The La Crosse River State Trail follows the old Milwaukee Road railroad corridor for 22 miles from the Mississippi River at La Crosse east to Sparta, where it connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail — one of the first rail-to-trail conversions in America. The combined route runs nearly 60 miles through rolling Wisconsin farmland and wooded river valleys, making it one of the better cycling routes in the state.
The La Crosse section begins at Riverside Park and heads east through the city and into the countryside, passing through small towns and open farmland. The surface is crushed limestone, suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes; road bikes work fine in dry conditions. The trail is also open to cross-country skiers in winter when snow conditions allow. Bike rental is available in La Crosse for those who want to do a day trip out and back.