4 trails and 100 miles of biking bliss in western Wisconsin
What a treat that one of Wisconsin's best bike trails is in one of the best biking regions in the state.
The Elroy-Sparta Trail is part of a network of four connected trails that stretch for more than 100 miles from Marshland, north of La Crosse, to Reedsburg. The trails pass through small towns at the edge of Wisconsin's Driftless Region, and are great for everything from a full day of pedaling to a multi-day bike packing trip. Here's a look at the four trails.
Great River State Trail
Distance: 24 miles
Location: Marshland to Onalaska
State trail pass required: Yes
What to expect: This crushed limestone trail follows an old railroad line through the Upper Mississippi River Valley, passing wetlands, the river's backwaters and 500-foot bluffs. On its northern end, a connector links the trail to Perrot State Park, with camping and hiking on bluffs above the Mississippi.
La Crosse River State Trail
Distance: 22 miles
Location: La Crosse to Sparta
State trail pass required: Yes
What to expect: A short road route connects the Great River Trail to the La Crosse River Trail, which heads east along an old rail line to Sparta. The trail parallels I-90 and an active rail line, so it's not a completely tranquil ride, but still a scenic one as it passes through farmland and prairie remnants.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Distance: 32.5 miles
Location: Sparta to Elroy
State trail pass required: Yes
What to expect: The heart of the four trails, this railtrail features three historic railroad tunnels that date to the 1870s. Cyclists should be prepared for steady inclines up to each of the tunnels, followed by declines after. Small towns provide rest stops along the route, which travels through rolling farmland and over rivers including the winding Kickapoo.
Bonus trail and tunnel: From Elroy, the Omaha County Trail travels 13 miles north to Camp Douglas near Mill Bluff State Park. The paved trail travels through an 875-foot tunnel built in 1876.
400 State Trail
Distance: 22 miles
Location: Elroy to Reedsburg
State trail pass required: Yes
What to expect: This scenic trail runs alongside the Baraboo River, passing sandstone outcroppings, wetlands and farmland on its route through the river valley. The trail gets its name from the passenger train that traveled along the Chicago and Northwestern Line that was once here, making the 400-mile journey from Minneapolis to Chicago in 400 minutes. Bonus trail: From Union Center, the 4.2-mile Hillsboro State Trail travels west to the small city of Hillsboro, known as the Czech Capital of Wisconsin. The city is home to restaurants and a small craft brewery.
More information: See bike4trails.com.