America’s Inaugural Rail-Trail Route: A Hiker and Biker Paradise Through Wisconsin’s Scenic Forests

Wisconsin is a pretty interesting state, known primarily for its cheese and Great Lakes. While these are certainly amazing reasons to visit the area, it has much more to offer. Those who enjoy biking or hiking, for example, don’t want to overlook Wisconsin. It’s home to America’s very first adaptation of an old railroad track to a biking and hiking path, known as the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.

The route was created by converting an old railway track to a pathway. It’s perfect for biking (including e-biking), but hikers and snowmobiles also use the path. Though this idea might not be very new anymore, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is considered one of the first of its kind in the United States. There are now many old and converted railways, such as one of America’s “most scenic stretches of railroad” that is now a gorgeous Idaho trail, but Wisconsin is able to say it was the one to start the trend. 

There is so much to see along the 32.5 miles that make up this unique trail, including tunnels and small towns where you can stop and take a break. The scenery also changes along the way, letting visitors pass through forests, farmland, prairies, and even wetlands. Additionally, while this trail is set in an old railway, it’s not isolated. If you don’t feel like doing the whole route, or you want to branch off somewhere new, there are several places you can head to another path, including The “400” State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, and the Omaha Trail. 

The trail is open all year long, catering to different kinds of adventurers as the weather changes. This is, in part, why it’s such a popular path and why thousands of people visit the Elroy-Sparta State Trail annually. As long as you enter through one of the accessible spaces, the route is also a friendly choice for those in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking, allowing disabled individuals to explore some of this unique path as well. While you can enjoy parts at any point of the year, if you’re looking to bike the entire thing, you’ll have to do it between May and October, as the tunnels are closed the rest of the year. 

While this trail is amazing, it’s not the only place in Wisconsin you can take a bike and explore. The state now has around 2,000 of these rail trails, which altogether account for over 25,000 miles of path to explore. If you’re not ready to end your vacation just yet, Wisconsin’s largest state park and dreamy camping spot with a shimmering lake and scenic bluffs is only an hour’s drive away.

Don’t worry about bringing your own bike, either. While you certainly can, those who decide to fly to this destination also have the opportunity to rent bikes for anywhere between several hours to a full day. The biggest thing you need to know about this trail is that for some methods of transportation, Wisconsin has something known as a state trail pass. It’s required for everyone over 16 who uses a bike, horse, skis, or skates along certain routes, including the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.