Which tunnel is the longest on Elroy Sparta trail?

Tunnel 3
Anita Hege of La Farge and her friend from Haiti, Males Mainviel, exit the western end of Tunnel 3, the longest of three tunnels along the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. The tunnel took three years to build and opened in 1873 for train traffic.

Can you hike the Elroy Sparta trail?

This spectacular trail links five communities through the unglaciated area of Wisconsin known as the Driftless Region. But here’s another cool aspect of the Elroy-Sparta: This 32-mile stretch links to other state trails, totaling well over 100 miles of biking and hiking!

How long is tunnel 3 on the Sparta Elroy trail?

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Where does the Elroy Sparta trail begin?

The trailhead is at the old railroad depot at 111 Milwaukee St. To reach the southern trailhead in Elroy from I-90/94, take Exit 69 toward Mauston on SR 82/Gateway Ave., heading west. In 0.6 mile, bear left on SR 82/N. Union St. to head south across the Lemonweir River.

How many tunnels are on the Elroy-Sparta trail?

three
Considered the first rail-to-trail in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail remains one of the most popular trails in the country. With three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route, the trail is a favorite Wisconsin bicycling destination.

What are some unique characteristics of the Elroy-Sparta bike trail?

While the shaded trail takes you through the rolling hills and beautiful trees of these communities, the three tunnels are always a highlight for travelers. Impressive in their construction and length, these tunnels are more like caves!

Where is the Elroy Sparta trail closed?

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail remains closed from Wilton to Logan Road (3.7 miles) and from Kendall to Elroy (6 miles) due to storm damage. The Headquarters in Kendall is open May 1 – October 31. Daily 9am to 5pm.

How much does it cost to use the Elroy Sparta trail?

You must purchase a bike trail pass ($5/day or $20 for an annual pass), which you can find at the Sparta Depot, Kendall Depot (the Elroy Sparta bike trail headquarters), Elroy Commons and outlets in towns along the trail.

How many tunnels are on the Elroy Sparta trail?

Where is the Elroy-Sparta trail closed?

Why is the Stewart Tunnel closed?

Sections of loose and falling rocks from the ceiling and side walls inside the Stewart Tunnel on the Badger State Trail have caused the DNR to close the tunnel for safety concerns. The safety and wellbeing of our trail users is of the utmost importance to the Department of Natural Resources.

How many miles is the Elroy-Sparta bike trail?

32.5-mile

Is the Elroy Sparta Trail a bike trail?

The Elroy-Sparta Trail was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the country and it is perennially one of the most popular bicycling destinations in the state.

How is the temperature in the Elroy tunnel?

The temperature in the tunnels is a cool 50–60 degrees, regardless of the outside temperature. Work crews had to chip through solid rock in those shafts before the Chicago and North Western Railway could open a direct route between St. Paul and Chicago in 1873. In its prime, the route carried 6 passenger trains and 40–50 freight trains daily.

When did the Grand Canyon Tunnels open to the public?

Those tunnels—two at 1,600 feet and the other at 3,800 feet—have long been a big draw for the trail, which opened in 1967. They are unlit, and water drips down the walls and pools at your feet. The temperature in the tunnels is a cool 50–60 degrees, regardless of the outside temperature.

Where are the campsites on the State Trail in Sparta?

Camping is available in Elroy, Kendall, Sparta, and Wilton. To reach the western trailhead in Sparta from I-90, take Exit 28 toward Sparta onto SR 16, heading west. Go 2.3 miles, and turn left onto S. Water St.