It then descends into a deep canyon with big drops and ledges. Pay attention around the midpoint as the trail forks. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head ters p. Elroysparta bike trail approaching tunnel number 2. 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. The trail is part of the larger wisconsin bike trail system operated by the state of wisconsin. 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.
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. Utter darkness is as much a part of the scenery along the elroysparta state trail as the views of the rolling hills and farmland. Biking coal countrys forgotten rail tracks and tunnels the. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. Here you can find a railroad history museum with authentic photos, artifacts, and pieces of history from what.
The kendall, wilton, and norwalk tunnels can be found in the middle of the 32mile bike trail. Posted on april 25, 2016 november 28, 2016 by wandering by bicycle. Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the elroysparta state trail. This structure goes underneath a large ridge and wi71. The elroysparta state trail is directly linked to two other state trails. Big savage tunnel on the gap potomac heritage national. The juneau county omaha trail elroy commonsbike trails. The elroy sparta trail guidebook is the definitive source for the information needed to enjoy yourself on this beautiful bicycle trail.
You might like the new boutique hotel in lacrosse charmant, or if you book a year in. The elroysparta biking trail in wisconsin great lakes. Trail fees are required trail passes are required for bikers 16 years of age and older. The elroysparta trail in wisconsin takes you through. Climbing back up the west end can be a difficult grunt with a bit of hikeabike for some. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head. 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. The best mountain biking books can turn even the most obsessed rider into an avid reader. In 2019, parts of the trail are closed due to flood damage. The elroy sparta trails tunnels are a major draw to the. One of the features of the elroysparta trail are the three tunnels, as the trail winds through the bluffs of monroe county. Railroad tunnel mountain bike trail in boulder city.
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. It points out all the communities, tunnels and unique stops. Tunnel trail campground 26983 state hwy 71 wilton, wi 54670 phone. The visitor center staff can map out parking areas with easy tunnel access. Flashlights and jackets are recommended in the tunnels. Those tunnelstwo at 1,600 feet and the other at 3,800 feethave long been a big draw for the trail. The bridges are covered with planks and are guarded with railings. 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. Elroysparta state trail how i got home after riding the great divide mountain bike route.
The elroysparta biking trail is located in southern wisconsin and will take bikers through three old railroad tunnels. Bike or hike through railroad tunnels in sparta wi, the. Jan 28, 2017 bicycle tour on the 4 trails in wisconsin including the sparta elroy trail. Trail is part of 101 miles of interconnecting state bike trails and is the original rails to trails bike trail. Hi any local recommendations for lodging in sparta with easy access to the elroy sparta bike trails. The elroy sparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. Trail links official trail site, elroy sparta trail. Elroy sparta bike trail approaching tunnel number 2. Aug 06, 2012 elroy sparta state bike trail 31 mile bike trail starting at elroy, wi ending at sparta,wi.
Im not sure what highway we are passing under here but most of the roads that the trail crosses. Thanks to tablet computers and smartphones, combined with ebook technology, you can browse for new. At the time of this writing, i believe that this is the most extensive photo collection of the elroy sparta bike trail online. If you arent already aware, know that sections of the trail are under repair and impassable at this point. Jun 21, 2018 but the elroy sparta trail is in wisconsins driftless region, aka land of many steep hills. Elroysparta state bike trail 31 mile bike trail starting at elroy, wi ending at sparta,wi. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. 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. The elroysparta trail network became the seventh member of rtcs railtrail hall of fame in 2008. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail.
With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32. So the trail has steady climbs and descents between its tunnels, with a total elevation gain of 1,162 feet. And if you dont want to bike the trails but want to walk through the tunnels, you can do that, too. Hi any local recommendations for lodging in sparta with easy access to the elroysparta bike trails. Welcome to the elroy sparta trail sparta area chamber of. Russ and laura have toured all over the place by bike, and have been documenting their travels for years.
But the elroysparta trail is in wisconsins driftless region, aka land of many steep hills. Elroy sparta trail the 3 tunnel trail americas first official rail trail. Elroy sparta trail 1 white, kendall, wisconsin 54638 rated 4. You can add when you arrive, however, we do like advance notice to set up. The twelve and a half mile omaha trail is the most peaceful and secluded. Not to be confused with the real tunnels that the bike path goes through. The tunnels book series by multiple authors includes books tunnels, deeper, freefall, and several more. Considered the first railto trail in the united states, the elroy sparta state trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. Love the tunnels and the small towns that you go through. Chelsey lewismilwaukee journal sentinel workers used dynamite, hand tools, horses, mules and oxen to build this. The elroy sparta trail is primarily known as a bike trail, but its open for walkers and runners as well. Elroysparta bike trail opening day bike extravaganza.
