Railroads played a vital role in the growth and development of this country. When the railroad came to town in years past, good things usually followed. But probably the most important of what came was opportunity in the form of new businesses and new jobs that could offer continually expanding potential and options. Ironically, even though railroads have been declining in importance for decades, they are still bringing us good things. Nowadays, it’s the potential for a whole new recreational genre—the lineal park.
Expanded air travel and our network of Interstate Highways have made it tough for railroads. Although there is still a viable railroad industry in the United States, the far flung rail networks of yesterday have shrunk. Many sections of rail gradually became economically impractical and were eventually abandoned. Often the rails were peeled up and sold for scrap. Within a few years, the rights-of-way were overgrown and generally forgotten.
They became a little-known treasure for the locals. An abandoned right-of-way was an ideal walking path to exercise the dog, go birding or just get a little exercise. It was virtually impossible to get lost because the route was so clearly defined, even after abandonment. And the slope was gradual since most railroad rights-of-way were built with a grade of 3% or less. Besides, these old rights-of-way were quiet and peaceful.
Even those close to urban areas were stretches of peace and quiet in the middle of bustle. Another plus: Some of the routes had picturesque tunnels, bridges and other railroad structures along them, and they often snaked their way through or near sleepy little hamlets where you could pause to rest, find a restroom or get a snack. In time, these routes attracted more and more attention as an ready-made courses for bicycling, hiking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Who first had the idea of making these old rights-of-way unique lineal parks that everyone (not just enterprising locals) could enjoy? Probably someone in Wisconsin could tell you because it was that state’s Conservation Department (now known as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) that in the 1960s bought the rights to what would become the nation’s very first lineal park.
Today, this 32-mile stretch has become famous as the Elroy-Sparta Trail, the granddaddy of all lineal parks and the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s State Trails System. The trail treats those who travel its groomed surface of limestone screenings to nearly three dozen bridges and three tunnels, one of them three-quarters of a mile long. To get all the details about staging a trip on the Elroy-Sparta, visit the site or call 608/463-7109. The Trail Headquarters is in the Kendall depot in Kendall, WI.
While the rails-to-trails movement had a slow beginning in Wisconsin more than four decades ago, it has definitely picked up steam. Today, 30 states have converted scores of abandoned railroad routes to delightful lineal parks. In another posts we’ll take a closer look at some of the highlights in Michigan and surrounding states.
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