Sugar River State Trail: Monticello to Albany
The section of the Sugar River State Trail from Monticello to Albany takes bicyclists on a delightful journey through forested lowlands and marshes. In certain places, the path runs through thick forests as it parallels the meandering Little Sugar River. Farm fields are not far away, and wildflowers beautify the trail in warm weather.
When starting a ride at Monticello, look for the old railroad depot at the trailhead. A parking lot, restrooms, drinking fountain, and information kiosk are there too. The trailhead is off County Highway EE, southwest of Monticello. By car, it is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 69 by turning east on County Highway F (Lake Avenue) in Monticello. Travel through town. After several curves, continue east for 0.3 mile to Pratt Road. Turn left (north) onto Pratt Road, and the trailhead is immediately to the right (east).
Before or after a ride, cyclists may consider visiting a cafe or restaurant in Monticello’s small historic downtown. M&M Cafe is 1930s-style diner that has been a staple in this village for more than a century. It serves homemade food, soups, pies, and ice cream. Sugar River Country Bakery is also downtown, and makes a great stop for scones or donuts.
A few blocks away from downtown Monticello is Montesian Lake. Sitting within a scenic community park, the lake is popular with fisherman. The park and its historical marker are worth a stop. Cyclists will learn about the history of the area’s cheese-making industry, including the pungent Limburger cheese perfected by Swiss immigrants.
Another worthwhile stop near Monticello is the Silver and Lewis Cheese Factory Cooperative. This small cheese factory specializes in brick and muenster cheese, and has been operating since 1897. Drive east on County Highway EE from the trailhead for 3 miles. Silver and Lewis is located on the right (south) side of the road.
Returning to the Sugar River State Trail, it is 9.1 miles from Monticello to Albany. This section of the Sugar River State Trail is also the designated route of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and cyclists should yield to hikers on the path.
Biking south from Monticello, the Sugar River State Trail crosses County Highway EE and continues through the lowlands of the Little Sugar River valley. The path next intersects the Badger State Trail. The Sugar River State Trail heads southeast, while Badger State Trail goes directly south. The trail junction features mileage markers to destinations along both trails. Not far away, the trail crosses the West Branch of the Little Sugar River. Marshes stretch out across the land, but the trail is shaded by the forest canopy.
The forest vegetation is quite thick in some parts of the trail, with high, dense brush. In other areas the brush opens to views of wildflower meadows. In mid to late summer, chicory, bee balm, false sunflower, and hogweed or Queen Anne’s lace grow there. Robins, catbirds, blue jays, and an occasional bald eagle may be spotted. Rabbits, skunks, and other small mammals make their homes here too.
In addition to the West Branch of the Little Sugar River, the trail crosses Burgy Creek, Hammerly Creek, Little Sugar River, Sugar River, and Marsh Creek. The bridges at these places make ideal rest stops. Some bridges are a favorite swimming spot for local youth on hot summer days. However, on calm warm days, mosquitoes swarm around bicyclists who pause along the route, so bug spray may be helpful.
From the Monticello trailhead, it is 1.2 miles to River Road, 2.9 miles to Silver Road, and 4 miles to Schneeberger Road. Continuing on from Schneeberger Road, it is 0.3 mile to Zurfluh Road, 2.3 miles to Tin Can Road, and 4.6 miles to Wisconsin State Highway 59. Mileage markers also convey distances along the trail.
Five miles from Monticello, the Sugar River State Trail travels through the Albany Wildlife Area. This forested area is spanned by the Little Sugar River. Marshes are filled with canary grass, cattails, and other native sedge plants. The land is reserved for public hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor activities. For safety, it’s recommended that cyclists wear bright fluorescent colors during the fall hunting months.
The village of Albany comes into sight after crossing Wisconsin State Highway 59. A trail sign marks this intersection next to a small vehicle pull-off. A gas station and convenience store are found here, just off the trail. The official trailhead is a half mile farther, at the intersection with 4th Street. It is accessed by car from Wisconsin State Highway 59 by turning south onto Cincinnati Street and then turning left (east) on 4th Street. The trailhead has a parking lot, flush toilets, picnic table, and information kiosk.
The land that includes Albany was first home to members of the Ho Chunk nation, who lived along the river they called “Tonasookarah.” Translated as “sugar,” this river was named for the many maple trees along its banks. James Campbell and Thomas Stewart were the first white settlers in the area. Arriving in 1839, they called this place “Campbell’s Ford.”
In 1846, Erastus Pond and Dr. Samuel Nichols settled in Campbell’s Ford with their families. They came because of the excellent opportunities for waterpower. These families were followed by others from New York and New England. European immigrants from Norway, Germany, Ireland, Wales, and Switzerland soon followed the Yankee migration, and the village name changed to Albany.
A bike ride on the Sugar River State Trail from Monticello to Albany is relaxing and pleasant. The surface of the path is crushed limestone, generally compacted earth in good condition. The gradient is fairly level, allowing an easy ride. One of the trial highlights includes pausing at each bridge to see the flowing streams, river, and beautiful scenery.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2025.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.