Elroy sparta bicycle trail ride report with pictures. For shuttle service from kendall elroy, contact the elroy sparta trail headquarters at 608 4637109 or 608 4873271. For shuttle service from kendallelroy, contact the elroysparta trail headquarters at 608 4637109 or 608 4873271. If you havent read my previous posts, about the trip i took up the great divide mountain bike route, you can read them here. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before you. Elroysparta state trail all you need to know before you go. 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 sparta chamber of commerce in the old railroad depot makes a. The grandaddy of them all, the elroysparta state trail.
Follow the trail map of the elroy sparta state bike trail. Site fee 1 family, adults and minor children 1 vehicle, 1 unit. Ride report with pictures from the elroy sparta trail in wisconsin. This scenic seal coated trail features an 875 foot tunnel. It is world famous as the first railstotrails trail established in 1967, and for its long cavernous tunnels. 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. The trail may be entered at the elroy commons in elroy, at the trail headquarters in kendall, the sparta chamber of commerce in sparta, or enter at wilton or norwalk on hwy 71. Elroysparta state trail wisconsin trails traillink. The elroysparta biking trail in wisconsin great lakes at bellaonline. Reserve campsites for the elroy sparta state trail. These tunnel are between hyak and easton in a section that passes two lakes. Bicycle tour on the 4 trails in wisconsin including the sparta elroy trail. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new. Designated a multiuse trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public.
See the complete tunnels series book list in order, box sets or omnibus editions, and companion titles. 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 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. 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. The elroy sparta biking trail is located in southern wisconsin and will take bikers through three old railroad tunnels. The middle section, around wilton, is heavily amish. This amazing trail in wisconsin takes you through abandoned train tunnels. 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. Located in one of the most scenic parts of driftless region wisconsin, the elroy sparta bike trail, is great for families, with plenty of amenities.
The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until november. From elroy sparta state trail, elroy, juneau county to elroy sparta state trail, sparta, monroe county, wisconsin crushed limestone. That is over a hundred miles of trails through towns, scenic paths, bridges, and train tunnels. This tunnel is slightly harder to access, and requires a walk. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. Mountain biking books run a gamut from practical to aspirational. The elroysparta trail wisconsin 32m is one of four connecting bike trails in westcentral wisconsin for a total of 101 miles. The trail remains one of the most popular biking trails in the country. Minutes from justin trails resort is the first railstotrails project in america, the elroy sparta bike trail.
The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface. There were a couple of hikers and cyclist using the trail but tourist season has not set in yet. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and. One of the features of the elroy sparta trail are the three tunnels, as the trail winds through the bluffs of monroe county. Oct 07, 20 and if you dont want to bike the trails but want to walk through the tunnels, you can do that, too. You can add which shuttle you would like when you make an online reservation, or call to make your reservation. Its also valuable during the repairs to the trail that was suffered in the 2018 floods. Cyclists walk their bikes out of one of the tunnels on the elroysparta trail. The elroy sparta state bike trail is a 32 mile linear bike path on crushed gravel.
Laid out along the former chicago and north western railroad, it passes through wisconsins driftless and hidden valleys region. From elroy sparta state trail, elroy, juneau county to elroy sparta state trail, sparta, monroe county, wisconsin. 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 david snyder of milwaukee, wis. Seen in the video, is the 3t exploro, an aerogravel bike. Portions of trail are not visible in maps aerial imagery because they are underground former railroad tunnels. Some books explore the history of mountain bikes and the sport.
Elroysparta state trail photo by eric reischl photography trail of the month. Opened in the spring of 1992, the omaha trail is on what was once the chicago and northwestern railroad line. Tunnel trail campground camping in wilton, wi near sparta. Biking coal countrys forgotten rail tracks and tunnels. As of may 9th 2012, the railroad tunnel trail was open and not busy. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and photos. The tunnels are dark and cool, even on the brightest days and water from springs above the tunnels can trickle onto the trail. Minutes from justin trails resort is the first railstotrails project in america, the elroysparta bike trail. Motel for riding spartaelroy bike trail sparta forum. The trail rewards proper line selection with fun, technical drops that require decent skill to negotiate but are definitely rideable. 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.
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