The western end of trail is at County Highway H south of the Interstate 43 and US Highway 12 interchange in Elkhorn. From Highway 12, take the County Highway NN exit west and then turn left (south) on Highway H. Go about .6 mile south to the trailhead parking lot. Geographic coordinates are 42° 39' 36.20" N, 88° 31' 18.72" W
The City of Elkhorn has provided a connector trail between Babe Mann Park and the state trail.
Parking also is available in downtown Lyons and a parking lot off of Highway 120 in the village of Springfield. The Springfield lot accommodates horse and snowmobile trailers. It is about a block east of Highway 120 on Signal Street, a half block south of the trail.
In the Area
State Parks and Trails
Big Foot Beach State Park
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Department of Tourism Listings
Nearby activities, accommodations, dining, events, and more.
Burlington [exit DNR]
Elkhorn [exit DNR]
Lake Geneva & Walworth County [exit DNR]
Other Area Attractions
Lyons Town Hall, Downtown Lyons, a restored historical building built in 1877.
Webster House, Elkhorn. (262) 723-4248 or (262) 723-5788, a Greek-revival style cottage built in 1836. It served as the federal land grant office before Wisconsin became a state. Open May 1 - September 30, daily Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Useful Links
Useful Links
White River State Trail - Walworth County [exit DNR]
Walworth County [exit DNR]
For more information, ask:
Walworth Department of Public Works
W4097 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-3114
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