Ethan's Notes

Sparta-Elroy Bike Trip

Summary

Saturday, May 30, 2026. A family bike ride on the famous Sparta-Elroy State Trail. We'll meet at the Norwalk trailhead, ride to Wilton for lunch, and ride back.

Heads up on trail passes: $5/day per adult (16+). Kids under 16 ride free. Buy ahead online so we're not fumbling at the trailhead — Wisconsin DNR trail pass page.

Timeline

Time	What
10:30 AM	Meet at Norwalk trailhead parking. Saddle up.
10:45 AM	Start ride toward Wilton (~5.6 miles). Tunnel 2 is on this stretch — walk bikes through.
11:45 AM	Arrive at Wilton. Lunch and playground at the park near the trail.
1:00 PM	Depart Wilton, ride back to Norwalk (~5.6 miles).
2:15 PM	Back at the cars. Optional: hang at the farm afterward.

Bike Trail Map

Parking and start: Norwalk trailhead. Trail runs along the old rail bed southeast to Wilton.

The two pins mark our segment — start at Norwalk, turn around in Wilton.

View on OpenStreetMap · Bicycling directions in Google Maps

Wilton stop: Wilton Village Park sits right next to the trail and has picnic tables, a shelter, and a playground — ideal lunch spot.

Preparation

Before the trip

[ ] Buy adult trail passes online (link above)
[ ] Tune up bikes (chain, brakes, tire pressure)
[ ] Reserve rentals if anyone needs one — Speed's Bike Shop in Sparta and Out Spokin' Adventures in Kendall both rent for the trail
[ ] Check weather the day before; the crushed-limestone surface gets sloppy after heavy rain

Pack for each family

Lunch + extra snacks for the kids
Water bottles
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Bug spray (mosquitoes and ticks along the trail)
Headlamp or flashlight per person — required for the tunnel between Norwalk and Wilton; it's pitch dark inside and you walk bikes through
Small first-aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, kid-sized acetaminophen
Phone (charged) and a little cash
Helmets