This is a heads-up to all hikers and bikers starting with the 2012 season. If you are someone who enjoys pleasant scenery while you hike and bike, you may want to change any trip plans you had for this trail. This past late fall, while hiking one of my favorite stretches north from Norwalk up to the tunnel, I was shocked at the devastation wreaked on the once-beautiful trees that lines the sides of the trail. The trees were horribly butchered, push over, scarred my machinery, limbs yanked from the tree trunks and left hanging in the air, the bark on the still-standing trees ripped and scarred, creating easy entry for all manner of insect and fungal invasions this coming spring and summer. I contacted the DNR Manager to voice my shock and dismay over their wanton wreckage during "trimming and brushing" operations. I was told that since the DNR did not have the funds or staff to do the maintenance itself, it authorized a local snowmobile club, which DID have money, time and machinery, to do the work for the DNR. To what standards they were held, I would guess none. The Trail Manager told me that after they had read my complaining e-mail, they personally went out and witnessed the carnage themselves, and concurred with my assessment, which is that it looks like a tornado went right down the middle of the trail. From what I have since determined, both on foot and from viewing the trail from the highway, this devastation has occurred, at least, from Sparta down to Keystone Road, about two miles east of Wilton. If biking or hiking through an area that looks like it was located in the tropics after a slash and burn operation (without the burn, just the slash) appeals to you, than feel free to plan any trips you had in mind to the Trail. However, if you are like me and enjoy the aesthetics of nature, than what you will see will bring tears to your eyes.

We had read earlier reviews of this trail. While visiting WI we decided that the opportunity to explore train tunnels on a trail ride was too good to pass up. The trail did not disappoint. Beautiful WI countryside scenery. The preservation of history at the railroad museum in Kendall was well done. The restroom stops at Kendall and Wilton were wonderful - very well maintained. We stopped in Wilton off the trail to have lunch at a small restaurant Next time we will plan to hook up with the 400 State Trail.

have been wanting to ride here ever since i heard of the rails to trails movement .... we've recently switched from road riding to only trails and this was a hoot....we rode 52 miles...from kendall where we stayed on the trail (kudos to sugar maple inn) to sparta (great ice cream at ginny's) and back....the tunnels were fun (bring your flash light)... typical wisconsin scenery.....friendly people we passed .... stopped in wilton for a great breakfast at pettera's country thyme......all-in-all what a trail should be.....our only disappointment was that the trail did not go directly into sparta downtown and had to walk/bike for our ice cream fix (speeds bike shop sent us in the right direction)

We road this trail from Elroy to Sparta and back. Although it was a hot (Mid 80s) and muggy day, the shade of the trail canopy made for a enjoyable ride. As we approached the tunnels, there was a blast of cool air. The walk through the tunnels provided a brief cool respite. Once in Sparta we checked out the depot and followed the advise of the Chamber of Commerce folks and headed off to Ginny's Cupboard for the best home made lunch and peach cobbler.

1st things 1st. The 3 tunnels are very cool. The long one (tunnel 3) is very wet and if you ride on a hot day very refreshing. You MUST walk thru tunnels and be sure to bring a flashlight (or wait for someone who has one) But this trail is NOT flat. Leaving Sparta after you cross I-90 you are uphill 7 miles to tunnel 3. The incline is only 2-3% but it never levels off til you get to tunnel 3. Thru tunnel 3 you are downhill til next climb to tunnel 2 again 2-3% never level til tunnel 2. Repeat for tunnel 1 then long downhill to Kendall. Trail is hard packed so riding a road bike is no problem. I continued onto Omaha trail to Camp Douglas which is paved but in serious need of repair (plus it has a tunnel on it as well though not as long as tunnels on Elroy-Sparta) All in all it was a spectacular day (90 miles for me) but if you like a fun day out it's a don't miss ride

