Sugar River State Trail: New Glarus to Monticello
The section of the Sugar River State Trail from New Glarus to Monticello is a delightful route that journeys through the valley of the Little Sugar River. The path travels 6.5 miles. Toward the end of the route, it runs parallel to the Badger State Trail.
The trailhead in New Glarus is at the restored 1887 railroad depot. The trail headquarters is housed in this historic building. Restrooms and bike rentals are available, and trail passes may be purchased too. An information kiosk is located on the trail by the depot. It is surrounded by several large parking lots that serve the historic downtown.
To access the trail by car from Wisconsin State Highway 69, turn west onto 6th Avenue in New Glarus. Then turn right (north) on Railroad Street. The trail is quickly noticeable. In fact, 6th Avenue crosses it. Parking is adjacent to the depot, where the trail starts.
New Glarus in Green County is known as “America’s Little Switzerland.” It was settled in 1845 by approximately 100 Swiss immigrants. They settled in town and throughout the Little Sugar River valley. New Glarus was incorporated in 1850. The community prospered during the second half of the 19th century. Known for its dairy and cheese, New Glarus is also renowned for its heritage. Chalet-style buildings, restaurants serving traditional Swiss fare, gift shops with European goods, and heritage festivals make New Glarus a popular tourist stop. A historical marker sharing this ethnic history is located at the trailhead.
With the trailhead’s close proximity to the historic downtown, it’s not unusual to see cyclists walking, eating, and shopping throughout New Glarus. It’s a 5-minute walk from the trailhead to Chalet Cheese Haus and New Glarus Bakery. These small businesses are a mainstay of the historic downtown. Puempel’s Olde Tavern was founded in 1893, and is located near the trail. In addition to enjoying food and a beer, visitors gander at unique artwork on the walls. Kennedy’s Ice Cream and Grill is next to the depot trailhead. It features Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and serves burgers, sandwiches, and other fare.
Just outside town, the New Glarus Brewing Company draws beer connoisseurs from many states. Overlooking the village from a scenic bluff, the brewery offers free self-guided tours, a gift shop, company store, and a European-style hillside beer garden for sampling. After a pleasant ride on the Sugar River State Trail, many cyclists stop by to enjoy a Spotted Cow, Fat Squirrel, or the latest limited edition brew!
Back on the Sugar River State Trail in New Glarus, the paved trail heads south after crossing 6th Avenue. It travels behind several cafes and restaurants, any of which would be a great place for a meal. At the intersection with Wisconsin State Highway 69, a 1.5 mile spur trail leads south to New Glarus Woods State Park. The park has various recreational opportunities, including camping.
After crossing the highway, the surface of the trail becomes crushed limestone. The trail heads southeast out of New Glarus and into agricultural land. It also crosses Little Sugar River. This section is fairly shaded by trees growing along the trail’s edge. Beyond the farm fields, bluffs and ridges arise.
The trail crosses Little Sugar River a second time, and then bisects Edelweiss Chalet Country Club’s golf course. Greens and fairways are on both sides of the trail. Pay close attention to golf carts that cross the trail. Golfers do not always look for bicyclists as they cross the Sugar River State Trail. And while the trail’s surface is compact, excess gravel builds up at these golf cart crossings, and could cause a wipeout for unaware bicyclists.
The Sugar River State Trail offers stunning views as it passes through the countryside. Farmlands and forests are seen from the trail, as are scenic meadows and marshes. But rolling hills and remnant prairies are also noticeable. After the golf course, the trail turns south. The landscape opens up into a vast meadow for 1.5 miles. Then the trail heads back into the forest and skirts a high ridge. Brown Swiss cows frequently graze on hillsides. Look for scenic rocky outcroppings to the right (west) of the trail amidst the forest.
After the trail passes under the Pratt Road Bridge, the Badger State Trail becomes noticeable on the left (east). It runs parallel to the Sugar River State Trail a little lower in elevation at the bottom of a ridge. Both trails are at equal elevation in Monticello. Just north of the Monticello trailhead, a short spur trail connects the two.
It is 6.5 miles on the Sugar River Trail from New Glarus to Monticello. The old Monticello railroad depot announces the upcoming trailhead. A parking lot, restrooms, and information kiosk are found there. The rest area is off County Highway EE, just outside of Monticello.
By car, the trailhead is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 69 by going east on County Highway F (Lake Avenue) through Monticello. After a series of curves in the road, continue east on County Highway EE. The rest area will appear to the left (north).
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Monticello’s small historic downtown has cafes and restaurants, including one selling ice cream. A few blocks away is a beautiful community park featuring Montesian Lake. 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 and unique Limburger cheese perfected by Swiss immigrants. Silver and Lewis Cheese Factory Cooperative is worth a trip for its brick and muenster cheese. The factory has been operational since 1897. From the trailhead in Monticello, travel east on County Highway EE for 3 miles. It is located on the right.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2020.