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This 35-mile trail has three, quarter-mile long railroad tunnels and was one of the first rail-to-trails in the U.S.


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Map Key

35.1

Miles

56.4

KM

Point to Point

1,378' 420 m

High

786' 239 m

Low

1,350' 411 m

Up

1,172' 357 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The variety of trailheads makes this route easy to customize, and youngsters will love the thrill of hiking through the tunnels.

The tunnels are closed in the winter but alternate routes along the tunnels are available.
You'll want to have a flashlight for the tunnels as they are very long and dark, even on the brightest days. They are also noticeably cooler, even on the hottest summer days.

Description

This trail is considered to be one of the first rails to trails projects in the United States. It includes three, separate quarter-mile long railroad tunnels that were carved out of the bluffs over 140 years ago. It is a very popular route for bicyclists but those on foot are welcome, and many trek this route as a through-hike.

There are two, non-reservable DNR campgrounds, as well as a few private campgrounds along the trail. It connects to the La Crosse River State Trail on its west and the 400 State Trail on the east.

Shared By:

Rick M

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#1

in Sparta

#10573

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
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3 Star
33%
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Sparta

#113

in Wisconsin

#10,573

Overall
2 Views Last Month
305 Since Mar 10, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
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33%
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Weather


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