Find the top rated birding trails in La Crosse, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Stayed in Lanesboro to ride the trail as it was somewhat located in the middle of the trail.Many options in accommodations and restaurants but do plan ahead as weekends are quite busy.Road west to Foutaine which is a steady climb with a quick return and the next day road east which provides stops in several trail town.Surface is very well maintained and our cyclocross bikes worked quite well.A pie stop in Whalen is a must and scenery along the river does not disappoint.Even got a nice look at a bald eagle seeking a fish lunch while sitting on a sand bar in the river.Nicely equipped bike rental shop in Lanesboro with very pleasant owner.
As of Friday, September 28, the Sparta to Norwalk portion of the Elroy/Sparta Trail, including the excellent tunnel #3, has reopened.
This trail was closed in September by the Wisconsin DNR, due to mudslides and other trail conditions caused by heavy rains
In September 2018 a friend and I biked the trail from Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge to Onalaska and back. Unfortunately it rained heavily all morning, so our ride south was nearly all in 1-2 inches of water. Coming back later in the day, the puddles were mostly gone thanks to sandy soil. Other than skirting the town of Trempealeau, the view is nearly all Mississippi backwaters, restful and boring. We hoped to see migratory birds but were too early. BE CAREFUL on the bridges: the wooden patches sometimes are at an angle and have nails sticking up. Also, there are no bathrooms or businesses north of the town of Trempealeau.
In September 2018 a friend and I biked the trail from Sparta to La Crosse and back. The Sparta trailhead has good bathrooms and a helpful lady in the Chamber of Commerce office in the former depot. Although the 400 and Elroy-Sparta State Trails are closed due to mudslides, this trail was open and OK.
We liked the mix of farmland and small towns (recommend West Salem for lunch), nearly level trail, decent trail surface of crushed limestone, and train activity parallel to the trail
We didn't like the constant traffic noise from Interstate 90, mostly at a distance but crosses over several times.
The La Crosse trailhead has bathrooms and parking but is several miles from restaurants.
In September 2018 a friend and I biked north from Elroy to the tunnel, about 6 miles. The first mile was bumpy old asphalt, for which a hybrid or mountain bike would be more comfortable than our road bikes using 35mm tires. Then the trail surface became smoother with crushed limestone. Quiet ride, pleasant views. South of the tunnel was a "Trail Closed" sign due to mudslides from heavy rains. Dirt and gravel were over 3 feet high in places, with 2-inch-deep mud. We walked around these to the tunnel, which is clear. Due to time constraints, we didn't go further. Bottom line: if you're willing to get muddy and have 35mm or wider tires, it's a pleasant ride at this time. Also, the trail is maintained by Juneau County, not the state.
Being a Chicago &Northwestern railfan I enjoyed walking from county V to the town of Lavalle and seeing the bridges and scenery and the next day walking from County V two miles south on the trail had a beautiful time.
This trail could use some tlc, volunteer with asphalt repair equipment. Lots of bumps and holes, reason is 80% canopy ride. This ride is a workout but thats good sometimes. If its hot canopy would be great and i bet leaves are beautiful come October
Aug 21,Road Preston to Houston, stopped for Italian in Rushford ($$). Setup tent at Harmony Trailhead,found American Legion open ( very nice staff and customers, well lit, marble bar top), county ampground level and great showerhouse $20 for spot, little unusual sign requested $ for shower i assume it was for people who don't camp. Aug 22, Great coffee shop breakfadt place on main st. Houston, we also stopped Rushford for more coffee on ride. Pie place closed tue/wed Whalen. Trail 80% canopy ride, wide and good condition. Actually road harmony to houston 55 miles 600' climb, return is 55 and 1200' climb.
Walked from County V to Lavalle very nice walk enjoyed the walk took photos of the bridges and Lavalle nice small town very friendly people on trail. Next day walked from County V two miles south on trail had a ball saw 4 deer.
I've ridden rail trails all over the country, and I would have to say that this one is at the top of my list. The riding is beautiful and peaceful along the entire trail, the surface is perfectly paved, the scenery is gorgeous, and the towns that you ride through are all "Norman Rockwell-esqe." The proximity to towns - all about 5 - 8 miles apart - are what really make this a special trail. You can get anything you want during your ride......an ice cold beer, a root beer float, a delicious breakfast/lunch/dinner, and if you decide you want to stay in a town you can book a room at one of the many beautiful inns. The other thing that puts this trail to the top are the people you will interact with on the trail and in the towns. "Minnesota Nice" is a popular catchphrase around here and it's more than just a catchy slogan. People around here are happy, generous, kind and helpful. Do yourself a favor and schedule a week-long vacation in the Root River Valley so you can enjoy this amazing network of bike paths.
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