Find the top rated walking trails in Neillsville, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We started at the LaCrosse trailhead with a large parking area. The restrooms were closed on a warm, sunny day in late April although a sign said they were to be open at 8 am and it was 11 am. Maybe they are only open in summer? The trail was in decent shape and was being graded that day as well. I enjoyed the blooming Dutchman’s Breeches in the first few miles and the nature preserve section was wonderful! preserve were
This trail has everything for the biker. Plenty of shade, plenty of wildlife, small town rest stops, tunnels, near-by biking services. Best during the Autumn when the trees are changing colors. A total pleasure.
We biked this trail from downtown Chippewa Falls to Brunet Island State Park stopping in Cornell for lunch which has two bar & grills and one restaurant to choose from. The trail from Chippewa to Anson trailhead is basically riding through town and business park warehouses and I think we’re gonna skip this section next time. The Anson trailhead is probably the best place to park. As you ride north the trail becomes particularly beautiful from Jim Falls north. When you get to the end take the time to ride the big loop at Brunet Island State Park which is beautiful. The rail trail itself is straight long and flat-reduced to four stars due to sections of the trail being rough with many cracks, holes, etc.
The short version of my review is that it's a pretty great trail that probably has something for everybody, except pavement, and that's a good thing (says me).
This is basically a trail through rural Wisconsin where you'll have a chance to pass through 3 tunnels, a few towns and cross a bridge about every mile or so. The two southernmost tunnels are basically dry (in September), but the one to the north drips a whole lot of water and there is no chance you'll come out the other side dry. The tunnels are also very dark, so you will absolutely need a good light to get through them safely.
Trees and scrub grow along a lot of the trail and the more open areas reveal whole lot of Wisconsin farmland. The trail has gradual climbs and descents along its length, but nothing that would cause the average rider any difficulty.
One of the nicer things experienced along the trail was a little table of apples and baked goods place by an Amish family. It is totally run on the honor system. I enjoyed one of their apples!
I actually started this ride in Reedsburg on the 400 State Trail, which I highly recommend if you're looking for a longer ride.
The only thing I can think of to improve the trail would be a little more signage. I totally rode right by the start of the trail in Elroy, but was quick to correct the error of my ways. The signs at the tunnels could use a "little love" as well.
Other than that, this was a really nice ride.
The trail is mostly beautiful. Almost all crushed gravel, which we didn’t expect. In some parts the gravel is thick and loose. The only asphalt is on county roads. the concrete, as expected, was on sidewalks in town. The boardwalks were fun but be careful if you are riding on 3 wheels. If I hadn’t just rode the Heart of Vilas and the Root River State Trails, which are as close to perfect as you can get in this region, I would’ve given the Green Circle a 5 star review.
Second long trip for me and the first trip that was mostly rail trail one quarter of which was the Elroy Sparta. Beautiful trail and the safety of being away from most automobile traffic made the trip way less stressful
We rode Sparta to Norwalk, through tunnel 3. Two of our group had ridden the entire length in the early 70s, so it was a nostalgic day. They recalled seeing farmland and we saw a little of that, but trees have grown up and it’s mainly a nice, shaded, flat ride.
Asphalt trail from Tarrant Park in Durand is rough with lots of twigs, grass growing between the asphalt, and repaired potholes. We went a little over 3 miles and turned around. It is mostly shaded. There are yellowflies. Would not do again.
A 5 star is really stretching this. I get the history of this being the 1st rail to trail and the cool tunnels, but the very narrow gravel path is not much to desire. The landscape doesn’t change much and the overgrown weeds and trees prevent much scenery. Occasional stream is a welcome sight on this boring path. America’s bicycle capital is needing a little update to encourage us to return. Glad we had headlamps for the almost two mile long tunnel raining on us. Riding, rather than walking was our choice to speed it up but if you’re not steady - then walk.
The tunnels on the trail are nice, cool bluffs and overall very nice trail
We rode this trail early July 2025 starting from Eau Claire with intentions to go south to Durand and back. The trail starts in Eau Claire and is great with mostly new pavement until you hit the city limits at which time the trail degrades rapidly with cracks, bumps, foot tall weeds/grass growing up through cracks, holes, roots, overgrown grass and weeds on each side of the trail so as to render it single wide, etc. We made it about halfway and turned around in disgust as this trail was not worth our time and aching lower back. Clearly biking and/or this trail, is not a priority for the state of Wisconsin and has consequently been abandoned. shame, it’s beautiful country.
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
Map Search
