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{{Short description|State Trail in Wisconsin}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox hiking trail
{{Infobox hiking trail
| name = Elroy-Sparta State Trail
| name = Elroy-Sparta State Trail
| embed =
| embed =


| cellstyle =
| cellstyle =
Line 8: Line 10:
| photo_alt = Elroy-Sparta tunnel
| photo_alt = Elroy-Sparta tunnel
| caption = Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
| caption = Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
| title =
| title =


| established = 1967
| established = 1967
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| trailheads = Elroy, Wisconsin and Sparta, Wisconsin
| trailheads = Elroy, Wisconsin and Sparta, Wisconsin


| use = Pedestrian, Biking (fee), Snowmobile, Skiing<ref>[https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trails/pdfs/state_trail_system_facts.pdf Wisconsin State Trail system Facts] Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Dec 12, 2018</ref>
| use = Hiking, Biking, Equestrian, Snowmobile


| elev_gain_and_loss =
| elev_gain_and_loss =
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| difficulty = easy
| difficulty = easy
| season = May through October
| season = May through October
| months =
| months = 6
| waymark =
| waymark =
| sights = tunnels
| sights = tunnels
| hazards =
| hazards = tunnels not lit, lights required
| surface = crushed limestone
| surface = crushed limestone
| ROW = Chicago and North Western Railway
| ROW = Chicago and North Western Railway
| maintainer = Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
| maintainer = Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
| website = https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/
| website = https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/
| map =
| map = {{Elroy-Sparta State Trail}}
| map_name =
| map_name = Elroy-Sparta State Trail
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| map_size =
| map_size =
Line 44: Line 46:
| route_state =
| route_state =
}}
}}
The '''Elroy-Sparta State Trail''' is a {{convert|32.5|mi|adj=on|sp=us}} Wisconsin State [[rail trail]] between [[Elroy, Wisconsin|Elroy]] and [[Sparta, Wisconsin|Sparta]], [[Wisconsin]]. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. Designated a multi-use trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public.<ref>[http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2008/september/01/wisconsins-elroy-sparta-state-trail/ "TrailBlog: Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail"], Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 01 Sept. 2008.</ref> The trail is part of the larger [[Wisconsin Mountain Bike Trails|Wisconsin bike trail system]] operated by the state of Wisconsin.<ref>[http://www.travelwisconsin.com/linear-bike-trails/traffic-free-paved/elroy-sparta-state-trail-203652 "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Travel Wisconsin"], Wisconsin Department of Tourism, [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], 2014.</ref> It passes through rural scenery and three tunnels. It is one of six connecting trails in west-central Wisconsin. It was added to the [[Rails-to-Trails Conservancy]] hall of Fame in September 2008.<ref> [https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2008/september/01/wisconsins-elroy-sparta-state-trail/ Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail] Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall Of Fame Trail Blog. September 1, 2008</ref> It is one of the most popular trails in Wisconsin<ref>Lewis, Chelsey - [https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2018/06/21/elroy-sparta-trails-tunnels-major-draw-popular-trail/706176002/3 old railroad tunnels help make the Elroy-Sparta Trail one of the state's most popular]. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. June 21, 2018</ref>
The '''Elroy-Sparta State Trail''' is a {{convert|32.5|mi|adj=on|sp=us}} Wisconsin State [[rail trail]] between [[Elroy, Wisconsin|Elroy]] and [[Sparta, Wisconsin|Sparta]], [[Wisconsin]]. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. Designated a multi-use trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public.<ref>[http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2008/september/01/wisconsins-elroy-sparta-state-trail/ "TrailBlog: Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail"], Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 01 Sept. 2008.</ref> The trail is part of the larger [[Wisconsin Mountain Bike Trails|Wisconsin bike trail system]] operated by the state of Wisconsin.<ref>[http://www.travelwisconsin.com/linear-bike-trails/traffic-free-paved/elroy-sparta-state-trail-203652 "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Travel Wisconsin"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222033859/http://www.travelwisconsin.com/linear-bike-trails/traffic-free-paved/elroy-sparta-state-trail-203652 |date=February 22, 2015 }}, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], 2014.</ref> It passes through rural scenery and three tunnels.<ref name="Sobie2001">{{cite book|author=Bob Sobie|title=Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook: Also Includes: "400" State Trail, Omaha Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, and Great River State Trail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OuIRdCjiwlIC|year=2001|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-18977-9}}</ref> It is one of six connecting trails in west-central Wisconsin. It was added to the [[Rails-to-Trails Conservancy]] hall of Fame in September 2008.<ref>[https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2008/september/01/wisconsins-elroy-sparta-state-trail/ Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail] Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall Of Fame Trail Blog. September 1, 2008</ref> It is one of the most popular trails in Wisconsin.<ref>Lewis, Chelsey - [https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2018/06/21/elroy-sparta-trails-tunnels-major-draw-popular-trail/706176002/3 old railroad tunnels help make the Elroy-Sparta Trail one of the state's most popular]. ''Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel''. June 21, 2018</ref>


