Sugar River State Trail: Monticello to Albany
The section of the Sugar River State Trail from Monticello to Albany takes bicyclists 9.1 miles 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.
The old railroad depot still stands at the Monticello trailhead. It is a reminder of the days when a branch line of the “Milwaukee Road” ran through the village. The trailhead has a parking lot, restrooms, drinking fountain, and information kiosk. The trailhead is off County Highway EE, southwest of the village. By car, it is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 69. From the highway, turn 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 bakery, café, 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. Monitcello also is home to several local taverns that serve food and beverages.
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, In operation since 1897, it’s one of Wisconsin’s oldest cheese factories. Drive east on County Highway EE from the trailhead for three 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. The entire section of the trail is also the designated route of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Because hikers use this part of trail, cyclists should exercise caution when meeting them.
Biking south from the Monticello trailhead, the Sugar River State Trail crosses County Highway EE and travels through the lowlands of the Little Sugar River valley. After 350 yards, the path turns to the southeast and intersects the Badger State Trail, which goes directly south to Monroe. The trail junction features mileage markers to destinations along both trails. A little further, 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 surrounding the Sugar River State Trail is quite thick in some parts, with high dense brush. In other areas the vegetation opens to reveal 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.
The trail crosses the West Branch of the Little Sugar River, and other creeks and rivers. In order, they are Burgy Creek, Hammerly Creek, Little Sugar River, Sugar River, and Marsh Creek. The bridges at these places are ideal rest stops, and some are favorite swimming spots 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 four 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, other American settlers from New York and New England came to Campbell’s Ford because of its excellent opportunities for waterpower there. European immigrants from Norway, Germany, Ireland, Wales, and Switzerland followed the Yankee migration. The name of the village was changed to Albany, and it was incorporated in 1883.
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.