Take WI-33/WI-82 into the town of Hillsboro, where the route becomes Water Avenue. Turn left on E. Madison Street and go 2 blocks to the trailhead on your left.
Of the four trails near Elroy (Elroy-Sparta, The 400, Omaha, and this one) it is the least impressive and it really needs to be resurfaced. That said, Hillsboro is a lovely little town with good food and a nice hotel. I used the trail to create a loop via The 400, The Elroy-Sparta Trail (at Kendall) that included amazing road riding (but very hilly). I peddled on County Roads W, WW and F. The scenery was fantastic and there were very few motor vehicles on the roads.
Nice easy trail off of the 400 trail with great end result- Hillsboro Brewing Company!
If you are looking for a short and flat ride that offers decent scenery, then the Hillsboro Trail may be for you.
The surface was smooth through out, although there are weeds coming through in places. It is obvious it doesn't get much traffic.
The bridges have all be recently re-boarded and were exceptionally smooth. One has the boards running length-wise and wow is that great. Almost as smooth as concrete bridges.
There is some nice scenery on the trail, especially where the river is close.
All in all a nice little trail.
I rode the trail to Hillsboro while riding the 400. It's very scenic; however, some sections of the trail were a little overgrown. Also, there was some bridge repair done this summer, and when I was on the trail, there was still a sign saying that the bridge was out. Fortunately, they must have forgotten to remove the sign, because the bridge was fine and the trail to Hillsboro was unimpeded. Once you get to Hillsboro and you feel like doing some hillclimbing, you can get on HW 33 and head to Wildcat Mountain State Park and Ontario, WI. (where you can rent a canoe to enjoy the scenic Kickapoo River). From Ontario, you can bike north to either Norwalk or Wilton and get on the Elroy-Sparta trail. Heading south on the E-S, you will eventually rejoin the 400 and return to the Hillsboro trail turn off. There are some major hills between Hillsboro and Ontario, but the road from Ontario to Wilton is easier.
This summser 06 I rode the 400 trail 5x and twice I
included the Hillsboro trail.
This trail is very scenic and
in good condition. As good
as the 400 if not better. Riding the 400 is not complete without the pleasent
ride to Hillsboro. I highly
recommend this trail. Enjoy!!
"This short trail has a nice rest area in Hillsboro. The trail, though, isn't very well maintained, although the surface is solid. "
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