Bike the famous Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail complete with three tunnels—a Steven Spielberg movie kind of experience. Are you ready for a longer ride? Add the 21-mile La Crosse River Trail, the 18-mile Great River Trail, the 23-mile “400″ or the 12-mile Omaha Trail.  Of course, you’ll need a Sparta Inn for your overnights.

The Elroy-Sparta trail is 32 miles in length on the abandoned Chicago & Northwestern Railroad bed and passes through three rock tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels are ¼ mile long and the Norwalk tunnel is ¾ mile long. The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface. The 34 bridges have been planked and protected by railings. The Elroy-Sparta Trail is considered to be the first rails to trails hiking and biking trail in the nation.

Need a shuttle or a bike rental?
Call ahead to Speeds Bicycle Shop www.speedsbike.com to make reservations for shuttle service and bicycle rentals. Phone 608-269-2315. Milt has been in business for 27+ years.  He offers a full line of new bicycles, bicycle repair and shuttle service.  His shop is right next to the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trails in Sparta, WI.

Mountain Biking is permitted on our trails.   Here is a topographical map to get a sneak preview.  www.justintrails.com/winter.html#map

The snowshoe trails through the woods follow International Mountain Bicycling Association guidelines for single track trails for lodging guests to use or day use for $5/per person.  For guided riding, additional trails, full service family bicycle shop visit Pete and Alycann Taylor at www.bluedogcycles.com

Here are some great websites for additional information on bicycling:

Trails from Rails
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Bicycling Along the Elroy Sparta Trail
Elroy Ride Report with pictures from Mike Bentley
Elroy Trail Tips
Bike Me!
Sparta Wisconsin Website

and in case of any injuries…
Sparta Medical Facilities

The Third TunnelOriginally uploaded by cz158593/4 mile long tunnel on the west end of the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail in Wisconsin. This trail links with the La Crosse River State Trail and then to the Great River Trail in Onalaska. On the eas end it is linked with the 400 trail from Elroy to Reedsburg. The base is crushed limestone with no more than 3 % grade.

This trail was the first in the Rail-Trail Conversion in 1967 when the Wisconsin Conservation Service purchased the right of way.

Sparta, Wisconsin

Originally uploaded by dresmall

Justin Trails Resort is a quick ride away from this photo and home of the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail.
Ben was created by Fast Corp. of Sparta, Wisconsin.