The elroy sparta trails tunnels are a major draw to the. As of may 9th 2012, the railroad tunnel trail was open and not busy. It then descends into a deep canyon with big drops and ledges. If you arent already aware, know that sections of the trail are under repair and impassable at this point. This tunnel is slightly harder to access, and requires a walk.
This amazing trail in wisconsin takes you through abandoned train tunnels. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in. You might like the new boutique hotel in lacrosse charmant, or if you book a year in. Trail is part of 101 miles of interconnecting state bike trails and is the original rails to trails bike trail. Where to dine, where to stay, what to do, even which direction to bike is included in this book that was written by one of the foremost enthusiast of the elroy sparta trail. In the past, you needed to head to the library or the bookstore to browse through physical books on the shelves to find a new adventure to check out or buy with todays modern technology, though, your next great read is just a few clicks away. Iron horse trail presented itself beautifully yesterday, and we had a video camera with us. The elroy sparta biking trail is located in southern wisconsin and will take bikers through three old railroad tunnels. Posted on april 25, 2016 november 28, 2016 by wandering by bicycle. At the time of this writing, i believe that this is the most extensive photo collection of the elroy sparta bike trail online.
The best mountain biking books can turn even the most obsessed rider into an avid reader. Those tunnelstwo at 1,600 feet and the other at 3,800 feethave long been a big draw for the trail. The kendall, wilton, and norwalk tunnels can be found in the middle of the 32mile bike trail. You can add when you arrive, however, we do like advance notice to set up. One of the features of the elroy sparta trail are the three tunnels, as the trail winds through the bluffs of monroe county. The elroysparta biking trail in wisconsin great lakes. Motel for riding spartaelroy bike trail sparta forum. Elroy sparta bike trail approaching tunnel number 2. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and.
The elroysparta trail network became the seventh member of rtcs railtrail hall of fame in 2008. Big savage tunnel on the gap potomac heritage national. Thats because visitors pass through three handdug railroad tunnels on their 33mile journey from sparta to elroy on what is widely acknowledged to be the oldest railtrail conversion in the united states. Hi any local recommendations for lodging in sparta with easy access to the elroysparta bike trails. Seen in the video, is the 3t exploro, an aerogravel bike. Utter darkness is as much a part of the scenery along the elroysparta state trail as the views of the rolling hills and farmland. From elroy sparta state trail, elroy, juneau county to elroy sparta state trail, sparta, monroe county, wisconsin. Im not sure what highway we are passing under here but most of the roads that the trail crosses are county roads with letter designations. For shuttle service from kendallelroy, contact the elroysparta trail headquarters at 608 4637109 or 608 4873271. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head ters p. Elroysparta state trail all you need to know before you go. Ride report with pictures from the elroy sparta trail in wisconsin. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before you.
Elroysparta state trail how i got home after riding the great divide mountain bike route. The trail is part of the larger wisconsin bike trail system operated by the state of wisconsin. Elroysparta state trail 2007 aa x u t u t z v n w w p o w legend elroysparta trail other trail road highway river campground picnic area information parking telephone rest rooms showers mileage sparta tunnel 3 8 tunnel 3 norwalk 3 norwalk tunnel 2 4 tunnel 2 wilton 2 wilton tunnel 1 6 tunnel 1 kendall 3 kendall elroy 6. Laid out along the former chicago and north western railroad, it passes through wisconsins driftless and hidden valleys region. You will need your bike light even on the brightest summer days when you go from the bright, hot sunshine into the cool, wet, dark tunnels.
Aug 06, 2012 elroy sparta state bike trail 31 mile bike trail starting at elroy, wi ending at sparta,wi. Cyclists walk their bikes out of one of the tunnels on the elroysparta trail. Im not sure what highway we are passing under here but most of the roads that the trail crosses. This structure goes underneath a large ridge and wi71. Biking coal countrys forgotten rail tracks and tunnels. Pay attention around the midpoint as the trail forks. From elroy sparta state trail, elroy, juneau county to elroy sparta state trail, sparta, monroe county, wisconsin crushed limestone. Located in one of the most scenic parts of the driftless region of southwest wisconsin, the elroysparta bike trail is great for families, with plenty of amenities bathrooms, water, food at regular intervals and the tunnels serving as a fun goal to keep kids pedaling. Jan 28, 2017 bicycle tour on the 4 trails in wisconsin including the sparta elroy trail. Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the elroysparta state trail. Elroy sparta state trail 2007 aa x u t u t z v n w w p o w legend elroy sparta trail other trail road highway river campground picnic area information parking telephone rest rooms showers mileage sparta tunnel 3 8 tunnel 3 norwalk 3 norwalk tunnel 2 4 tunnel 2 wilton 2 wilton tunnel 1 6 tunnel 1 kendall 3 kendall elroy 6. And if you dont want to bike the trails but want to walk through the tunnels, you can do that, too. Welcome to the elroy sparta trail sparta area chamber of. Elroy sparta trail photos kendall depot and wisconsin bench wisdom elroy sparta trail photos 14 ironsided bridges and elroy elroy sparta trail photos 15 wisconsin scenery.
The elroy sparta trail is primarily known as a bike trail, but its open for walkers and runners as well. Elroysparta state bike trail 31 mile bike trail starting at elroy, wi ending at sparta,wi. See the complete tunnels series book list in order, box sets or omnibus editions, and companion titles. The elroysparta trail in wisconsin takes you through. If you havent read my previous posts, about the trip i took up the great divide mountain bike route, you can read them here. It points out all the communities, tunnels and unique stops. Much is memorable about wisconsins 32mile elroysparta state trail, but visitors often leave especially chirpy about the pathways three tunnelsand particularly the spontaneous chorus of singing and whistling that echoes through them on busy days.
