Our Favorite Way to Ride the Elroy Sparta Trail

The Elroy-Sparta Trail sits minutes from our farm at Justin Trails Resort, and stretches across Wisconsin's Driftless Region. Our guests arrive with bikes and curiosity, ready to explore one of the Midwest's most iconic biking routes.

Morning light spills across rolling hills, and mountain bike tires hum along crushed limestone. You’ll pass cows and cornfields, forests, and valleys that appear unchanged for generations.

Guests often ask where to start and where to stop. After years of guiding them, we’ve developed our favorite way to experience this historic trail. So, bring a bike and a flashlight. The tunnels alone make the ride unforgettable.

Before you ride, here are a few quick facts to help you prepare.

How long is the Elroy-Sparta State Trail? The trail runs 32.5 miles between Elroy and Sparta in Wisconsin.

Here's a quick run-down of what to expect:

• Length: 32.5 miles

• Surface: crushed limestone rail trail

• Location: between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin

• Tunnels: three historic railroad tunnels

• Longest tunnel: nearly three-quarters of a mile

• Trail towns: Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, Sparta

• Pass required: Wisconsin State Trail Pass for riders 16+

This historic route holds a special place in American cycling history. It opened in 1967 as the first rail-to-trail project, becoming one of the earliest rail bike trails in the country. The trail was early promoted by Allen Thompson, former Governor Thompson’s dad, who believed tourists were important to Elroy. Old railroad corridors once carried trains through these hills. Today, they guide cyclists across 32.5 miles of quiet countryside between Elroy and Sparta.

The route passes five small towns: Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta. Each offers food, charm, and places to rest tired legs.

Three historic tunnels define your ride. The longest stretches nearly three-quarters of a mile. You’ll walk your bikes through cool darkness while water drips from limestone ceilings.

Nearby routes link the corridor to more than one hundred miles of riding across the Driftless Region. Many cyclists travel across the Midwest just to ride this trail at least once in their lifetime.

A little planning turns a good ride into a great one. This route ranks among the most popular bike trails in Wisconsin, so preparation is key.

Most riders use hybrid, gravel, or mountain bikes. Riders age sixteen and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. However, you can easily buy day or annual passes online or at the trailheads.

You’ll find ample parking in Elroy and Sparta. Many riders use a shuttle so they can ride one direction instead of doubling back. Local bike shops also offer rentals, repairs, and shuttle service.

Late spring through fall offers the best riding opportunities. May and June bring green hills and flowing creeks. You’ll want to start your summer rides early to avoid midday heat, though morning fog often lingers in the valleys. Autumn transforms the trail into a corridor of color. September and October bring crisp air and blazing foliage. Finally, weekdays are quieter, and weekends bring energy to the trail towns.

A few simple arrangements make the ride smoother and keep you focused on the experience.

Plan these logistics before arriving:

• Purchase a Wisconsin State Trail Pass for riders age 16 and older.

• Decide whether to start in Elroy or Sparta.

• Reserve a shuttle for a one-way ride.

• Rent bikes from a Sparta or Elroy outfitter if needed.

• Download or print a bike trails map to understand distances.

• Identify parking areas near trailheads.

Once you have these basics in place, your ride day is simple, and you can focus on the scenery, tunnels, and the ride's rhythm.

This stretch of trail constantly changes scenery. You’ll leave town and quickly enter farmland and wooded valleys.

Old railroad trestles cross wetlands and creeks. Wildlife often appears along the trail edge, so keep a camera ready for wildlife photo opportunities.

The tunnels remain the most memorable part of your ride. Riders walk bikes across gravel while water drips from the stone ceilings.

A word of caution: cool air rushes through the corridors, and that temperature drop surprises many first-time riders.

Light brightens near the tunnel exits as you emerge into wide valleys and open farmland. Every mile reveals another view of the Driftless landscape.

Small Wisconsin towns make this ride especially enjoyable. Each offers food, history, and places to pause. Many cyclists turn the ride into a food tour. Riders have great comments about Bailey’s Mexican Restaurant beside the trail in Norwalk. It’s authentic Mexican with great hot chocolate. Ice cream shops, cafes, wineries, and classic supper clubs appear along the route.

Elroy marks the eastern trailhead and the start of the adventure. Historic railroad buildings recall the line's original purpose. You can find good food at Baa Baa Lou’s Bistro & Pub and Elroy Eatery. Coffee shops and cafes help you fuel up before the ride begins. The longest tunnel sits just miles outside town, setting the tone for your ride. Towns are in the valley, and tunnels are cut through the mountain to create no more than 3% grade change.

