Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is one of the nation's first rail-to-trail conversions, stretching 32.5 miles across southwestern Wisconsin from Elroy to Sparta. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail showcases unique engineering feats, most notably its three original railroad tunnels blasted through solid rock, which remain popular attractions for cyclists and hikers. The route travels through scenic farmland, rolling hills, forests, and prairie, intersecting small towns and offering glimpses into Wisconsin's rural heritage. Ecologically, the area comprises oak savannas, mixed hardwood forests, and meadows that provide habitat for a variety of bird species, small mammals, and native plants. History enthusiasts can appreciate the trail's origins dating back to the Chicago and North Western Railway, which was abandoned in the 1960s before the state purchased the right-of-way to create the trail in 1967. Visitors enjoy recreational activities including biking—especially mountain and hybrid style—hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Notable landmarks along the trail include the three tunnels (Tunnel 1, Tunnel 2, and Tunnel 3), which are illuminated and maintained, and the quaint villages of Wilton, Kendall, and Sparta, which serve as rest stops and cultural highlights. The trail is mostly flat with gentle grades, making it accessible for families and casual cyclists. It is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and draws thousands of visitors each year looking for a scenic, safe, and historic outdoor corridor.