I rode this trail in August of 2008 with my Scorpion Fx trike. The trail surface is compacted crushed gravel, and is extremely easy to ride on, and encompasses a total distance of 32 miles. You'll find some slight gradients as you approach each tunnel, but as you exit each tunnel you'll have a downward gradient for a faster ride. The trail meanders through mostly woods with a view of open meadows every now and then, and passes through the charming villages of Kendall, Wilton and Norwalk, but ask any biker, and he'll tell you that the highlight of the whole bike trip are the three tunnels. Tunnel #3, which is between Sparta and Norwalk, is the longest tunnel at 3/4 of a mile long while the other two tunnels are a mere 1/4 mile long. On a sunlit day you can see the ends of tunnel # 1 & 2, but tunnel #3 is darker than dark. You'll need to bring a flashlight along, and in order to navigate the raised trail surface to keep you from hitting the rock walls or from veering off into the drainage ditch, your required to walk your bike through each tunnel. With the trike I was able to safely ride through each tunnel at a slow pace. Be prepared to get wet in tunnel #3, the water is constantly dripping from the rock over head, and the sound of running water can be heard in the surrounding darkness as you make your way through the tunnel. Forgot your flashlight, don't worry, you can always pick up a flashlight at Tom's flashlight and snack shack located along the trail just North of tunnel #3. I sat down and talked with Tom, and was shown some photographs that were taken back in the 50's when the railroad passed Tom's house, and how different the scenery was then compared to now.

If your looking for a place to stay overnight you'll find a variety of motels, B&B's as well as a few campgrounds. I stayed in Kendall at the Sugar Maple Inn on Hwy. 71, located right on the Sparta-Elroy Trail, the rooms are exceptionally clean and affordable,. and a continental breakfast is provided before you set out on your ride. If you prefer a full breakfast the place to go is the Dorset Valley School Restaurant on Hwy 71 just outside of Wilton. A quaint old school house converted to a restaurant with Amish attire. If your looking for lunch, be sure to stop at Gina's Pies Are Square, 400 Main Street in Wilton, for a variety of sandwiches, soups and home made pie.

This trail is a must for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable bike ride, and should be on your list of future bike trips.


Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

"In September 2006, my 29-year-old son and I rode from Onalaska to Reedsburg and back via several different rail trails--Great River State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, Elroy-Sparta Trail and the 400 State Trail. We tent camped and stayed in motels. We camped in the city park in Norwalk (both coming and going), at the new Country Livin Motel in Kendrick, and at a local motel in Reedsburg. We rode in the rain the first three days and people in towns looked at us like we were crazy! The tunnels were awesome! The giant white puffball mushrooms were huge and flowers were very pretty. The townpeople in Norwalk were so helpful--we purchased a wheelbarrow of firewood to keep warm--the restrooms had hot showers (for a quarter) and heaters (helped dry our clothes)! In one area north of Reedsburg, the water was literally running across the trail. My son was riding ahead of me and he shouted, ""Just keep pedaling, Mom. Don't stop!"" I did as I was told, thinking if I stopped, I'd really get my biking shoes wet and muddy. We stayed an extra day in Reedsburg and biked back in two gloriously sunny days! Wisconsin has wonderful bike trails and the connecting ones are awesome!"

"On Aug 25,06 I finished this trail from Wilton to Elroy. A Thunderstorm had blown 3 trees down blocking the trail, but crews were quick to clean up. This was my first rail trail ride 4 years ago on a Tri-Cruiser from Sparta to Wilton. Thank You for a wonderful trail!"

"www.FranklinVictorianBB.com
WELCOME to The Franklin Victorian B&B, a Nationally Registered Historic Property in Sparta, ""The Bicycling Capital of America"". The inn is located in the heart of Wisconsin's Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin. Our celebrated rivers, rugged hills, scenic farms, tranquil back roads, bike trails, and friendly people combine to make Sparta the ideal place to find rest and renewal. There is no shortage of Biking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Amish Settlements, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Heritage, Fall Foliage & more to keep anyone occupied! Enjoy the famous ""Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail"" & it’s with Three Tunnels and other Wisconsin bike trails. If Murder Mystery Weekends appeal to you, we host them Nov. thru April so come and find out ""who’s dun it"". ACCOMMODATIONS: Four comfortable guest rooms, all with Private baths, rooms with a Whirlpool, Massage Shower System, Fireplace, king and queen beds. Each morning you will awaken to enjoy a Full healthy breakfast. We offer inside secure bike storage & shuttle service is available. Come and stay & see for yourself why our bed & breakfast is one of Sparta's true treasures. LOCATED: 1.5 hrs. from Madison; 3 hrs. from Minneapolis & Milwaukee; 4 hrs. from Chicago. Innkeepers and owners Jennifer & Steve Dunn"

"If you have been contemplating riding this trail, do it! Amazing views and the tunnels are to awesome to even describe. My girlfriend and I stayed at about the mid-point of the trail at Tunnel Trail Campground. An extremely nice campground that is right along the trail. We went to one end and back one day, and the next day we went to the other end and back. About 64 miles end to end and it was completely worth it! Well kept trail with plenty of resting stops, although you still will want to bring plenty of fluids & snacks!