==History==
==History==


[[Image:ElroySpartaStateTrailSign.jpg|thumb|right|Historical marker along the trail.]]
[[Image:ElroySpartaStateTrailSign.jpg|thumb|left|Historical marker along the trail]]
The original railway was constructed from Madison, Wisconsin to Winona, Minnesota, starting in 1870, by a predecessor of the [[Chicago and North Western Railway]], the [[Baraboo Air Line Railroad]] Company. It was so named because of the straightness of the [[Air-line railroad]] route.<ref>{{cite book|title=Yesterday and Today: A History of the Chicago and North Western Railway System|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UY0pAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA73|year=1910|publisher=Winship Company, Printers|pages=73–}}</ref>
[[Image:Trail 2013-05-19 Train bike trip-5705.jpg|thumb|right|A bicyclist enters one of the tunnels.]]
The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with much difficulty. The Baraboo Air Line was consolidated with the C&NW in 1872.<ref name="Society2004">{{cite book|author=Sauk County Historical Society|title=Baraboo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dQE1OiZtH4cC&pg=PA17|year=2004|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-3299-8|pages=17–}}</ref><ref>ROSE CLARK (Juneau County Historian) - [https://www.wiscnews.com/juneaucountystartimes/news/local/history-column-tales-of-the-railroad/article_ccd22823-69a4-5ef9-8680-05ec93a0fdbc.html HISTORY COLUMN: Tales of the railroad] Juneau County Star Times, February 27, 2019</ref> The Baraboo Air-Line Rail Road connected to the LaCrosse, Trempealeau & Prescott Railroad at [[Medary (community), Wisconsin|Winona Junction]] and opened for traffic in September 1873, through to Winona, Minnesota. In 1874, the C&NW reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of $476,743.32 and for the construction of 129 miles of railroad between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96.<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin: Containing an Account of Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources ... Biographical Sketches ... the Whole Preceded by a History of Wisconsin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qEEVAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA178|year=1880|publisher=Western historical Company|pages=178–}}</ref>
⚫
The original railway was constructed from Madison to Winona, starting in 1870, by a predecessor of the [[Chicago and North Western Railway]], The Baraboo Air Line Railroad Company. It was so named because of the straightness of the [[Air-line railroad]] route.<ref>{{cite book|title=Yesterday and Today: A History of the Chicago and North Western Railway System|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UY0pAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA73|year=1910|publisher=Winship Company, Printers|pages=73–}}</ref> The Baraboo Air Line was soon consolidated with the North Western.<ref name="Society2004">{{cite book|author=Sauk County Historical Society|title=Baraboo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dQE1OiZtH4cC&pg=PA17|year=2004|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-3299-8|pages=17–}}</ref> The Chicago and North Western completed a new route called the Adams Cutoff through Wyeville in 1911, to avoid the steep grades of the Elroy to Sparta cutoff.<ref name="Murray">{{cite book|author=Tom Murray|title=Chicago & North Western Railway|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yuCjrsnEykUC|publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-1-61673-154-0}}</ref> In 1964 the Chicago and North Western was permitted to abandon the stretch from Elroy to Sparta.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975">{{cite book|author1=United States President of the U.S.|author2=United States. Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality|title=From Rails to Trails|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=olcwAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA30|year=1975|publisher=Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality|pages=30–}}</ref> The Wisconsin Conservation Commission, the forerunner of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, purchased the trail property for $12,000.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail came into use in 1967, and the commission learned that 40% of the users were bicyclists, who required a smoother road.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail was eventually surfaced with screen limestone and the bridges received planking by 1970.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail was made part of the National Trails system in 1971.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/>

