Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Camping
Four Trails in One
More Information
Views of the Trail

Considered the first rail-to-trail in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination.

Traveling between Sparta and Elroy, the trail stretches through the communities of Norwalk, Wilton and Kendall, passing by wetlands, prairies, farmland and unglaciated areas.

Elroy-Sparta State Trail Map [PDF 614KB]

Standing outside the entrance, you can just see the other end of tunnel #3.
DNR Photo by Joseph Warren

The three century-old railroad tunnels highlight the trail. The tunnels near Kendall and Wilton are each about .25 mile long. The tunnel between Norwalk and Sparta is .75 mile long.

Flashlights and jackets are recommended in the tunnels. The tunnels are dark and cool, even on the brightest days, and water from springs above the tunnels can trickle onto the trail. Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnels.

Walking bikes in tunnel
Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnels.
Photo © Wisconsin Department of Tourism

The trail is surfaced with limestone screenings to provide a smooth surface suitable for walkers and bicyclists spring through fall and snowmobiles in winter. The tunnels are closed in winter and there are marked snowmobile routes to go around the tunnels.

This Elroy-Sparta State Trail is directly linked to two other state trails. A bridge over Interstate 90 in Sparta connects the La Crosse River State Trail to the Elroy-Sparta trail on the west end, and the "400" State Trail connects to the trail at Elroy Commons on the east end.

There is also a connection at Elroy Commons to the 13-mile Omaha County Trail. The Omaha trail travels between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park. The Omaha trail features a shorter rock tunnel which is about two blocks long.

The restored railroad depot in Kendall serves as trail headquarters and has a railroad history museum with pictures and artifacts on display. Trailheads are also available in Sparta, Norwalk, Wilton and Elroy.

State trail passes are required for bikers 16 and older. Daily and annual passes are available at the Sparta Depot, Kendall Depot, Elroy Commons and outlets in towns along the trail.

Views of the Trail

Thumbnails link to larger images.

Elroy and Sparta Campgrounds

Two DNR campgrounds are available for trail visitors. Both campgrounds have non-reservable sites with self-registration stations available to campers for camp fees. Each campground offers campsites with a fire ring and picnic table. Hand pumps and pit toilets are available. No firewood is sold at these campgrounds and there are firewood rules to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Campsites are walk-in only and vehicles can be parked in adjacent lots.

The address for the Sparta Campground is 9890 Imac Avenue. In Sparta, turn south on John Street. John St. turns into Igloo Road. After crossing under Interstate 90, turn left on Imac Avenue to the campground.

Sparta Walk-in Campground Map [PDF 464KB]

The Elroy Campground is along Highway 71 near the intersection of Highway 80 in Elroy. An underpass allows campers to walk under Highway 71 and up a 100-yard asphalt road to the campground.

Elroy Walk-in Campground Map [PDF 600KB]

Four Trails in One

Western Wisconsin has a unique network of four connected state trails that provides over 100 miles of continuous trail for users to enjoy. The Great River, La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and the "400" state trails link together unique natural ecosystems, Native American cultural sites, railroad depots and tunnels, and communities which have evolved from railroad towns to tourist destinations.

Bike 4 Trails is a cooperative effort between trail staff, friends groups, chamber of commerce groups, and tourism officials along the four trails. Visit the Bike 4 Trails Web page [exit DNR] for maps of the individual trails as well as a large overview of the entire trail system.

How to Get There

The trail is near Interstates 90 and 94 and roughly parallels Highway 71 between Sparta and Elroy:

Bikers on trail
The trail passes under Highway 71 outside of Norwalk.
DNR Photo

Sparta. Depot, 111 Milwaukee Street, Sparta. From the east, exit I-90 on State Highway 16/71 and go west about 2 miles to Water Street, then south about .6 mile to Milwaukee Street. From the west, exit I-90 on State Highway 27 and go north.
Elroy. Exit I-90/94 on State Highway 82 and go west for about 12 miles.
Norwalk, Wilton and Kendall. Highway 71 runs between Elroy and Sparta through all three towns.

More Information

For more information about camping and accommodations, restaurants and services, communities along the trail, history of the trail, events and trail pass vendors, please visit:

Elroy-Sparta State Trail [exit DNR]