Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Considered the first rail-to-trail in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination. Traveling between Sparta and Elroy, the trail stretches through the communities of Norwalk, Wilton and Kendall, passing by wetlands, prairies, farmland and unglaciated areas.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; snowmobiling in January–February; and cross-country skiing in January–February.
What can you do at Elroy-Sparta State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Elroy-Sparta State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Elroy-Sparta State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Wildcat Mountain State Park (9 mi), Mill Bluff State Park (14 mi) and Hillsboro State Trail (16 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 608-337-4775
Nearby
- Wildcat Mountain State Park (9 mi)
- Mill Bluff State Park (14 mi)
- Hillsboro State Trail (16 mi)
- La Crosse River State Trail (23 mi)
- 400 State Trail (24 mi)
Closures and alerts for Elroy-Sparta State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.