⚫
By 1911, the Chicago and North Western completed a new route from Adams to Sparta through Wyeville, called the Adams Cutoff, which avoided the steep grades of the Elroy to Sparta cutoff.<ref name="Murray">{{cite book|author=Tom Murray|title=Chicago & North Western Railway|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yuCjrsnEykUC|publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-1-61673-154-0}}</ref> In 1964 the Chicago and North Western was permitted to abandon the stretch from Elroy to Sparta.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975">{{cite book|author1=United States President of the U.S.|author2=United States. Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality|title=From Rails to Trails|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=olcwAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA30|year=1975|publisher=Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality|pages=30–}}</ref> The Wisconsin Conservation Commission, the forerunner of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, purchased the trail property for $12,000.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail came into use in 1967. The commission learned that 40% of the users were bicyclists, who required a smoother road.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail was surfaced with screened limestone, and the bridges received planking by 1970.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/> The trail was made part of the National Trails system in 1971.<ref name="U.S.Quality1975"/>


==Trail==
==Trail==
The trail, constructed upon the abandoned [[Chicago and North Western Railway]] railroad bed, is covered with crushed [[limestone]] for a smooth ride for bicyclists. The three tunnels along the trail are impressive feats of nineteenth-century railroad engineering. Tunnel #1, a short distance from Kendall, is surrounded by natural tunnels formed by the surrounding canopy of trees. Tunnel #2, stationed halfway between [[Wilton, Wisconsin|Wilton]] and [[Norwalk, Wisconsin|Norwalk]], features 20-foot-tall wooden doors on both ends of the tunnel. Both Tunnel Number 1 and Tunnel Number 2 are a {{convert|0.25|mi|m}} each. Tunnel number 3, nine miles from Sparta and three miles from Norwalk, is longer than the span of 10 football fields at {{convert|0.75|mi}}. It took $1 million and three years of digging by hand, through stone, to complete in 1873.<ref>[http://www.traillink.com/trail/elroy-sparta-state-trail.aspx "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Wisconsin Trails | TrailLink.com"], Rights-to-Trails Conservancy, 2014.</ref>
The trail, constructed upon the abandoned [[Chicago and North Western Railway]] railroad bed, is covered with crushed [[limestone]] for a smooth ride for bicyclists. The three tunnels along the trail are impressive feats of nineteenth-century railroad engineering. Tunnel 1, a short distance from Kendall, is surrounded by natural tunnels formed by the surrounding canopy of trees. Tunnel 2, located halfway between [[Wilton, Wisconsin|Wilton]] and [[Norwalk, Wisconsin|Norwalk]], features {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} wooden doors on both ends of the tunnel. Both Tunnels 1 and 2 are a {{convert|1/4|mi|m}} each. Tunnel 3, {{convert|9|mi|spell=in}} from Sparta and {{convert|3|mi|spell=in|sigfig=1}} from Norwalk, is longer than the length of ten football fields at {{convert|3/4|mi}}.<ref>[http://www.traillink.com/trail/elroy-sparta-state-trail.aspx "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Wisconsin Trails | TrailLink.com"], Rights-to-Trails Conservancy, 2014.</ref>


