By rheffy on August 22, 2010
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.
By yodie2 on July 06, 2009
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
By pbadam on January 22, 2009
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