Overview
Traveling the 400 State Trail is a numbers game. The trail’s name refers to the old Chicago and North Western Railway’s “No. 400” passenger train that zoomed through here between Chicago and St. Paul—a distance of 400 miles accomplished in 400 minutes. Other numbers related to the trail might interest trail users: 22, the number of miles between trailheads in Elroy and Reedsburg; 10, the number of times the route crosses the Baraboo River; 7, the miles of parallel horseback-riding trail; 3, the number of junctions with other trails.
NOTE: A State Trail Pass ($ 25 annually/$ 5 daily) is required for bicyclists and horseback riders ages 16 and older. Snowmobilers must display either a Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile State Trail Pass. For information, go to dnr.wi.gov /topic/parks/trailpass.html.
About the Route
Leaving off from the trail’s northern endpoint in the historic railroad hub of Elroy, the trail leaves off just a couple of blocks from the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.
In the first mile heading south, the trail crosses the first of nearly a dozen bridges or trestles spanning the Baraboo River. The valley provides a level ride to Reedsburg, but trail users will be able to see hilltops, cliffs, and dramatic rock formations common to the so-called Driftless Area that wasn’t scraped flat by Ice Age glaciers.
In 4 miles, the trail arrives at a park and restrooms in Union Center, followed by a junction with the Hillsboro State Trail. In another 3 miles, the trail runs through Wonewoc, a narrow part of the valley that’s a tourist destination for trail pedalers as well as river paddlers. Wonewoc has two campgrounds (Baker’s Field is located along the trail) and numerous restaurants, taverns, and grocery stores.
The horseback-riding trail runs from here to La Valle. The old railroad grade passes through woodlots and wetlands in this section where trail users might spy deer, raccoons, and skunks, as well as a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Two public recreation areas, Hemlock-Sauk County Park and Dutch Hollow Lake, offer waterside recreation close to the trail 5.4 miles past Wonewoc on Dutch Hollow Road.
Trail users can find more refreshments in La Valle. About 2 miles past the La Valle business district, County Road V can take trail users on a 1-mile side trip to Lake Redstone, a reservoir nestled in the hills.
About 7.7 miles past La Valle, the trail arrives in Reedsburg. While its early history involved growing hops and brewing beer, now it’s the home to the annual 10-day Fermentation Fest that celebrates all things fermented. The trail reaches its southeastern end here at a restored railroad depot that serves as an information center. By far the trail’s largest town, there are antique shops and a selection of restaurants, as well as bed-and-breakfasts and a campground.
Trail History
The Chicago and North Western Railway started running trains along this route in 1873 after completing three tunnels on the Elroy-to-Sparta section. The railroad discontinued the line, and the state acquired it in 1988 and opened the trail in 1993.
Parking and Trail Access
The 400 State Trail runs between Cedar St. (Elroy) and 240 Railroad St. (Reedsburg).
Parking is available at: Wayside Park (Reedsburg)
400 State Trail Facts
States: Wisconsin
Counties: Juneau, Sauk
Length: 21.9 miles
Trail end points: Cedar St. (Elroy) and 240 Railroad St. (Reedsburg)
Trail surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6032109
Activities:
Bike
Fishing
Wheelchair Accessible
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Snowmobiling
Walking
Cross Country Skiing