===Seasonal closing===
===Seasonal closing===
The tunnels are closed for the season by the beginning of November, using the doors that the railroad added to prevent storm damage. The debate on when to close the tunnel caused a conflict between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the organizers of the Rails to Trails Marathon.<ref>Hubbich, Chris - [https://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/bats-bikes-and-regulation-conflict-brewing-on-elroy-sparta-trail/article_c269fc0b-b9e3-571e-bdcb-79418e004e92.htmlBats, bikes and regulation: Conflict brewing on Elroy Sparta trail]. La Crosse Tribune, September 12, 2016</ref> The [[Myotis septentrionalis|northern long-eared bat]] hibernates in Tunnel Number three. It was listed as threatened species in 2015. The Rails to Trails Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, moved their event date to earlier in October from November in 2017 to accommodate an earlier tunnel closing than the original November 15 date.<ref>[https://lacrossetribune.com/community/westbytimes/news/local/rails-to-trails-marathon-in-norwalk-on-oct/article_c06ef429-fbe7-554e-b904-66939660aa0b.html Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk on Oct. 8] La Crosse Tribune, October 1, 2017</ref>
The tunnels are closed for the season by the beginning of November, using the doors that the railroad added to prevent storm damage. The debate on when to close the tunnel caused a conflict between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the organizers of the Rails to Trails Marathon.<ref>Hubbich, Chris - [https://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/bats-bikes-and-regulation-conflict-brewing-on-elroy-sparta-trail/article_c269fc0b-b9e3-571e-bdcb-79418e004e92.htmlBats, bikes and regulation: Conflict brewing on Elroy Sparta trail]{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. La Crosse Tribune, September 12, 2016</ref> The [[Myotis septentrionalis|northern long-eared bat]] hibernates in Tunnel Number three. It was listed as threatened species in 2015. The Rails to Trails Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, moved their event date to earlier in October from November in 2017 to accommodate an earlier tunnel closing than the original November 15 date.<ref>[https://lacrossetribune.com/community/westbytimes/news/local/rails-to-trails-marathon-in-norwalk-on-oct/article_c06ef429-fbe7-554e-b904-66939660aa0b.html Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk on Oct. 8] La Crosse Tribune, October 1, 2017</ref>


===Location===
===Location===
[[File:Sparta trails start 2.jpg|thumb|right|Sparta trails start]]
⚫
The eastern end of the trail is on {{Jct|state=WI|WI|80}} just north of {{Jct|state=WI|WI|71}} in downtown Elroy ({{coord|43|44|34|N|90|16|23|W|region:US-WI|display=inline}}), while the western end is at the intersection with the La Crosse River Trail on John St. in Sparta ({{coord|43|55|55|N|90|47|50|W|region:US-WI|display=inline}}). The trail headquarters, located in [[Kendall, Monroe County, Wisconsin|Kendall]] on [[Wisconsin Highway 71]], is open from May 1 through October 31. There is a fee for use of the trail if one does not have an annual Wisconsin trail pass.<ref>[http://www.trailsfromrails.com/el_elroy_sparta_trail.htm "Elroy-Sparta State Trail"], Trails from Rails, 2009.</ref> Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.<ref>[http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail - Wisconsin DNR"], [[Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources]], [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], 17 Oct. 2014.</ref> Lights are required for the tunnels.
{{multiple image
| width = 260
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Elroy-Sparta-La Crosse bike trails.jpg
| image2 = Sparta trails bridge 02.jpg
| footer = Trail bridge over [[Interstate 90|I-90]]
}}

⚫
The eastern end of the trail is on {{Jct|state=WI|WI|80}} just north of {{Jct|state=WI|WI|71}} in downtown Elroy ({{coord|43|44|34|N|90|16|23|W|region:US-WI|display=inline}}), while the western end is at the intersection with the La Crosse River Trail on John St. in Sparta ({{coord|43|55|55|N|90|47|50|W|region:US-WI|display=inline}}). The trail headquarters, located in [[Kendall, Monroe County, Wisconsin|Kendall]] on [[Wisconsin Highway 71]], is open from May 1 through October 31. There is a fee for use of the trail if one does not have an annual Wisconsin trail pass.<ref>[http://www.trailsfromrails.com/el_elroy_sparta_trail.htm "Elroy-Sparta State Trail"], Trails from Rails, 2009.</ref> Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.<ref name="WIDNRELROYSPARTA">[http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail - Wisconsin DNR"], [[Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources]], [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], 17 Oct. 2014.</ref> Lights are required for the tunnels.<ref name="WIDNRELROYSPARTA"/> Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnels.<ref name="WIDNRELROYSPARTA"/>


==West Central Wisconsin Trails==
==West Central Wisconsin Trails==
[[File:Western Wisconsin Bike Trail Map.png|thumb|300px|Map of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and connecting trails]]
[[Image:Trail 2013-05-19 Train bike trip-5705.jpg|thumb|right|A bicyclist enters one of the tunnels. ''Note that bikers are required to walk bikes through the tunnels''<ref name="WIDNRELROYSPARTA">[http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail - Wisconsin DNR"], [[Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources]], [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], 17 Oct. 2014.</ref>]]
The six connecting west central Wisconsin trails, going from southeast to northwest<ref>[https://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/pr/PR0313Map_WCR.pdf Wisconsin State Trails Network Plan West Central Region] Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation Trails Section. January 2001</ref> are:
The six connecting west central Wisconsin trails, going from southeast to northwest<ref>[https://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/pr/PR0313Map_WCR.pdf Wisconsin State Trails Network Plan West Central Region] Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation Trails Section. January 2001</ref> are:


