White River State Trail – Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail

This 11-mile former railbed trail runs east from Elkhorn to the Walworth- Racine County line. The trail is used for hiking and biking in the warmer weather, and snowmobiling in the winter. A 2-mile stretch between Springfield and Lyons is open to horseback riding. The trail goes past numerous bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, farmland and wetlands making for interesting bird watching. While there are scattered remnant prairie patches that contain native grasses and wildflowers, the rich soils here have been converted to agriculture. An historic grain elevator near the trail in Springfield is a reminder of that agricultural heritage.

Directions: To access the Elkhorn trailhead from Hwy 12, take the Cty NN exit west and then turn left (south) on Cty H about .6 mile south to the trailhead parking lot.

Gazetteer: Page 30, C-1 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 94, D-3 (10th edition).

Phone: 262/741-3114 (Walworth County Recreation).

Web site: White River Trail | WDNR White River State Trail

Signature Species: Horned Lark, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Rough-wing Swallow, Barn Swallow and Bank Swallow.

Rare species: Northern Harrier, Belted Kingfisher and Bobolink.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Elkhorn and Burlington.

Fees: State Trail Pass fee.