Trail description: Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a 32-mile multi-use trail between Elroy and Sparta. It the nation's first rail trail and is the most popular trail in the state. The trail passes through three tunnels that range up to 3/4 of mile in length. Biking through the dark tunnels is not recommended, you should get off and walk.
Three other trails link up with it: La Crosse Trail west of Sparta, Omaha Trail north of Elroy and the 400 Trail south of Elroy. Access fee:State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists Towns along the trail: Sparta (pop 7,800), Norwalk, Wilton, Kendall, Elroy, WI Web site:Elroy Sparta State Trail Trail map: Available on the trail's website Trail surface: Gravel Designated activities: Bicycling, walking, snowmobiling Facilities on the trail: Sparta, Wilton, Kendal and Elroy have food services and water. Points of interest: Sparta claims to be the "Bicycle Capital of America" and has the world's largest bike and a bicycle museum. Lodging: Sparta and Elroy have a few choices of accommodations. Camping:Tunnel Trail Campground at Wilton has 75 sites. Schultz Park, south of Elroy, has several sites. Bike shops: Bike store in Sparta, rentals available at Tunnel Trail Campground. Weather forecast:La Crosse Tourism info:Sparta Visitor Bureau | Elroy Commons Tourist Info Getting to the trail: Sparta trailhead is southeast of town at 111 Milwaukee St. Elroy Commons trailhead is at 303 Railroad St. Map of local region:Sparta | Norwalk | Wilton | Kendall | Elroy
Trail name: Elroy-Sparta State Trail Times biking the trail: Several Date of last visit: Oct, 2001 Sections that I biked: Elroy to Sparta My favourite sections of the trail: The tunnels are by far my favorite. Best time to go: Early Fall Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: the scenery is really nice and you pass through some great small towns. The trails are well kept. What I disliked: Comments: Submitted by: Meghan M from: Illinois Date submitted: Dec 4, 2003
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Trail name: Elroy-Sparta State Trail Times biking the trail: Once Date of last visit: Sept, 2002 Sections that I biked: Elroy to Sparta. My favourite sections of the trail: Virtually the entire trail was my favorite part. The scenic ridges leading up to the tunnels, as well as the tunnels themselves, are just incredible! Best time to go: Summer, although Fall could be very colorful Trail marking: Very good Trail maintenance: Very good Rating: 5 stars What I liked: The tunnels are an experience I'll never forget. From end to end, the beauty of this trail is indescribable! What I disliked: Nothing. Comments: The only hazard you'll encounter is the challenge of walking your bike through each tunnel - the darkness, the dampness, the cold, the noise, and the hard, uneven surface. Bring a flashlight and be prepared to get dripped on! This is the tourist attraction of the region, so bike-friendly services abound. You can even have a shuttle take you (or your car) to or from the trail. There is a restroom and water in every town and lots of great places to eat and sleep right off the trail. If you ride only one Wisconsin trail, the scenery and services of the EST won't disappoint! Submitted by: Brent Cohrs from: Bartlett, Illinois Date submitted: July 9, 2003
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