Elroy–Sparta State Trail
A 32.5-mile crushed-limestone route links five towns, wetlands, farms, and hand-cut railroad tunnels through the Driftless edge.
Artwork inspired by H. H. Bennett
Opened as a recreation trail in the 1960s, Elroy–Sparta helped establish the American rails-to-trails movement. The former Chicago & North Western corridor converts railroad grades, depots, cuts, and three long tunnels into a route through communities whose services remain part of the experience.
Tunnel travel is genuinely dark, cool, wet, and sometimes slick; dismount where instructed and carry a strong light for every rider. Crushed limestone slows narrow tires, spring drainage and storm repairs can alter conditions, and a 32.5-mile one-way ride requires a shuttle or return plan. Kendall Depot provides the clearest staffed orientation.
- Length
- 32.5 miles
- Tunnels
- Three
- Opened
- 1965
Quick guide
- Bring a real light
- Phone flashlights are poor for long, dripping tunnels shared with other users
- Essential gear
- Bright light and layers
Plan around tunnels, surface, and the return trip
- Bring a real light
- Phone flashlights are poor for long, dripping tunnels shared with other users.
- Expect to walk
- Wet floors, darkness, and posted rules make dismounting the safe and courteous choice.
- Use the depot network
- Kendall and other trail towns provide history, water, food, passes, and shuttle leads.
- Calculate both directions
- One-way mileage is not a finished itinerary without transport back.
Good to know
The tunnels are unlighted and can remain wet and cold in summer; conditions or maintenance may close individual sections.
Notice these
- Tunnel 3
- Kendall Depot
- Railroad grades