Wisconsin State Park System La Crosse River State Trail

The 22-mile La Crosse River State Trail has been developed from the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railroad between Sparta and La Crosse. The trail is open to walkers and bicyclists in spring through fall and snowmobiles in winter. Packed-limestone screenings provide a smooth surface for bicycling. Mileage markers are posted every half mile on the 7-mile section between La Crosse and West Salem.

This trail lies in the La Crosse River valley and parallels an active rail line to the north. Prairie remnants, farmland, trout streams, hardwood forests and wetlands are found along the trail. The trail passes through the communities of La Crosse, West Salem, Bangor, Rockland and Sparta.

The La Crosse River 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 State Trail on the east end, and the Great River State Trail connects to the trail in La Crosse on the west end.

• Bike 4 Trails map [PDF exit DNR]

Trail activities

The 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]

Walking and bicycling

The level grade and limestone surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers.

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.

Camping

There is a DNR campground in Sparta that has non-reservable sites with a self-registration station available to campers for camp fees. The 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 is at 9890 Imac Avenue. In Sparta, turn south on John Street. John Street turns into Igloo Road. After crossing under Interstate 90, turn left on Imac Avenue to the campground.

• Sparta walk-in campground map [PDF]

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous 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.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

State trail passes

State trail passes are required for bikers 16 and older. Daily and seasonal passes are available at the Sparta depot - trail headquarters, 111 Milwaukee Street, Sparta, and outlets in towns along the trail.

Directions

Sparta: The depot is at 111 Milwaukee Street, Sparta. Exit I-90 on State Highway 16/71 and go west about two miles to Water Street, then south about 0.6 mile to Milwaukee Street. The Sparta Depot serves as trail headquarters. A bridge over Interstate Highway 90 in Sparta connects the La Crosse River Trail to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail on the east end.

Bangor: Exit I-90 on State Highway 162 and go north about 0.3 miles.

Medary: Trail head is about a mile east of North La Crosse. Exit I-90 on State Highway 16 and go south about 1.5 miles to County Highway B, then east about 0.3 miles. A bridge over the active rail line at Medary connects the La Crosse River State Trail to the Great River State Trail to the north.

Friends group and volunteering

• Friends of the La Crosse River State Trail [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• La Crosse and Onalaska [exit DNR]
• Sparta [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Bike 4 Trails [exit DNR]
• Onalaska [exit DNR]
• La Crosse [exit DNR]
• Bike Sparta [exit DNR]