As of 2012, the White River State Trail runs for a total of 19 miles in two separate segments. The Walworth County segment is 12 miles long and runs between Elkhorn and just west of the city of Burlington. The Racine County section is 7 miles long and runs between near downtown Burlington and Kansasville near Eagle Lake.
The trail is open to cross-country skiers and snowmobiles in winter; a separate trail for horseback riding runs between the towns of Springfield and Lyons (Walworth County). The scenic trail follows an old railroad corridor through the bucolic countryside of southern Wisconsin, featuring woodlands, cultivated fields, babbling brooks and a beautiful river.
The White River State Trail in Racine County is also known as the Burlington-Kansasville State Trail. A good place to begin your journey on this section is at Bushnell Park, south of downtown Burlington on the western end of the trail. The park offers grills, pavilions, a playground, restrooms and athletic fields. Heading east, an underpass beneath the Burlington Bypass allows you to avoid any heavy traffic. At the west end at Vandenboom Road, you can head south about 2 miles on roads to reach the scenic Richard Bong State Recreation Area.
There are plans to link the two segments one day. A
state pass is required for cyclists and equestrians 16 years and older.
For the Racine County segment: At the western end of the trail, parking is available at Bushnell Park (32300 Bushnell Road). On the eastern end of the trail, a parking lot is available on Vandenboom Road.
For the Walworth County segment: At the east end, park off Spring Valley Road just south of the Burlington Bypass. At the west end, park off County Highway H just south of Pinecrest Lane. Parking is also available in Lyons and Springfield near the trail.
Have ridden the western portion many times. I would rate it easy to moderate, with a little more incline as you head west towards Elkhorn with the last mile all downhill. There can be a fair amount of traffic but, it never seems crowded. There are outdoor ...
I rode from the Elkhorn trailhead (where I parked my car over night) to Richard Bong State Park and back. The trail was well maintained, packed limestone. I really enjoyed stopping in Springfield--great place to rest and have something cool to drink. ...
A very well maintained trail. Started at the Burlington entrance. Plenty of parking. Enjoyed the ride past scenic views of "America's Dairyland "...Although trail is described as flat, there is an elevation as you head toward Elkorn. Nothing major,but ...