Sugar River State Trail
The Sugar River State Trail travels 23.5 miles through Green County from New Glarus to Brodhead. It takes its name from the nearby Sugar and Little Sugar Rivers. Heading southeast, the trail journeys through gently rolling hills and meadows, as well as farmland and river bottoms. Cattails and reeds are found in the wetlands. Prairie remnants with colorful native wildflowers and tall grasses are seen in summer. Forests of oaks, hickory, walnut, and cherry provide shade over many portions of the trail. The trail corridor also provides access to a variety of wildlife habitats. Small mammals, snakes, turtles, and salamanders may be seen along the trail.
The trail follows the abandoned New Glarus Branch railroad line. This route belonged to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. It was built in 1880, and was dubbed the “Limburger Special,” after the pungent cheese made nearby.
There are several intersting features on the Sugar River State Trail. In New Glarus, a paved spur trail leads to New Glarus Woods State Park. Southwest of town, the trail passes by Edelweiss Golf Course. Near Monticello, the trail crosses the Badger State Trail. From Monticello to Albany, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail joins the Sugar River State Trail. North of Albany, the trail travels through the Albany Wildlife Area. Near Brodhead, bicyclists pass through a picturesque covered bridge over Norwegian Creek. It was built in 1984 from wood supplied by the DNR, from demolished old barns, and other buildings in the state.
The trail runs from New Glarus to Brodhead, but also passes through Monticello and Albany. Trailheads with facilities are located in these villages. In New Glarus, the old railroad depot serves as the trail’s headquarters. Another old depot sits next to the path at the trailhead in Monticello. The Sugar River State Trail ends abruptly in Brodhead. Two parks are located nearby and work well as trailheads.
The Sugar River State Trail access fee is $5 daily or $25 for an annual pass. Passes may be obtained at a DNR office, from self-registration stations on the trail, or at the trail headquarters in the restored 1887 railroad depot in New Glarus. Horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Obey all posted signs. Because most the trail is made of crushed limestone, the surface may become soft or wet after rain, and erosion may occur. For most of the trail the surface is usually compacted and makes for easy riding.
Route Descriptions