Explore the best rated trails in Sparta, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Pine River Trail and 400 State Trail . With more than 22 trails covering 241 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode Lanesboro to Fountain with a detour to Preston on the return. Trail was well maintained and scenery is incredible. The Root river is next to the trail most of the way. Caution. The last five miles to Fountain is uphill. The Preston trail needs some work. Blacktop is rough and you can tell not as maintained as the Root River. We rode out and back, Lanesboro to Rushford the next day. That asphalt is some of the best we have ridden. Appears to be new. Scenery is also awesome. Highly recommend if you are looking for a weekend away.
We will be in the area in early October. Can someone please give us an update on the condition. Recommendations on Elroy-Sparta or 400 trails, please and thank you. Happy trails.
I read the reviews and was so looking forward to this trail but I’m wondering if we took the wrong route. There were a group of women horseback riding and the trail had lots of horse poop was also narrow and winding and had tree roots that made it difficult and dangerous especially on the ridges. We turned back after about 20 min
Unfortunately what is otherwise a nice, flat, double track trail is interrupted at about halfway heading north. The bridge that burned is in the middle of a marshy lake so it seems there is no good detour. I’ll be back when they replace the bridge.
This trail is NOT for biking—the surface is largely sand and full of ruts and where there is “gravel” it is more like large rocks that cannot easily be ridden on. We will not ride this trail again. It seems to be for ATV’s and not bikers, unfortunately.
Great trail! Wide and open, great views of the river. A must do trail!
A great easy cruising trail. Wider than most and well maintained. Lots of shade but you can still get views of farms, hills, and the river.
Closed between CT H TUNNEL ROAD AND HOFF ROAD FOUNTAIN TOWNSHIP WI
Covert failure For more information go to NBC15
We rode the Hillsboro Trail today and fully enjoyed it. It was our third ride in three days. A post had mentioned the gravel that caused instability but we had no problems other than for 2/10 to 3/10th of a mile so virtually nothing. Possibly, the gravel is more settled than when first placed. We rode onto the 400 trail a little ways as well. Our only disappoint of the ride was that the brewery wasn’t open on Mondays which was today. We would recommend this ride especially if you are looking for a short out and back.
Not scenic by any means, but the quality of the trail is nice as of May 2026. 1/3 Asphalt, 1/3 Limestone, 1/3 Sand. I would say they fixed most problematic surface issues that any other review complained about but like any other track with multiple mediums, always be mindful for chipmunk holes and washout. The path from the park in Richland Center to the start of the main path is a little confusing because it’s not clearly marked, and you do go through a busy intersection so make sure to map it out if unfamiliar. Enjoy!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
