Sugar River State Trail:
Wisconsin
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Description:
If you can't make it to Switzerland do the next best thing: Take the Sugar River State Trail to "America's Little Switzerland"-New Glarus, Wisconsin. Settled in 1845 by a small tribe of Swiss pioneers, New Glarus today is a living monument to all things Swiss. Chalet-style buildings line the streets, restaurants dish up savory Swiss fare, and a chorus of annual celebrations include Polkafest, the Heidi Festival, and Volksfest, which marks the Swiss independence day.
Leaving the accordions and bellowing alphorns behind, hop on the scenic Sugar River State Trail at the restored railroad depot in New Glarus. The 23-mile rail-trail crosses the Little Sugar and the Sugar rivers, and travels gently rolling hills and meadows through the farming communities of Monticello, Albany, and into Brodhead in the southeast.
Less than a half mile into the ride you cross Highway 69. From here, the trail follows the course of the Little Sugar River. Near Mile 6, approaching Monticello, you arrive at a brightly painted railroad depot (though it is not open to the public). Between Monticello and Albany there are five stream crossings with views of scenic farmland. Then, at Mile 14, the trail crosses the Sugar River on a long, curving bridge that provides spectacular views of lowlands of cattails and reeds, and woods of oak, hickory, walnut, cherry, and willow trees. Visitors in June or July will get an added treat in the wild raspberries found sporadically along the trail.
At mile 21 the trail crosses Norwegian Creek on a replica covered bridge built in 1984 from wood supplied by the DNR from demolished old barns and other buildings in the state
Arriving in the small farming community of Brodhead, named after Edward Brodhead, who was chief engineer of the Milwaukee and Minnesota Railroad, you can hop off your bike and take in the sights. Be sure to visit the Depot Museum, open in the summer, which chronicles the trail's Milwaukee Road railroad days; and the Half Way Tree, located south of the town, designated by Native Americans as the halfway point between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Users of this trail must obtain a state trail pass, which can be acquired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Web site.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Get to the northern end by traveling west of State Route 69 on Route 39 (Sixth Avenue) in New Glarus. Go one block and turn right onto Railroad Street and into the New Glarus Depot trailhead parking lot.
At the south end in Brodhead, park at Exchange Street and West Third Street, two blocks west of State Route 11 (Center Avenue).
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Seasonal Restrictions:
Restrooms are closed and water is shut off in New Glarus, Albany and Brodhead when there is a risk of freezing temperatures.
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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Pretty trail, but rough!
By tracydoyle in October, 2011
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
Wonderful little trailhead town and nice rural trail
By Chris Bracknell in October, 2011
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
































Not asphalt
By cdallen in May, 2010
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.
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