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. Farm fields are not far off the path, but the route traverses thick forests as it parallels the meandering Little Sugar River. Summertime wildflowers adorn the trail at cetain places, and add beauty to the landscape.
When starting a ride at Monticello, look for the old railroad depot at the trailhead. A parking lot, restrooms, 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 past the lake and through town. After several curves in the road, continue east on County Highway EE, and the trailhead will appear on the left (north) side of the road.
Before or after a ride, cyclists may consider visiting one of the cafes or restaurants in Monticello’s small historic downtown. A few blocks away, Montesian Lake sits next to a beautiful community park that is frequented by fisherman. The park and its historical marker are worth a stop. Cyclists will learn about the history of the area’s cheese-making industry, especially 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 operational 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.
It is 9 miles from Monticello to Albany. It is also important to note that this section of the Sugar River State Trail is also the designated route for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Trail etiquette requires bicyclists to yield to hikers on the trail.
Biking south from the Monticello trailhead, the Sugar River State Trail crosses County Highway EE and continues through the lowlands of the Little Sugar River valley. 1,000 feet south of the intersection with the road, Sugar River State Trail intersects Badger State Trail. The Sugar River State Trail heads southeast while Badger State Trail heads directly south. Mileage markers to cities and villages along both trails are present at this junction. A short distance further, the trail crosses the West Branch of the Little Sugar River. Marshes stretch out across the land, but the trail itself is shaded, due to cover by the forest canopy.
The forest vegetation is quite thick in segments of the trail. High, dense bushes along the side of the trail are often present. At times, the brush gives way to views of meadows of wildflowers. In mid to late summer, look for Chicory, False Sunflower, and Hogweed or Queen Anne’s Lace. The buzzing sounds of cicadas fill the air during this period of summer too. Robins, catbirds, blue jays, and the occasional bald eagle may be spotted.
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. In fact, some bridges are a favorite swimming spot for local youth on hot summer days. However, on calm summer days, mosquitoes swarm around bicyclists who stop their journey. Bug repellent is helpful if frequent stops are planned.
Five miles from Monticello, the Sugar River State Trail travels through the Albany Wildlife Area. The forested area is traversed by the Little Sugar River. Marshes are filled with canary grass, cattails, and other native sedge plants. This land is reserved for public hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor activities. For safety reasons, it’s recommended that bicyclists wear bright fluorescent colors during the autumn 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 little farther down the trail, at the intersection with 4th Street. It is accessed by turning south off Wisconsin State Highway 59 onto Cincinnati Street and then turning left (east) on 4th Street. The rest area 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”, the name came from the many maple trees that grew along its banks. James Campbell and Thomas Stewart were the first white settlers in the area. Arriving in 1839, they named the place “Campbell’s Ford.”
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
In 1846, Erastus Pond and Dr. Samuel Nichols settled in Campbell’s Ford with their families. The two were attracted to the location because of its 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.
Trail last ridden and documented in August, 2020.