“400” State Trail to Elroy-Sparta Trail Bikepacking Trip

June 5-7, 2026

Let's bikepack the 400 State Trail to the Elroy-Sparta Trail for 114 total miles of fun! Choose camping or glamping. Plan to ride even if it rains.  However, if the forecast calls for severe weather, we’ll reschedule.

Both the 400 State Trail and the Elroy-Sparta are crushed limestone/clay and pretty flat, with very gradual grades leading up to each of the tunnels.

Friday, June 5 – Reedsburg to Wilton 38 total miles
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51389828

Limestone/clay trail, pretty flat!  Meandering along Baraboo River.

Start (Reedsburg) - 10:00 am rolling from The 400 State Trail Headquarters, 240 Railroad Street, Reedsburg, WI.  You can park cars at the Reedsburg Depot or on city streets.  There are restrooms at the depot.

Lunch (LaValle) – Trail Break Café Pizzeria & Patio Bar, 309 Trail Street, La Valle, WI

Dinner (Wilton) – Hitchin’ Post, 412 Main Street, Wilton, WI

Ice Cream – Cenex

Lodging (Wilton) – Wilton Campground, Mid-Trail Motel (608-855-0521) or AirBNB

Saturday, June 6 – Wilton to Sparta back to Wilton 40 total miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44135209

The Elroy Sparta Trail is considered the first rail-to-trail in the US.  Limestone/clay trail, some minor grades going up to 3 rock tunnels (and back again). Passing through wetlands, prairies, farmland and unglaciated areas. Optional side trip to fiberglass graveyard (8 extra miles back and forth).

Breakfast – Bring your own food or back to Hitchin’ Post

Start (Wilton) – 10:00 am rolling from Elroy Sparta Trailhead

Lunch (Sparta) – Ginny’s Cupboard or El Tapatio

Dinner (Wilton) – Dorset Valley Schoolhouse, 26147 WI-71, Wilton, WI (5 miles on bike)

Sunday, June 7 – Wilton to Reedsburg 38 total miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51389842

10:00 am rolling, reverse of Friday back to parked cars

Notes:

•A Wisconsin state trail pass is required to ride on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. Order online (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trailpass.html) at least several weeks before the trip.  You can also purchase locally at the hardware store or Reedsburg Depot if you forget.

Items to bring:

•Gravel/trail bike and accessories (front and rear lights mandatory for tunnels, repair items, air pump, luggage/panniers, helmet), recommend 32+ tires

•Sleep system (tent, sleeping bag, pad, pillow, tent light)

•Toiletries and towel

•Bug spray

•Clothing (for bike, including lightweight jacket for the tunnel, rain gear – and street clothing for post ride dinners)

•Breakfast foods/snacks

•Money for lunches and dinners

•Phone/computer/lights and chargers

•Swimming suit (pool next to Wilton Campground)

Lodging:

•Wilton Campground – has sites with power, bathrooms with showers, next to swimming pool.  Let me know if you are planning to camp ($20 per day) and I will make a reservation to accommodate us together.  There are picnic tables to sit at here, no need for camp chairs.

•Mid-Trail Motel – otherwise known as the “Bates Motel” … it is kinda creepy but gets the job done.  803 Walker Street, Wilton, WI    608-855-0521

•Airbnb near Wilton – Make your own reservations.