* [[400 Trail]] ({{convert|22|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* [[400 State Trail]] ({{convert|22|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* Hillsboro State Trail <ref>[https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/hillsboro/ Hillsboro State Trail] Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource</ref>
* Hillsboro State Trail <ref>[https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/hillsboro/ Hillsboro State Trail] Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource</ref>
* Omaha Trail ({{convert|13|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}}), a [[Juneau County, Wisconsin]] trail<ref>[http://www.co.juneau.wi.gov/trails.html Juneau County Wisconsin Trails]</ref>
* Omaha Trail ({{convert|13|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}}), a [[Juneau County, Wisconsin]] trail,<ref>[http://www.co.juneau.wi.gov/trails.html Juneau County Wisconsin Trails]</ref> which also has a tunnel.<ref>Green, Doris. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ll57pauof8wC Wisconsin Underground: A Guide to Caves, Mines, and Tunnels in and Around the Badger State]. United States: Trails Books, 2000.</ref>
* Elroy-Sparta State Trail ({{convert|32.5|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* Elroy-Sparta State Trail ({{convert|32.5|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* [[La Crosse River Trail]] ({{convert|22|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* [[La Crosse River Trail]] ({{convert|22|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* [[Great River Trail]] ({{convert|24|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})
* [[Great River Trail]] ({{convert|24|mi|disp=or|abbr=on}})


The Elroy-Sparta State trail connects to the 400 Trail in Elroy. It connects to the La Crosse River Trail in Sparta. There also is a connection in Elroy to the 13-mile Omaha County Trail. The Omaha trail travels between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park. The Omaha trail features a shorter rock tunnel that is about two blocks long. The Hillsboro State trail is further south from Elroy along the 400 trail at [[Union Center, Wisconsin]].
The Elroy-Sparta State trail connects to the 400 Trail in Elroy. It connects to the La Crosse River Trail in Sparta. There also is a connection in Elroy to the 13-mile Omaha County Trail. The Omaha trail travels between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park. The Omaha trail features a shorter rock tunnel that is about two blocks long. The Hillsboro State trail is further south from Elroy along the 400 trail at [[Union Center, Wisconsin]].


==Gallery==
{|style="margin: 0 auto; float:center;"
|[[File:Sparta trails tunnel-3.jpg|thumb|Sparta trails tunnel 3]]
|[[File:Sparta trails tunnel-4.jpg|thumb|Tunnel 3]]
|[[File:Sparta trails tunnel-2.jpg|thumb|Tunnel 3]]
|}
{|style="margin: 0 auto; float:center;"
|[[File:Sparta trail tunnel 2.jpg|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 2]]
|[[File:Sparta trail tunnel 2-2.jpg|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 2]]
|[[File:Sparta trail tunnel 2-3.jpg|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 2]]
|}
{|style="margin: 0 auto; float:center;"
|[[File:Sparta trail.webm|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 1]]
|[[File:Sparta trail tunnel 1 9 pano.jpg|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 1]]
|[[File:Sparta trail tunnel 1-6.jpg|thumb|Sparta trail tunnel 1]]
|}


== See also ==
==See also==
*[[Rail trail#List of rail trails|List of rail trails]]
*[[Rail trail#List of rail trails|List of rail trails]]
*[[List of hiking trails in Wisconsin]]
*[[List of hiking trails in Wisconsin]]
*[[Kendalls Depot]] - [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Wisconsin|National Register of Historic Places]] in [[Kendall, Monroe County, Wisconsin|Kendall, Wisconsin]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Elroy-Sparta State Trail}}
{{Commons category|Elroy-Sparta State Trail}}
*{{URL|https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/|Wisconsin DNR Site}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050722080625/http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com/ Official website] including history and campground information and maps
*{{URL|https://www.traillink.com/trail-maps/elroy-sparta-state-trail/|TrailLink}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071010110803/http://www.elroysparta.com/ Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook]
*[http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=zinniftfaxspgrki Wisconsin Elroy to Sparta State Trail (map)]


