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- White River State Trail
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- Trail map [exit DNR]Courtesy Walworth County
- 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
- Master plan
- Contact information
- For information, contact:
- Walworth Department of Public Works
W4097 County Road NN
Elkhorn WI 53121
262-741-3114
Wisconsin State Park System White River State Trail
DNR Photo
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. The trail is operated by Walworth County and is within five 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 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.
Walking and 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.
Horseback riding
The two-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. 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:
Directions
Burlington: 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 one mile to just beyond the bridge over the Burlington bypass.
Elkhorn: 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 0.6 mile south to the trailhead parking lot. 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.
