Bike the famous Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail complete with three tunnels, one tunnel is 3/4 mile long requiring walking a bike through the tunnel with a flashlight. The other two tunnels are 1/4 mile one. Are you ready for a longer ride? Add the 21-mile La Crosse River Trail, the 18-mile Great River Trail, the 23-mile “400″ or the 12-mile Omaha Trail.
The Elroy-Sparta trail is 32 miles in length on the abandoned Chicago & Northwestern Railroad bed and passes through three rock tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels are ¼ mile long and the Norwalk tunnel is ¾ mile long. The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface groomed and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources. The 34 bridges have been planked and protected by railings. The Elroy-Sparta Trail is considered to be the first rails to trails hiking and biking trail in the nation.
Need a shuttle or a bike rental?
Call ahead to Speeds Bicycle Shop www.speedsbike.com to make reservations for shuttle service and bicycle rentals. Phone 608-269-2315. Milt has been in business for 3 decades. He offers a full line of new bicycles, bicycle repair and shuttle service. His shop is right next to the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail in Sparta, WI.
For guided riding, additional trails, full service family bicycle shop visit Pete and Alycann Taylor at www.bluedogcycles.com in Viroqua, WI.
Here are some great websites for additional information on bicycling:
Trails from Rails
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Bicycling Along the Elroy Sparta Trail
Elroy Ride Report with pictures from Mike Bentley
Elroy Trail Tips
Bike Me!
Sparta Wisconsin Website
and in case of any injuries…
Sparta Medical Facilities
Skijoring at Justin Trails Resort
Ginny's Cupboard Soda Fountain in downtown Sparta