I just did this trail on 6/23/06 and 6/24/06 and will be doing it again later in the summer/early fall.

Take a look in the trail photo link. I submitted several photos of my trip."

"Be sure to stop at ""Gina's Pies Are Square"" it's in one of the towns along the trail. I forget which town, but there are signs. Don't miss it. You won't feel guilty at all having pie afer biking all those miles...
bye"

"This trail was the best. I would recommend starting Elroy and ending in Sparta so the climbs aren't so severe, but the ""blasts"" of cool air as you approach the tunnels are indiscribable!!"

This trail was the best ever for me. I loved every bit. There is even a spot by Spatra that you can go to a bike shop and a spot by tunnel #3 that sells helpful things and is run by a nice guy that grew up in the area. He tells good stories about when the train was still there.

"My husband and I rode the length of this trail about a year ago. It is absolutely a must for all riders! We suffered riding 20 miles in the pouring rain but would gladly do it again. I also recommend riding from Elroy to Sparta and not from Sparta to Elroy as we did.

Why you may ask? Well, the trail might seem level but it does have a 2% grade to it which is not much, however, after 20 miles your body starts to feel it. There is a short two mile respite of downhill in that direction but the other 28 miles are all slightly uphill. I guess no pain, no gain, but that tied in with the the rain . . .

ENJOY!"

"We stayed in Kendall at a little B&B style motel, which had about eight rooms. We had a good breakfast just about right on the trail in the backyard of the B&B, which was a very comfortable, new place. I can't remember the B&B's name, though.

The trail and tunnels and little towns were just great. This was one of the first and is probably the best overall rail-trail. We rode from Sparta to Elroy by using a sag from Kendall. We rode two other trails from Sparta and enjoyed those also.

We came from Tennessee to do this trail and we'll do it again. Go ride this now!"

"My 12-year-old daughter and I enjoyed the scenery, the experience of the tunnels and conversation with the people we met. Be aware that tunnel three may be too much for children -- it's a bit long, dark and wet."

"We rode this trail starting from the DNR campground in Sparta, early in the morning, as part of our cross-state tour. It's delightful; the grades are moderate and the scenery is great. One of the nicest trails I've ridden."

"This trail deserves its fine reputation. It offers a great variety of biking terrains, fascinating tunnels (be sure to bring lights), multiple bridges, and connections to other great trails. You won't get bored on this ride."

"The best part of the Sparta-Elroy trail (if you go that way) is the nice steady incline that works you out but doesn't tire you out. Once you reach the long tunnel, you are ready to stretch (and walk out a few kinks). After an ice cream cone, you are ready to head back to Sparta, enjoying a steady decline! I moved away from WI 7 years ago & I still miss that ride!!"

This trail is perfect for families. The scenery is great in this unglaciated part of the state. The grade managable for small children and the tunnels - with dripping water - add to the fun. There are frequent small towns which make great stops for lunch and snacks.

" Outstanding ride, especially in autumn, as the rolling hillsides surround you in color. Each of the three tunnels is a high point, both in terms of altitude and interest. You will hardly notice (visibly) the constant grade of the trail as you approach the tunnels, but as you ride out the other side you will sense the going is considerably easier (until you 'bottom out' and again start the 'climb' to the next tunnel).
One should also pause to enjoy the some of the many bridges (old brochures I have promote ""33 precipitous trestles,"" though I would hardly classify any as 'precipitous').
Each town along the trail (Elroy, Sparta, Norwalk, Kendall) has some amenities for bikers, while still retaining rustic rural character.
This is emphatically one ride all Rail-Trail riders should have on their list."