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The old iron trestle is the highlite of this trail

By pbadam1512 in January, 2009

I rode this 22 mile trail on August 28, 2008 with my Scorpion Fx recumbent trike. This trail isn't much on scenery except for when going through some densely populated wooded areas, but consists mainly of open meadows and wet lands. I did, however, enjoy going over the old iron trestle that spans the La Crosse River. The trail surface is composed of crushed limestone, and is fairly straight and easy to ride with only a few slight gradients. I began the ride at Sparta, and rode to the trail head in Onalaska You can continue from here through the town of Onalaska, and connect with the Great River Trail for another 25 miles. You will also find parking in the small village of Bangor and the town of West Salem as well as a nice rest area to just relax at with rest room facilities, and a soft drink vending machine. To get to the trailhead depot at Sparta turn at the corner where you'll find the tall statue of "Ben Biken", and go about two blocks, the depot will be on your left.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

rail fan delight

By ggwbikemt in November, 2005

"This trail is adjacent to a heavily used Canadian Pacific rail line. The Amtrak Empire Builder also passes through twice a day. The trail itself is in a oak savannah prairie from Sparta to West Salem which is one of only a few prairie remants still standing. Near the La Crosse end of the trail, the scenery switches to wetland with great views of the surrounding hills. "

Serene trail

By dale2 in July, 2002

"This trail was part of our first full day riding across the state. I've heard it described as ""prarie-like"" and this is certainly true on the western end. After a short run on streets through Onalaska, from the Great River Trail, the recently completed connector brings you to the main trail at a dedicated bridge over the railroad tracks. Running is smooth and grades gradual all the way to Sparta. Services may be sparse in some of the midway towns."

La Crosse River State Trail

By in October, 2001

I noticed that the trail indicates it goes from Sparta to La Crosse.That information is incorrect. It goes from Sparta to the Medary Trailhead and on to Onalaska. It also does not indicate that Onalaska is a nearby city. Onalaska and the Great River State Trail are interconnected to this trail.