Considered to be the first rail trail when it opened in 1967, it was designed for foot, bicycle, equestrian and light motorized traffic.

Designated a multi-use trail, it offers recreational access to the routes and is open to the public.

In 1874, the C&NW reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of $476,743.32 and for the construction of 129 miles of railroad between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96.

[11] In 1964 the Chicago and North Western was permitted to abandon the stretch from Elroy to Sparta.

[12] The trail, constructed upon the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway railroad bed, is covered with crushed limestone for a smooth ride for bicyclists.

[13] The tunnels are closed for the season by the beginning of November, using the doors that the railroad added to prevent storm damage.

The Rails to Trails Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, moved their event date to earlier in October from November in 2017 to accommodate an earlier tunnel closing than the original November 15 date.

[16] Camping, lodging, food, parking, bike rentals and information are available at many points along the trail.

The Omaha trail travels between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park.