Welcome to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Welcome to the website of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail Board. Here you will find information about the trail and the five communities along it plus links to many other useful and informative sites. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website is the Official Elroy-Sparta State Trail website. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/

Rails-to Trails Conservancy
Rail-Trail Hall of Fame
The Elroy-Sparta National Trail has been inducted into the Rails-to Trails Hall of Fame.

The Elroy-Sparta Trail is a member of the Hill Country Chamber of Commerce.

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     The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is the property of the State of Wisconsin and is part of its State Trails System.

     It is located in Hidden Valleys Country and passes through a portion of the unglaciated areas of Wisconsin exemplifying the natural beauty of our State.

     The trail is 32 miles in length on the abandoned Chicago & North Western 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. The bridges are covered with planks and are guarded with railings.

     The trail may be entered at the Elroy Commons in Elroy or ½ mile northwest of Elroy on Hwy. 71, or continue on Hwy. 71 to the Village of Kendall - the Trail Headquarters is at the old Kendall Depot, or enter at Wilton or Norwalk on Hwy. 71, or southeast of Sparta near Hwys. 16 and 71.

Trail Fees Required

Trail passes are required for bikers 16 years of age and older. A daily trail pass is $4 and an annual pass is $20. These are good on any Wisconsin State Trail.

In the winter this trail and surrounding trails are well marked and maintained by local snowmobile clubs. There is no charge for snowmobiling or hiking.

Trail Headquarters

Kendall depot

The Headquarters and Concession Center has a Railroad History Museum with pictures, railroad artifacts and a large mural on display. Trail passes, T-shirts, patches and other souvenirs are for sale. To see items available to purchase go to this page. For a printable Order Form go to this page.

There is also a picnic area, parking and pay phone. Bike rentals are available with the daily fee to be paid at the time of rental.

Bike and Kiddy Cart Rental Prices for 2012

BIKE DESCRIPTION	½ DAY	FULL DAY
10 speed trail bike	$7.50	$15.00
Child's Trail-a-bike	$7.50	$15.00
Kiddy Cart (Fits two small children)	$7.50	$15.00
15 speed trail bike	$7.50	$15.00
7 speed Fugi bike (Adults only)	$7.50	$15.00
21 speed Specialist/Globe bike (Adults only)	$8.50	$17.00
Re-bike (Recumbent)	$7.50	$15.00

Daily deposits are required at the time of rental.

If bikes are rented overnight we must have 2 days rate as our deposit.

½ day = less than 4 hours
Full day = 4 hours or more

Drivers are available for a fee to ride with you in your vehicle to the area where you wish to begin your bike trip. After you get your bikes and equipment unloaded the driver will take your vehicle back to the Kendall Depot. If you have 2 sets of keys the driver will lock the set he uses in your vehicle.

The Headquarters in Kendall is open May 1 - October 31. Phone (608) 463-7109 for more information, drivers fees and reservations.
The Headquarters is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
E-mail - kdepot@centurytel.net

Trail Etiquette

When using rail-trails be sure to be considerate of other trail users and local landowners.
Be safe--always wear a helmet!! Be a good example for your kids.
Always ride single file when meeting other riders or when being overtaken. Courtesy takes precedence over conversation with your riding companion.
Ride in a straight line. This is especially difficult for children, so remind and encourage your children not to weave around on the trail.
When stopping along the trail always park your bike off the traveled portion of the trail if you can, or as far to the right as possible. Remind your group not to block the trail when stopping.
When overtaking other trail users, call out a warning, such as "passing on your left" or use a warning device such as a bell. Be especially careful when passing children as they are easily startled and may swerve in front of you.
Only stray from the trail on public areas. If you do leave the trail, remember, leave no trace of your path! Don't litter!
Bike trails are surfaced with fine limestone or similar materials. They are
not designed for high speed travel. They can become soft and wet, can erode
quickly during heavy rains, and are subject to animal damage. Keep your
bike under full control at all times. Keep at least two bike lengths
between riders and warn others when passing. Bike clothing (reflective for
night riding), shoes, pant leg clips, and helmets are recommended.