The Elroy Sparta trail is primarily known as a bike trail, but it’s open for walkers and runners as well – and no matter what your preferred method of exploration is, you’re going to want to check it out as soon as you get the chance. This 32.5-mile trail is the very first of its kind in the entire country – it’s a railroad line converted into a trail (hence the moniker of “rail to trail” area). Wisconsin has an awesome history of providing public spaces, and turning railroad lines into public trails fits very much into our state’s ethos. Rails-to-trails is a full movement across the US now, but we here in Wisconsin get to brag that we were first. This particular awesome local trail goes through not one, not two, but three different abandoned train tunnels for a totally amazing and highly unique experience.

This trail actually celebrated its 53rd anniversary last year.
Wendy Soucie/Flickr
It stretches between the towns of Elroy and Sparta in the west-central part of the state. It's fascinating the whole way through; not only does it cross more than 30 bridges over the course of its 32 miles, but it also wanders through three derelict train tunnels as well.
At peak usage, this railroad line served up to six passenger trains and 40 freight trains a day.
Wendy Soucie/Flickr
Nowadays, it's one of the most popular bike trails in the country, and in the colder months, certain groups maintain parts of it for snowmobiling. What started right here as simply a short conversion of railway into something for public use has grown to include more than 22,000 miles of reclaimed train lines over more than 1,900 different trails across the country.
Rails to trails is now a nation-wide conservancy effort.
sfgamchick/Flickr
There are plenty of reasons to bike or walk the Elroy Sparta Trail in Wisconsin, but the train tunnels are the big draw.
Two of the tunnels are 1/4 mile long, and the third is 3/4 of a mile long.
Kenneth Casper/Flickr
Do keep in mind that trail users are asked to walk their bikes through the tunnel for safety reasons.
In the warmer months, you might just find vendors on either side of the tunnels set up to sell refreshments.
Amy Bayer/Flickr
You can also rent a flashlight from some of these vendors for your journey through the deep, dark tunnels.
One of the most unique features of these tunnels are the large barn doors.
Steve Conger/Flickr
The tunnels all experience dripping and moisture due to natural springs coming through the rocks. Blasting these tunnels was difficult enough the first time around, so to protect the structural integrity, these doors were added to help keep the inside of the tunnel warm during the coldest months.

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If the spring water were to freeze and expand, it could affect the tunnel and cause pieces to break off.
V'Ron/Flickr
The railroad employed spotters whose job it was to open and close the doors as trains passed through.
It seems impossible to imagine such a thing these days, but the doors remain a totally unique and awesome feature of these tunnels that walkers and bikers now get to use.
V'Ron/Flickr
V'Ron/Flickr
Riders older than 16 are required to purchase a $5 trail pass each day, or they can buy a yearly pass for just $25.
WIDNR/Flickr
The longest trail of them all is more than three football fields long, and you are in pitch-black darkness for most of the trip.
Bike Federation of Wisconsin/Flickr
This tunnel was dug by hand in the 1870s, so passing through really is a bit of a marvel.
Traversing the Elroy Sparta Trail is a unique experience Wisconsinites are so lucky to have at their fingertips and the three different tunnels make it all that more special.
V'Ron/Flickr
The small towns along the Elroy Sparta are much used to folks coming to take advantage of this very first rail-to-trail conversion.
They are ever-welcoming to visitors, and the area is set up for food, overnight stays and camping.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy/Flickr
Traveling this trail is on many outdoor enthusiasts' bucket lists, and Wisconsinites are so very lucky to have it right here in our backyard.

Have you ever hiked or biked the Elroy-Sparta? Let us know about it in the comments!

Looking for more amazing and unique Wisconsin rails-to-trails conversions? Check out Take These Trails Along Former Wisconsin Railroad Lines For An Unforgettable Experience.

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More to Explore

Elroy Sparta Trail in Wisconsin

Tori Jane | March 04, 2021

What's the best train tunnel hike in Wisconsin?

The famed-for-a-reason Elroy Sparta Trail in Wisconsin is a stunningly beautiful and ridiculously unique hike through old train tunnels that will make you feel like you've entered another world. There are three old tunnels on the trail, and interestingly, this was the first-ever "rail-to-trail" hike in the United States. It would seem Wisconsin started a trend - one we can definitely get behind.

What are some unique hiking trails in Wisconsin?

With hundreds of hiking trails throughout Wisconsin to choose from, some of them stand out as more unique than most. For example, the Ice Age Trail is special because it's one of just 11 national scenic trails in the United States! It also seems to have no end, at an incredible 1,000 miles long. Obviously, you won't be getting this hike done in a day, but it's well worth the time spent for just a few hours, too.

What are the best Wisconsin hikes?

The Devil's Lake State Park is home to the most popular hike in the state, and for good reason, Devil's Lake is astonishingly blue and seemingly ever-clear, and the camping there is second to none. Hike in, camp out, and be amazed. Another super-popular-for-a-reason destination, Peninsula State Park, is 4,000 acres of beautiful views. Make sure to visit the lighthouse here, which was built in 1868. Interested in more beautiful Wisconsin hikes? Check this article out for more ideas.

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Featured Addresses
Elroy Sparta State Trail, Sparta, WI 54656, USA
Elroy Sparta State Trail, Elroy, WI, USA