Sugar River State Trail
The Sugar River State Trail travels 23 miles through Green County from New Glarus to Brodhead. It is named after the nearby Sugar and Little Sugar Rivers. Heading southeast, the trail journeys through a countryside of gently rolling hills, meadows, and farmland. In the wetlands of the river bottoms grow cottonwood trees, cattails, and reeds. Prairie remnants with colorful wildflowers and tall grasses come to life each summer. Hardwood forests of oaks, hickory, walnut, and cherry shade many segments of the route. The trail corridor also provides a variety of habitats for wildlife. Small mammals, snakes, turtles, and salamanders may be seen. Songbirds, robins, and waterfowl are commonly spotted.
Designated as a National Recreational Trail in 1974 by the National Park Service, the Sugar River State Trail follows the abandoned New Glarus Branch railroad line. This route belonged to the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, known as “The Milwaukee Road.” Built in 1880, it was dubbed the “Limburger Special” after the pungent cheese made nearby. The line ran until 1972. The corridor was then purchased by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and opened the same year as a public recreational trail.
The Sugar River State Trail includes several interesting features. In New Glarus, a paved spur trail leads to New Glarus Woods State Park. Southwest of town, the trail passes Edelweiss Golf Course. Near Monticello, it 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 path travels through the Albany Wildlife Area. Near Brodhead, cyclists cross Norwegian Creek through a picturesque covered bridge. Built in 1984, it was constructed of wood supplied by the DNR from demolished old barns and other unused buildings.
Traveling from New Glarus to Brodhead, the Suager River State Trail also passes through Monticello and Albany. Trailheads with facilities are located in these villages. In New Glarus, a restored 1887 railroad depot serves as trail headquarters. Another historic depot is at the Monticello trailhead. While the Sugar River State Trail ends abruptly in Brodhead, several parks nearby work well as trailheads. Some of these are reached by following an additional trail running next to the Sugar River. Each village has gas stations, convenenience stores, and restaurants that serve the needs of visiting trail-goers.
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 New Glarus trail headquarters at the railroad depot. Horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Obey all posted signs. Because most of the path’s surface is composed of crushed limestone, the surface may become soft or wet after rain, and erosion may occur. For much of the journey, the surface is compacted and makes for easy riding.
Route Descriptions