{{Wisconsin hiking trails}}
{{Wisconsin hiking trails}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rail trails in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Rail trails in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Juneau County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Juneau County, Wisconsin]]

Revision as of 02:02, 18 March 2024

Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Elroy-Sparta tunnel
Just outside one of three railroad tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Length32.5 mi (52.3 km)
LocationWisconsin, USA
Established1967
Designationmulti-use
TrailheadsElroy, Wisconsin and Sparta, Wisconsin
UsePedestrian, Biking (fee), Snowmobile, Skiing[1]
Elevation change194 ft (59 m)
Highest point978 ft (298 m)
Lowest point784 ft (239 m)
Grade3%
Difficultyeasy
SeasonMay through October
Months6
Sightstunnels
Hazardstunnels not lit, lights required
Surfacecrushed limestone
Right of wayChicago and North Western Railway
Maintained byWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Websitehttps://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta/
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Legend
La Crosse River Trail
33.7 mi
54.2 km
 Sparta
Tunnel 3
23.9 mi
38.5 km
summit
Tunnel 3 East portal
20.9 mi
33.6 km
 Norwalk
Tunnel 2
15.4 mi
24.8 km
 Wilton
Tunnel 1
6.2 mi
10 km
 Kendall
0 mi
0 km
 Elroy
400 State Trail
This diagram:

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a 32.5-mile (52.3 km) Wisconsin State rail trail between Elroy and Sparta, Wisconsin. Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic. Designated a multi-use trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public.[2] The trail is part of the larger Wisconsin bike trail system operated by the state of Wisconsin.[3] It passes through rural scenery and three tunnels.[4] It is one of six connecting trails in west-central Wisconsin. It was added to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy hall of Fame in September 2008.[5] It is one of the most popular trails in Wisconsin.[6]

History

Historical marker along the trail

The original railway was constructed from Madison, Wisconsin to Winona, Minnesota, starting in 1870, by a predecessor of the Chicago and North Western Railway, the Baraboo Air Line Railroad Company. It was so named because of the straightness of the Air-line railroad route.[7] The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with much difficulty. The Baraboo Air Line was consolidated with the C&NW in 1872.[8][9] The Baraboo Air-Line Rail Road connected to the LaCrosse, Trempealeau & Prescott Railroad at Winona Junction and opened for traffic in September 1873, through to Winona, Minnesota. In 1874, the C&NW reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of $476,743.32 and for the construction of 129 miles of railroad between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96.[10]

By 1911, the Chicago and North Western completed a new route from Adams to Sparta through Wyeville, called the Adams Cutoff, which avoided the steep grades of the Elroy to Sparta cutoff.[11] In 1964 the Chicago and North Western was permitted to abandon the stretch from Elroy to Sparta.[12] The Wisconsin Conservation Commission, the forerunner of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, purchased the trail property for $12,000.[12] The trail came into use in 1967. The commission learned that 40% of the users were bicyclists, who required a smoother road.[12] The trail was surfaced with screened limestone, and the bridges received planking by 1970.[12] The trail was made part of the National Trails system in 1971.[12]

Trail

The trail, constructed upon the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway railroad bed, is covered with crushed limestone for a smooth ride for bicyclists. The three tunnels along the trail are impressive feats of nineteenth-century railroad engineering. Tunnel 1, a short distance from Kendall, is surrounded by natural tunnels formed by the surrounding canopy of trees. Tunnel 2, located halfway between Wilton and Norwalk, features 20-foot-tall (6.1 m) wooden doors on both ends of the tunnel. Both Tunnels 1 and 2 are a 1⁄4 mile (400 m) each. Tunnel 3, nine miles (14 km) from Sparta and three miles (5 km) from Norwalk, is longer than the length of ten football fields at 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km).[13]

Seasonal closing

The tunnels are closed for the season by the beginning of November, using the doors that the railroad added to prevent storm damage. The debate on when to close the tunnel caused a conflict between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the organizers of the Rails to Trails Marathon.[14] The northern long-eared bat hibernates in Tunnel Number three. It was listed as threatened species in 2015. The Rails to Trails Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, moved their event date to earlier in October from November in 2017 to accommodate an earlier tunnel closing than the original November 15 date.[15]

