Your guide to biking or hiking the elroy sparta trail. The granddaddy of them all, the elroy sparta state bike trail, this 32mile bike trail was the first opened rails to trails conversion in the country. The department of natural resources restored the trail depot at kendall in 1964. Once a section of the chicago and north western railway, steam locomotives hauled grain, livestock and passengers along this route from 1873 to 1964. The elroy sparta bike trail faced some extensive damage from last falls floods. Elroysparta state trail photo by eric reischl photography trail of the month. Disney to purchase elroysparta bike trail the county line. This trail is a connecting link between the great river state trail and the elroy sparta state trail.
Such are the paradoxes involved in studying the warrior nation that, for a time, dominated the citystates of ancient greece. Sparta elroy classic is a road biking adventure located in or near sparta, wi. Enjoy the famous elroy sparta bike trail and other state bike trails. The elroy sparta trail guidebook is the definitive source for the information needed to enjoy yourself on this beautiful bicycle trail. By 1985, the line would be shut down from reedsburg to elroy.
Now, there are nearly 2,000 railstotrails projects around the country, covering more than 22,000 miles. Best place to stay when biking the spartaelroy trail. Sep 10, 2010 bike trail north and south of norwalk, wi. Tunnel trail campground 26983 state hwy 71 wilton, wi 54670 phone. The elroy sparta trail is best known for its tunnels. The elroysparta bike trail, wisconsin descriptions and photos. It is world famous as the first railstotrails trail established in 1967, and for its long cavernous tunnels.
Motorcyclefriendly we have garage space for your bikes as part of our services too. It is the headquarters for the elroy sparta state trail. Dollys pedalers rest on the elroysparta bike trail in. The elroysparta bike trail photos 3, tunnel number three. Railsto trails programs convert old railroads into trails for biking and biking.
Bicycle rental and camping is available adjacent to the. Dec 02, 2012 the marker is located on the elroy sparta state trail, at a parking lot alongside westbound main street wisconsin highway 71, about a halfmile west of its intersection with academy street wisconsin highway 80 82, elroy, wisconsin 53929. T he trail is highly acclaimed as one of the most scenic bike trails in the country. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Bike shuttles explained shuttle service is available on both ends of the elroysparta state trail. The trail was closed from late august for the rest of the year except for the route from sparta to norwalk thought tunnel 3. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. At the time of this writing, i believe that this is the most extensive photo collection of the elroy sparta bike trail online. Elroy, wisconsin, 400 bike trail, elroy sparta bike trail, omaha trail, elroy public library. 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 trail is a middle leg of the bike 4 trails route that runs for 100 miles from the mississippi river through wisconsins rugged driftless area. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new.
The elroy sparta state bike trail is a 32 mile linear bike path on crushed gravel. The elroy sparta trail is primarily known as a bike trail, but its open for walkers and runners as well. Sparta sits on the site of one of the first wisconsin railways to be converted into a longdistance bike trail, which connects the community to the neighboring town of elroy. In addressing the history of american hiking in this way, the author has written what is largely a history of american hiking clubs mostly those in the east, but also to some extent those in the west as well. The depot has a railroad history museum with pictures, railroad artifacts, and a large history mural on display. Welcome to the elroy sparta trail sparta area chamber of. The first rail trail in the nation, the elroysparta trail was completed in 1965. The elroy sparta has the distinction of being the oldest in the country. Over 140 years ago, approximately 50 trains passed daily through the three tunnels, carrying passengers, cattle, and. Wisconsin has an awesome history of providing public spaces and turning railroad lines into public trails fits very much into our states. Aug 31, 2007 the first book consisted of the ancient history of india from the indus valley to the the invasion of md. The second part of the book which consists of the middle ages, while the third part consists of the modern history of india. Relax in a whirlpool, listen to birds singing, smell granola baking, stroll our walking trails, chill with trees or enjoy our big sky. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, bird watching, and road biking and is best used from march until october.
Along the elroysparta state bike trail greater mauston. All three books are quite detailed and emphasise how history has affected the culture and tradition of india. This series is try to get more people using the elroy sparta bike trail and to get some more caching in the area. Tunnels, bikes and history on the elroy sparta state trail from the on wisconsin series. 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. The elroysparta state trail also boasts the only overtheinterstate bike bridge in wisconsin, just 1 mile from sparta over interstate 90. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from march until november. Half of the trail is situated close to the banks of the mississippi river, while the other half crosses through floodplains, deltas, and wildlife preserves. The elroy sparta trails tunnels are a major draw to the. Dollys pedalers rest on the elroysparta bike trail. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. Elroysparta state trail wisconsin trails traillink.
If you arent already aware, know that sections of the trail are under repair and impassable at this point. Elroysparta bike trail in sparta, wi, united states mapmyride. With these massive abandonments, the lines became part of trails. Now that the kendall depot the official headquarters of the elroy. Jun 28, 2016 railstotrails programs convert old railroads into trails for biking and biking. And the final blow came in the 1980s when the trempealeau to sparta line was abandoned. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you. Book the dollys pedalers rest on the elroy sparta bike trail stay at this familyfriendly vacation home in kendall. The authors writing style is smooth and enjoyable, and he has certainly done very fine research. Oneroom country schools history and recollections book by jerry apps. The historic tunnels date to the 1870s and are a creepycool draw to the trail in wisconsins driftless region. The omaha trail features a shorter rock tunnel that is about two blocks long. Here are some interesting facts about this unique trail. Justin trails resort sparta area chamber of commerce.
Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and an inroom dvd player. Shuttle services will drop you off at the beginning of your ride. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head. Bicycle elroysparta state bike trail united states. The elroy sparta bike trail photo tour, from sparta, wisconsin south and east to elroy, wisconsin july, 2003. The elroysparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and. Tunnels, bikes and history on the elroysparta state trail. The marker is located on the elroy sparta state trail, at a parking lot alongside westbound main street wisconsin highway 71, about a halfmile west of its intersection with academy street wisconsin highway 80 82, elroy, wisconsin 53929. 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. There is parking at the elroy trailhead where the elroysparta state trail and the 400 state trail connect.
Looking forward to seeing you at justin trails resort. This article describes things to do in the different small towns along the way. Indomitable pluck one railroad, three tunnels and americas first railsto trails bike path. We are a bicyclistfriendly wisconsin bed and breakfast. Elroy sparta trail 1 white, kendall, wisconsin 54638 rated 4. I followed the trail all the way into sparta, where the fiberglass ben biken sits at the trailhead stride the highwheeled worlds largest bicycle. Get outside with us this summer, and book a room at our wisconsin bed and breakfast resort. Sparta bike trail is now open again, bicyclists have been asking for the latest trail news, so the depot has just launched their new elroy sparta bike trail web site. Three old railroad tunnels cut through the hills of the driftless region. Made in 1967 to promote the nations first railsto trails bike trail, this color film takes the viewer on a nostalgic tour of the bike trail from elroy to sparta and all points in between. Welcome to the first rails to trails project in america, the grandaddy of them all, the elroy sparta trail.
With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32. The trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. Bring the family and some flashlights to walk your bikes through the three tunnels on the path. Elroysparta trail 32 miles elroysparta state trail head ters p. Tunnel trail campground camping in wilton, wi near sparta.
Indomitable pluck one railroad, three tunnels and americas first railsto trails bike path on. In 1965, the elroysparta state trail became the first of its kind. Update on the area bike 4 trails including the elroy. 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. Monroe county local history room to offer program on 2020 census. Jul, 2019 i followed the trail all the way into sparta, where the fiberglass ben biken sits at the trailhead stride the highwheeled worlds largest bicycle. Elroy sparta state trail is a railtrails adventure located in or near elroy commons, wi. The elroysparta bike trail photo tour, from sparta, wisconsin south and east to elroy, wisconsin july, 2003.
In 1965, the elroy sparta state trail became the first of its kind. If youd like to ride and see more of the trail without having to ride the return trip a shuttle might be your answer. Enjoy the sights as you ride the elroy sparta state bike trail. Jun 21, 2018 3 old railroad tunnels help make the elroy sparta trail one of the states most popular. 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. Restaurants near elroysparta state trail, elroy on tripadvisor. The elroysparta trail in wisconsin takes you through. Needless to say, the elroysparta state trail is considered to be the granddaddy of all bike trails, and a wonderful perk for those who enjoy the great wisconsin outdoors. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before you.
The old railroad trail dvd made in 1967 to promote the nations first railsto trails bike trail, this color film takes the viewer on a nostalgic tour of the bike trail from elroy to sparta and all points in between. Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. The village of kendall is the home of the elroy sparta state bike trail headquarters. Elroysparta state trail 2020 all you need to know before. Feb 16, 2015 snowmobile ride from the sparta wi bike trail parking lot to kendall wi. For a little extra you can get a room with a jacuzzi which is always a nice ending to a perfect day on the bike trail. The elroy sparta trail, which is just minutes from the justin trails resort in wisconsin, was the first rails to trails project of its kind in the country. The sparta chamber of commerce in the old railroad depot makes a.
Beyond elroy lies the 400 trail with 22 miles of scenic beauty connecting elroy to reedsburg. White county recreational complex trail is a singletrack mountain bike trail in sparta, tennessee. The elroy sparta trail offers the perfect pairing for those who like to bike and take in natural views. Bikers 16 years or older must buy a state trail pass before using the trail please report any damage or problems on the trail to wildcat mountain state park, 6083374775. It is one of four connecting bike trails in westcentral wisconsin that spans approximately onethird of the state. The dnr is doing the best it can to fix all the damage, but it.
White county recreational complex trail mountain bike trail. The sparta elroy bike trail runs directly behind the motel, so you can easily hop on your bike and begin your ride. Now, there are nearly 2,000 railsto trails projects around the country, covering more than 22,000 miles. The elroy sparta state bike trail was the first rails to trails in america and is commonly referred to as the granddaddy of them all. The 10 best restaurants near elroysparta state trail in wi. Its true that bicyclists have brought new vigor to a difficult countryside. Historic look at kendall through the lens original entrance to glenwood park. Traveling east from sparta, this trail passes through. Sparta is also home to the beautiful lacrosse river bike trail, which is a favorite for destination bikers. Search search section full site this section search tips. Here you can find a railroad history museum with authentic photos, artifacts, and pieces of history from what. Exit i9094 on state highway 82 and go west for about 12 miles. Apr 08, 2009 the elroy sparta bike trail is a 32mile rail trail between elroy and sparta, wisconsin.
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