White River State Trail

Nearby Guides

Viewed 6246 times

(1 vote)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 11.4 miles / 18.3 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: The White River Trail is a beautiful, flat, easy, 12-mile trail former SOO rail line passing by numerous bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, farmlands, and wetlands through Wisconsin's Southeast Glacial Plains landscape. The trail connects Elkhorn, WI at the west end to Burlington, WI to the east while traveling through Springfield and Lyons.

This complete and detailed guide covers the White River State Trail and all it's access points, trailheads, parking, connecting trails, communities, parks, preserves, and facilities. This guide provides 13 points of interest on the White River State Trail, viewable via your browser at home, or on the fly trailside via your mobile phone.

Enjoy!

WisconsinGuide

Tips: Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail. Passes are available at several location on the trail.

When biking anywhere, always wear a helmet and eye protection.

Be prepared for changing riding surfaces and vehicle, pesdestrian, and bike traffic.

Always follow the rules of the road.

Reflective and brightly colored clothing make you more visible to motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers.

Layered clothing is the best way to regulate your temperature during changing weather conditions and activity level.

Be prepared: make sure your bike is in excellent condition, bring water, snacks, and bike tools

Points of Interest

map

Elkhorn Trailhead

The Elkhorn trailhead, located on CTH H just south of Elkhorn, is the western terminus of the White River State Trail.

The trailhead has parking, a portable toliet, display board with trail information, an "iron ranger" self-pay station to accept trail pass fees, and an access spur across CTH H connecting to an on-road bike route on Proctor Drive in the Elkhorn Business Park. The bike route leads to Babe Mann Park in Elkhorn, WI.

Elkhorn, WI, the county seat of Walworth County, lies just north on CTH H and offers lodging, restaurants, and groceries.

map

Hwy 12 Underpass

The trail passes under Hwy. 12. There is no access to Hwy. 12.

map

MacLean Road Intersection

The trail intersects MacLean road.

map

CTH NN Trailhead

The CTH NN trailhead is located as the trail crosses CTH NN. There is ample parking, an display board with trail information, and an "iron ranger" self-pay station for trail fees.

map

Como Creek Overlook

The trail passes over Como Creek far below providing dramatic panoramic views. Despite the signifigant relief from the trail to the creek below, the trail remains virtually flat through this section. Two benchs offer a place to rest and soak in the view.

map

Bowers Road

The trail intersects Bowers Road.

map

Weeks Road

A short bridge straddling Ore Creek preceeds the intersection with Weeks Road.

map

Springfield Trailhead

Your arrival into Springfield, WI is preceeded by a bridge spanning another leg of Ore Creek. Springfield is at the intersection of the trail and Hwy. 120.
Springfield's history as a stop on the old railway can still be seen today-the former depot now currently serves trail riders as a cafe with drinks, snacks, restrooms, parking, and trail passes.
A portable toliet is on the trail just east of Hwy. 120.

map

State Road 36 Underpass

The trail passes under State Road 36.

map

Church Street Intersection

The trail intersects Church Street as it enters Lyons.

map

Lyons Trailhead

The Lyons trailhead is at the intersection of the trail and Mill Street in Lyons, WI. There is ample parking, a restaurant, and a grocery store.

map

White River Bridge

A large bridge crosses the White River.

map

Burlington Trailhead

The eastern terminus of the White River State Trail is just outside Burlington, WI near the intersection of State Road 36 and the Burlington Bypass 11/83.

The trailhead has parking, a display board with trail information, and an "iron ranger" self-pay station for trail fees.

Burlington, WI lies just Northeast via State Road 36 on the Fox River. Burlington is known as Chocolate City, USA and is home to the Burlington Liars Club, as well as many restaurants, grocery stores and the Burlington trail.