Location

Sparta trails start
Trail bridge over I-90

The eastern end of the trail is on WIS 80 just north of WIS 71 in downtown Elroy (43°44′34″N 90°16′23″W / 43.74278°N 90.27306°W / 43.74278; -90.27306), while the western end is at the intersection with the La Crosse River Trail on John St. in Sparta (43°55′55″N 90°47′50″W / 43.93194°N 90.79722°W / 43.93194; -90.79722). The trail headquarters, located in Kendall on Wisconsin Highway 71, is open from May 1 through October 31. There is a fee for use of the trail if one does not have an annual Wisconsin trail pass.[16] Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.[17] Lights are required for the tunnels.[17] Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnels.[17]

West Central Wisconsin Trails

Map of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and connecting trails
A bicyclist enters one of the tunnels. Note that bikers are required to walk bikes through the tunnels[17]

The six connecting west central Wisconsin trails, going from southeast to northwest[18] are:

The Elroy-Sparta State trail connects to the 400 Trail in Elroy. It connects to the La Crosse River Trail in Sparta. There also is a connection in Elroy to the 13-mile Omaha County Trail. The Omaha trail travels between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park. The Omaha trail features a shorter rock tunnel that is about two blocks long. The Hillsboro State trail is further south from Elroy along the 400 trail at Union Center, Wisconsin.

Gallery

Sparta trails tunnel 3
Tunnel 3
Tunnel 3
Sparta trail tunnel 2
Sparta trail tunnel 2
Sparta trail tunnel 2
Sparta trail tunnel 1
Sparta trail tunnel 1
Sparta trail tunnel 1

See also

References

  1. ^ Wisconsin State Trail system Facts Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Dec 12, 2018
  2. ^ "TrailBlog: Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail", Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 01 Sept. 2008.
  3. ^ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Travel Wisconsin" Archived February 22, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Madison, 2014.
  4. ^ Bob Sobie (2001). Elroy Sparta Trail Guidebook: Also Includes: "400" State Trail, Omaha Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, and Great River State Trail. iUniverse. ISBN 978-0-595-18977-9.
  5. ^ Wisconsin's Elroy-Sparta State Trail Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall Of Fame Trail Blog. September 1, 2008
  6. ^ Lewis, Chelsey - old railroad tunnels help make the Elroy-Sparta Trail one of the state's most popular. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. June 21, 2018
  7. ^ Yesterday and Today: A History of the Chicago and North Western Railway System. Winship Company, Printers. 1910. pp. 73–.
  8. ^ Sauk County Historical Society (2004). Baraboo. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 17–. ISBN 978-0-7385-3299-8.
  9. ^ ROSE CLARK (Juneau County Historian) - HISTORY COLUMN: Tales of the railroad Juneau County Star Times, February 27, 2019
  10. ^ The History of Sauk County, Wisconsin: Containing an Account of Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources ... Biographical Sketches ... the Whole Preceded by a History of Wisconsin. Western historical Company. 1880. pp. 178–.
  11. ^ Tom Murray. Chicago & North Western Railway. Voyageur Press. ISBN 978-1-61673-154-0.
  12. ^ a b c d e United States President of the U.S.; United States. Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality (1975). From Rails to Trails. Citizens' Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality. pp. 30–.
  13. ^ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail | Wisconsin Trails | TrailLink.com", Rights-to-Trails Conservancy, 2014.
  14. ^ Hubbich, Chris - bikes and regulation: Conflict brewing on Elroy Sparta trail[permanent dead link]. La Crosse Tribune, September 12, 2016
  15. ^ Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk on Oct. 8 La Crosse Tribune, October 1, 2017
  16. ^ "Elroy-Sparta State Trail", Trails from Rails, 2009.
  17. ^ a b c d "Elroy-Sparta State Trail - Wisconsin DNR", Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, 17 Oct. 2014.
  18. ^ Wisconsin State Trails Network Plan West Central Region Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation Trails Section. January 2001
  19. ^ Hillsboro State Trail Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource
  20. ^ Juneau County Wisconsin Trails
  21. ^ Green, Doris. Wisconsin Underground: A Guide to Caves, Mines, and Tunnels in and Around the Badger State. United States: Trails Books, 2000.

External links

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