400 State Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 400 State Trail |
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|---|---|
| Length | 22 mi (35 km) |
| Location | Wisconsin, USA |
| Designation | multi-use |
| Trailheads | Reedsburg, Wisconsin and Elroy, Wisconsin |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May through October |
| Surface | crushed limestone |
| Maintained by | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
The 400 State Trail is a fun path in Wisconsin that used to be a railroad! It's about 22 miles long and connects the towns of Reedsburg and Elroy. This trail is perfect for many activities like walking, biking, horseback riding, and even snowmobiling in winter. It's open to everyone who wants to explore the beautiful outdoors.
About the Trail
The 400 State Trail was once a railway line built around 1873. It was used by trains for many years. In 1988, the railway was no longer needed, so the state of Wisconsin bought it. After some work to make it ready, the trail opened in 1993 for everyone to enjoy.
The trail's path is made of crushed limestone, which makes it smooth for different activities. As you travel along the trail, you'll see lovely countryside views. The trail follows the Baraboo River and crosses it eleven times! This means you get to see the river's beauty often.
Connecting Trails
The 400 State Trail is part of a bigger network of trails in Wisconsin. It's one of four trails in west-central Wisconsin that connect to each other. These trails are sometimes called the "Bike 4 Trails." They let you travel a long way across the state.
The four main connecting trails are:
- The 400 State Trail (22 miles long)
- The Elroy-Sparta State Trail (32 miles long)
- The La Crosse River Trail (22 miles long)
- The Great River Trail (24 miles long)
The 400 State Trail connects directly to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Elroy. This means you can easily switch from one trail to another and keep exploring!
Trail Headquarters and Fees
The main office for the 400 State Trail is in a historic train station in Reedsburg. It's open from May 1st to October 31st each year.
To use the trail, you usually need to pay a small fee. It costs $5.00 for a day pass, or you can buy a yearly Wisconsin bike trail pass for $25.00. This money helps keep the trails in great condition for everyone.
Along the trail, you'll find many places where you can stop. These include spots for camping, places to stay overnight, restaurants, parking areas, and places to rent bikes. You can also find more information about the trail at these stops.
