When it comes to family bike riding in our area the 400 Trail is simply perfect.  The trail offers 22 miles of limestone paved, flat trail through beautiful Wisconsin countryside. Along the way you can enjoy open farmland with classic red barns, tall rock formations, small lakes and a multitude of wooden bridges over the twisting elbows of the Baraboo river.

The 400 trail was built upon the abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad tracks and was opened to the public in 1993. You can pick up the trail head  in Reedsburg, WI about 15 minutes out of Wisconsin Dells or on one of the communities along the way.  The trail travels from Reedsburg on the south end, through La Valle & Wonewoc finally ending in Elroy, WI. In Elroy you can continue north on the Elroy-Sparta trail or jump on the Juneau County Omaha Trail as well.

There are many great reasons to explore the 400 trail but what makes it special to us is that we can take a young child on it for as long as they have the energy to keep going on this amazingly flat and easy trail.  In addition you can stop in La Valle for pizza at a restaurant right off the trail or head a couple blocks away for Ice Cream.  In Wonewoc there is a nice little bike shop & kayak rental business called Beyond Boundaries which is located in a historic mill.  Beyond Boundaries is a great place to stop in for a quick snack at the mid-way point of the trail.  Multi-day travelers can find camping along the route as well.

The 400 trail also offer’s a 7 mile horse trail that follows the bike trail between La Valle & Wonewoc.  In the winter the 400 is a popular snowmobile trail.

Trail passes are required and run around $5 per bike per day or $20 per year. (which can change of course) and are available at many places along the trail.  There are also self-pay stations along the route.

Learn More: 400 Trail Official Website

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