In 1964, the department of natural resources restored the depot and it now houses the official headquarters for the 32 mile elroy sparta state bike trail, the renowned first railto trail in the world. The trail remains one of the most popular biking trails in the country. But the elroysparta trail is in wisconsins driftless region, aka land of many steep hills. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. Bicycle elroysparta state bike trail united states. Tunnel trail campground 26983 state hwy 71 wilton, wi 54670 phone. Opened in the spring of 1992, the omaha trail is on what was once the chicago and northwestern railroad line. Hi any local recommendations for lodging in sparta with easy access to the elroy sparta bike trails. Trail fees are required trail passes are required for bikers 16 years of age and older. In 2019, parts of the trail are closed due to flood damage. The middle section, around wilton, is heavily amish. Elroy sparta trail 1 white, kendall, wisconsin 54638 rated 4.
These tunnel are between hyak and easton in a section that passes two lakes. Elroysparta state trail wisconsin trails traillink. The elroysparta biking trail is located in southern wisconsin and will take bikers through three old railroad tunnels. The visitor center staff can map out parking areas with easy tunnel access. For shuttle service from sparta, contact speeds bike shop at 608 2692315 or the sparta area chamber of commerce 608 2694123 for a list of shuttle options. Reserve campsites for the elroy sparta state trail.
The grandaddy of them all, the elroysparta state trail. Oct 07, 20 and if you dont want to bike the trails but want to walk through the tunnels, you can do that, too. The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface. Elroysparta bike trail approaching tunnel number 2. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. Biking coal countrys forgotten rail tracks and tunnels the. Site fee 1 family, adults and minor children 1 vehicle, 1 unit. Here you can find a railroad history museum with authentic photos, artifacts, and pieces of history from what.
The elroysparta biking trail in wisconsin great lakes at bellaonline. The sparta chamber of commerce in the old railroad depot makes a. Elroysparta state trail photo by eric reischl photography trail of the month. Elroysparta bike trail opening day bike extravaganza. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new.
Love the tunnels and the small towns that you go through. Considered the first railto trail in the united states, the elroy sparta state trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. The elroy sparta trail is best known for its three tunnels. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail. Railroad tunnel mountain bike trail in boulder city. There were great views of the lake, the railroad tunnels were amazing and clark county nevada has done tons of upkeep to this trail in regards to information signs everywhere.
Its also valuable during the repairs to the trail that was suffered in the 2018 floods. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There were a couple of hikers and cyclist using the trail but tourist season has not set in yet. One of the features of the elroysparta trail are the three tunnels, as the trail winds through the bluffs of monroe county. Some books explore the history of mountain bikes and the sport. One popular adventure along the great allegheny passage segment of the potomac heritage national scenic trail is a ride through the big savage tunnel onto the eastern continental divide. So the trail has steady climbs and descents between its tunnels, with a total elevation gain of 1,162 feet. Flashlights and jackets are recommended in the tunnels. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head. Russ and laura have toured all over the place by bike, and have been documenting their travels for years. Chelsey lewismilwaukee journal sentinel workers used dynamite, hand tools, horses, mules and oxen to build this. Jun 21, 2018 but the elroy sparta trail is in wisconsins driftless region, aka land of many steep hills.
Minutes from justin trails resort is the first railstotrails project in america, the elroy sparta bike trail. The elroy sparta trail guidebook is the definitive source for the information needed to enjoy yourself on this beautiful bicycle trail. Designated a multiuse trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until november. This scenic seal coated trail features an 875 foot tunnel. The juneau county omaha trail elroy commonsbike trails. Elroy sparta trail the 3 tunnel trail americas first official rail trail. The elroysparta state trail is directly linked to two other state trails.
The elroy sparta state bike trail is a 32 mile linear bike path on crushed gravel. The elroy sparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. For shuttle service from kendall elroy, contact the elroy sparta trail headquarters at 608 4637109 or 608 4873271. Follow the trail map of the elroy sparta state bike trail. You can add which shuttle you would like when you make an online reservation, or call to make your reservation. The bridges are covered with planks and are guarded with railings. Thanks to tablet computers and smartphones, combined with ebook technology, you can browse for new. The twelve and a half mile omaha trail is the most peaceful and secluded. For the first time since 2009, all tunnels on the john wayne pioneer trail between north bend and ellensburg are now officially open the trail recently got some great eink from the most excellent folks at the path less pedaled. The tunnels book series by multiple authors includes books tunnels, deeper, freefall, and several more. Not to be confused with the real tunnels that the bike path goes through. Trail links official trail site, elroy sparta trail.
Minutes from justin trails resort is the first railstotrails project in america, the elroysparta bike trail. The big savage tunnel is closed from november through april, but in warm weather its an easy, pleasing bicycle ride for people of all biking abilities. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32. Bicycle tour on the 4 trails in wisconsin including the sparta elroy trail. Mountain biking books run a gamut from practical to aspirational. Tunnel trail campground camping in wilton, wi near sparta. That is over a hundred miles of trails through towns, scenic paths, bridges, and train tunnels. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. The elroysparta trail wisconsin 32m is one of four connecting bike trails in westcentral wisconsin for a total of 101 miles.