Wilton is roughly halfway between Elroy and Sparta. Riders often stop here for lunch and a break. Hitchn’ Post in Wilton welcomes you throughout the day. Dorset Valley Schoolhouse Restaurant in Wilton is about half a mile off the trail. However, outdoor tables fill quickly during peak season. The surrounding farmland offers some of the most peaceful scenery along the route.

Wilton and Norwalk sit close together along the corridor. Norwalk offers a quiet pause along the trail. Cyclists often stop here for water, snacks, or a quick stretch. The surrounding countryside shows off the Driftless Region. Rolling hills, working farms, and open fields frame the ride.

Sparta proudly calls itself the Bicycling Capital of America. We’ve even got a statue called Ben Bikin' that welcomes riders near downtown. Speed’s Bicycle Shop, four Mexican restaurants, two Japanese restaurants, and Club Oasis Supper Club, as well as numerous bars, make our town a lively destination. Nearby is Alchemy Brewing with batter-fried cheese curds dipped in caramel sauce and Cotter Pin for great pizza and mac and cheese.  Many cyclists celebrate the end of their ride right here, relaxing at Justin Trails Resort.

While the route offers gentle grades and crushed limestone paths, a few smart choices improve the ride. Guests often ask what helps first-time riders most.

Here’s the advice we offer:

• Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the tunnels.

• Wear shoes with solid traction for damp tunnel floors.

• Ride a hybrid or mountain bike on crushed limestone.

• Carry water and snacks between trail towns.

• Start early on warm weekends to take advantage of cooler temperatures.

These simple preparations keep the ride focused on the best parts of the trail: scenery, tunnels, and long stretches of Driftless countryside.

Our farm sits just outside Sparta amid rolling Driftless hills. Many guests stay here because the trail is minutes away.

Mornings begin with a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast before heading to the trailhead. Then, your bikes load quickly for the short drive.

After a full day of cycling, you return to open spaces and quiet country evenings, maybe a round or two of disc golf. Some relax on our prairie trails. Others gather around the fire pit as the sun sets over the horizon, and a gazillion stars — and the Milky Way — greet you in our gorgeous dark sky.

Cycling trips often turn into fun girlfriend getaway trips, wellness retreat weekends, or group adventures. The trail ride is only part of the experience.

The Elroy-Sparta Trail works well for quick rides or full cycling weekends. Many guests combine it with other nearby trails. That includes the Great River Trail, the La Crosse River, and the 400 Trail, creating 100 miles of Wisconsin bike trails. A little planning is key, but leave some room for relaxation, too.

Day One begins after you’ve checked in. You’ll grab dinner at a local restaurant, play a round of disc golf, and say hello to our pet llamas, Porter and Stout. As the evening closes, you’ll relax by the fire and toast marshmallows, then head back to your room or cabin for a good night’s rest to prepare for tomorrow’s ride.

Day Two begins with breakfast at the resort. Then you’ll shuttle to Elroy and start early. The first tunnel delivers a dramatic start. Kendall becomes the natural lunch stop. You’ll finish in Sparta in the afternoon. Dinner in town celebrates the miles you covered.

Day Three invites a slower morning at the resort. You might hike our on-site trails and enjoy our property once more before checking out at noon. Say goodbye to Porter and Stout, and head home with the memories of your stay and ride.

Couples love the relaxed pace of this ride. The route encourages conversation and frequent stops. Groups enjoy the social side of the trail. Riders spread out and reconnect in towns along the way. Even beginners handle the gentle 3% grades easily. The historic tunnels create unforgettable shared memories. Evenings back at our resort keep you in touch with nature and beauty, while offering rest, relaxation, farm-to-table breakfasts, and on-site activities.

… This is such a lovely resort and, clearly, run by people who are invested in providing a wonderful experience to their guests. The cottage was immaculate, and we will definitely return next year! It is perfectly located within easy access of the Sparta Elroy Tunnel / Trail system, Viroqua, Kickapoo River, and other Wisconsin treasures!
— Diana B.

Many cyclists plan a quick ride on this trail. By the finish, the trip already feels too short.

Rolling hills, quiet farmland, and historic tunnels invite riders to slow down and stay awhile.

A night at Justin Trails Resort makes the adventure easier. Riders wake close to the trail and relax under wide-open Wisconsin skies.

The Elroy-Sparta Trail may inspire the trip, but the getaway often becomes the real highlight.

Book a stay at Justin Trails Resort and start your ride just minutes from the trailhead. Bring your bike, plan your route, and let the Driftless countryside turn a single ride into a full weekend adventure.

Photo Credit: © awalby from Getty Images via canva.com, © nicoolay from Getty Images Signature via canva.com