Users are ask to pay a small fee for a trail permit which helps maintain the trails. Collection boxes are located along the way and many participating businesses sell the permits along with T-shirts and other trail memorabilia. The Sparta to Elroy trail follows an old railroad that goes through 3 tunnels. Back in the 1870s the tunnels were dug out by pick ax in the soft rock of central Wisconsin. A view inside one of the tunnels.
Small towns welcome trail users along the way.
Old railway stations serve as park offices and souvenir shops.