Bike Wisconsin’s First Rails to Trails: A Scenic Ride in the Driftless Region

In the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, Monroe County is home to a slice of American cycling history. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which opened in 1967, is generally credited as the nation’s first rails-to-trails project, rewriting a defunct Chicago & North Western Railway line into a 32.5-mile crushed-limestone route that continues to attract thousands of riders each year.

Whether you’re a bike aficionado chasing tunnels and views, or a family looking for an easy, unforgettable day outside, this trail hits the mark with scenery, small-town stops, and the quaint wherewithal of Monroe County.

The Trail That Started It All

Praised as the birthplace of the rails-to-trails movement, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail meanders through wetlands, prairies, farmland, and the Glacierless Region’s distinctive unglaciated landscape. The gradual slope makes it suitable for all skill levels. The packed crushed-limestone surface is best suited for hybrids, gravel bikes, or wider tires, though some road bikes can make it in dry conditions. You need a state trail pass, but once you clip in, you’re riding history itself...

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