I was going to do a partial ride today from Brodhead to Monticello and back. The trail was quite rough and there was no way I could go as fast as usual (about 14 mph). (I'm used to riding northern Illinois' Long Prairie Trail (paved) and Stone Bridge Trail (unpaved, but smooth). On this trail I found patches of SAND, patches of gravel - now there's a dirty trick! Lots of debris - sticks, branches, GOPHER HOLES, etc. Turned around early because I saw a white PICKUP TRUCK - ON the trail - heading toward me - in the middle of nowhere. Being a woman alone, it scared the daylights out of me so I turned around and beat it as fast as I could to the nearest town. Truck was behind me for about 5 miles - my heart rate was through the roof! In retrospect, I think it was probably a state park vehicle, but I wasn't about to approach the truck to find out! I may tackle that trail on another day, but not alone, and maybe I'll rent a mountain bike with a suspension and fat tires.

Worst thing is, the state of Wisconsin charges you 4 bucks for the privilege of getting your teeth rattled for 26 miles. Geez - rent a grader! Too bad, too, because it's a beautiful trail, otherwise.

A map of my ride:
http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/tVOa9RuV2qA

We arrived in New Glarus around mid-afternoon Sunday afternoon September 11 and there was a festival in progress. I purchased my permit for the next day's ride and we checked out the event and the wonderful little town and when up to the New Glarus Woods State park where there were nice campsites, but had pit toilets and no showers (a sign said "near by, but there wasn't).
Monday was a great biking day and the trail was a good non-paved trail. The last mile or so into Brodhead was on the street with no clear indication that is was the bike route.

Chris Bracknell

If you are looking for an asphalt trail, this is limestone. At the Trail head in New Glarus, you can call ahead and make a reservation with a volunteer to drive your vehicle to the other end of the trail at Brodhead. There is a small fee.

"
I rode this trail on September 11, 2007 with my Scorpion Fx trike.
This trail is composed of compacted crushed limestone which held up perfectly from an all day downpour which occurred the day before. The trail was dry and ready to ride.
I found this trail a delight to ride. The trail is almost completely level except for a few slight grades which are barely noticeable.
I started at the old depot and information center in New Glarus. The trail is asphalt for the first 3-4 blocks until it crosses Hwy 69, and then becomes crushed limestone.
The trail crosses 14 wood bridges including the historic Clarence covered bridge, and passes a variety of scenery along the way including woods, meadows and farmland.
There is a rest area at the historic depot in Mnticello, and another one in Albany. The trail ends after 23 miles in the village of Brodhead.
The Sugar River Trail crosses paths with the Badger State Trail which goes from Clarno passing through the Stewart Tunnel on it's way to Paoli."

"I rode the Sugar River Trail
in Sept. and Oct. 06. Started
the ride at the Depot in New
Glarus. Biked the 23 miles
to Broadhead. Very scenic
trail through woods, farmlands and small towns.
Both times had lunch at a
small cafe in Broadhead. On
the return trip included the
trail ride to the State Park.
This is a wonderful ride and
I plan to ride this trail several times in 07 also.
I ended the day with a stop
at the New Glarus Brewery
for some samples and a case
of beer to take home. Green
County is a wonderful part
of the state. Well worth
the time spent."

"This trail was built in the mid 1970s. I have been riding this trail since 1979. The trail is still as good, if not better, than it was when I first rode it. This trail also has several nice quiet paved back road crossings that allow for scenic side trips in either the Sugar River Valley or the surrounding hills. "

"We loved this trail. We stayed in New Glarus and rose to brodhead and back with a stop in Albany for a snack. This is an easy ride just watch out for gopher holes. Beautiful scenery and mostly shaded. We stayed at the Chalet Landhaus Inn in the family room. If you ride with a family or group this is a great deal. The family room has 4 Queen size beds and a table and frig. The motel has a pool and restaurant. Make sure to save a day to explore New Glarus their are some cool shops, restaurants, and a museum. This was one of our favorite Vacations."

"We ride this trail several times a year. The trail is generally well maintained and expect to see interesting flora and fauna along the way. (And, yes, watch for the gopher and chipmunk holes.)

The segments between villages have a nice variety of scenery. The trailhead in New Glarus is in the old train station. Don't miss the limestone bluffs just North of Monticello as well as the covered bridge North of Brodhead. Try the warm chocolate chip cookies at the Mini Mart in Albany."

"This trail is fun: it is flat and winding, shaded, and therefore cool in some areas and travels through some genuinely beautiful country. On the other hand, it is very bumpy in spots, with indentations the size of cereal bowls. There are also gopher/groundhog holes. These can be very problematic when you hit them riding at even a moderate pace. Although many parts of the trail are shaded, many parts aren't. In the sections that are not, it can be very hot and tiring on a sunny summer day. You will also ride through an area that is very well shaded and there are ponds and/or bogs on either side of the trail. It is in this area that you may, like I was, be attacked by deer flies. These pernicious little beasts are about the size of, or slightly larger than a common housefly. They are attracted to your sweat and their bite is quite painful. One hot Sunday this past summer I was viciously attacked by at least a dozen of these foul creatures. They are difficult to kill and it takes great effort just to dislodge them from your skin. Yes, it is as bad as I am describing. Now, I have been on the trail many times and have only been besieged by these insects once. I just thought that potential riders should be warned. "

My family and I were very happy riding our bikes on this trail. We all rode 23 miles and it was a piece of cake. I even rode this trail being overwieght. We all had a wonderful ride together. It was worth the trail fee. We will have to ride it again.

This trail has a nice even grade of crushed limestone. I suggest bringing a little extra water if you plan to ride long as there didnt seem to be enough places to refresh along the way. Start off in New Glarus as there is plenty of lodging and good resturant. Try Jimmys for the alfredo!

Shuttle service allowed us to ride one way from Brodhead to New Glarus.
The trail head in New Glarus told us about numerous amenities along the trail. We did not take advantage of those.
Generally well packed with a few repairs with oversized gravel. Very few soft spots on the trail.
Nice trail and wonderful people made for a great day.