Find the top rated birding trails in Portage, 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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There are several areas in which there are tire ruts and the trail is too narrow. Diffently not worth the daily fee of $5.00.
We had ridden into Elroy from Sparta and realized the 400 trail left from there. We went back to Elroy two days later and rode 11 miles out on the 400. We went through Union and through Wonewoc. We were so impressed with the little town of Wonewoc and the super clean facility they had along the trail, that included a picnic shelter and water fountain along with bike repair stands. The ride itself was very nice. The trail was well cared for and there were many bridges that overlooked very pretty areas. We passed several large rock formations that were impressive. We hope to return to the area so we can ride the entire trail.
For years, we talked about riding the Elroy to Sparta trail and this summer we finally did it. We were to ride 1/2 of the trail from Sparta towards Elroy and then were going to ride the other 1/2 of the trail from Elroy towards Sparta the following day. However, one of the friends we were going to ride with became ill and my husband and I decided we would go ahead and get part of the ride in. Part way through my husband decided we would ride the whole trail in one day. We entered the first tunnel which required us to walk our bikes, wear our raincoats and use a light. It was very cool. The floor of the tunnel was wet and slippery and before even entering the tunnel I found myself with soaking wet shoes but they dried fast. We stopped just a little further east of the tunnel to use restroom facilities which were clean. On we went into Wilton, which I have to say we were rather unimpressed with. The toilet facility was sorely lacking in cleanliness and we found a picnic table that was none too clean either. We continued on to Elroy and surprisingly I was able to find an Uber ride back to Sparta to pick up our truck with no time to spare as a terrible storm rolled through. Fortunately for my husband, who was waiting for me, was able to find shelter in Elroy at their welcome center. We had brought along with us shower essentials and clean clothes and were able to shower in Elroy. It is free but they do suggest a donation which we were more than happy to do. Some of the highlights were the three tunnels and the remaining overhead structure that had wires that would hang from it to alert those on the top of the train (Hobos and brakeman) the tunnel was ahead. Also, we had a large buck come up onto the trail who did not know we were there. He stood there in all his beauty until he caught sight of us and quickly disappeared into the brush. Overall, I would highly recommend this trail ride. We may do it again.
Trail is really nice and taken care of. There are a a few sand traps along it tho. It’s mostly shaded until you reach the asphalt. Decent parking along it. I very much dislike the detour on this trail..it’s super hilly. Really regret coming to see the tunnel while still open.
It’s a well maintained, paved trail with markers and sculptures along the way. The scenery is beautiful!!
Perfect biking day in September on an awesome trail. Started in Wales and biked to Sullivan and made return trip for total of 23 miles. First portion of trail was paved and remaining portion was well-maintained crushed gravel. Highly recommend this trail and will do again.
We absolutely love this trail. Many areas are shaded. Waukesha section is totally paved. It’s a gem!
If you’re looking for a nice quiet ride either segment of the trail is great! The fondy-Rosendale was better than the second half of the trail in my opinion.
Trail is 1.5 miles but 2 block break in middle
Paved, some shade. Good parking at zoo. Wide trail is in two sections with a 2 block on road separation. No bugs in mid-August at 8am. There was a flea market at zoo at 9am.
Like another user said, there are ruts and lots of loose gravel from Ridgeway to mount Horeb. Unfortunately I found one coming off a bridge and fell off my bike. I landed on right side l, got some bruises and road rash but no brokens or sprains. I had avoided some bigger, deeper ones closer to Mount Horeb but did not see this one between Ridgeway and Barneveld.
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