The Rails to Trails Festival in Elroy, Wisconsin, offers an inviting escape onto one of the country’s pioneering rail-trails. This event is centered around hiking and biking along the historic Elroy-Sparta Trail, a 32.5-mile corridor carved from abandoned railroad tracks that relentlessly push onward through three iconic tunnels and vast stretches of Wisconsin’s gentle hills and woods.

The trail’s surface is smooth crushed limestone, with only moderate elevation gains—typically under 600 feet—making it accessible for a wide range of adventurers. But don’t mistake this ease for dullness; each segment presents its own challenges. The tunnels, dark and cool, dare you to pass through while the open forested sections invite sunlight to dance constantly on your shoulders. Pine and hardwood trees act as vigilant companions, rustling in rhythm with the steady breeze.

The festival itself bursts to life during late spring and summer. Alongside boosts of organized group hikes and bike rides, local vendors set up camp offering fuel, gear, and stories. Educational talks on rail-trail history provide practical context, rooting visitors in the trail’s fierce spirit as a transformation of motion—from steam engines to sneakers and pedals.

Hydration is straightforward here, but the practicalities matter: water stations appear intermittently, so carry at least two liters on foot or more on bike. Footwear should favor dependable traction and ankle support; trail runners or lightweight hiking boots fit the limestone best and keep fatigue at bay. Timing your journey to start early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday sun and lets you witness the tunnels in shifting light.

Plan breaks near scenic overlooks and near the tunnels. Each passageway demands respect: moisture keeps the stone slick, and sudden temperature drops can catch you off-guard. Movement through these passages is a contained adventure, engaging both senses and nerves.

For the more seasoned explorer, pushing towards the Sparta end adds further challenge—there the route climbs more steeply, winding through varying terrain that tests fitness and focus. Casual hikers find comfort in shorter segments closer to Elroy, where the ground is flatter and amenities more accessible.

The Rails to Trails Festival is more than a walk or ride; it’s an encounter with a trail fiercely itself—a relic reborn. Nature invites your curiosity, the trail dares your resolve, and the community fuels the entire experience with shared purpose and practical care. Gear up, tune your pace to the pulse of the path, and step into a journey where every mile is earned and every breath counts.