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My review if for three paths; South Main Street Path north to the top of the Bauer Memorial Path. I really enjoyed this trail. I'm not sure why it's not all interconnected, a few lapses can easily be considered part of the trail. Well, at least, that's what I did. The three paths combine to offer great views of the Rock River, Rockford and it's surrounding area. Along the way there are great nature views as well as man-made. If you're looking for a challenge try to find the trail-side pay phone and the massively oversized basketball hoop. All in all I think I came away with around 30 miles from all three paths round trip and can easily see myself riding it again. Cheers.
My first ride on this path was with my son two years ago when he was in the 3rd grade. I'd just bought him a new bike which he was eager to ride. I'd also just bought a car bike rack, making road-trip rides possible. After doing some homework we headed northwest for an hour and a half to give this trail a whirl. We did not walk away unsatisfied. To shorten the ride we started at the parking lot near Hwy 20. This offers a straight shot north to the Wisconsin border. Away we went. We went on a summer weekday and probably saw no more than a few riders on our 22+ mile trip. Along the way, we enjoyed the sites and experience. My son loved seeing the open farms filled with cows and the occasional critter that wandered across our path. I really liked the rock formations and movement from small town to small town. We took our time biking and made the 22 miles an almost 3-hour journey that, at the time, was my sons longest bike trip. We rode to Orangeville and had a late lunch there before heading back. The trail itself was in great shape. I'd heavily recommend this path to any type of biker. Cheers.
I parked in western Rockford and picked this trail up at it's far eastern point. A mile or so into the trail heading west, it turned from compacted earth/small rock to full-on grass, at which point a pool of water from treeline to treeline made it impossible to continue. Ok, headed back to the car and drove down to Winnebago where I picked up the trail heading west again. The trail isn't bad, but I ride a hybrid bike with smaller tires than a mountain bike. Riding wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy either. Halfway between Winnebago and Pecatonica I got tired of the trail and its inconsistent composition and went off-road down hilly side streets to complete my ride to the north side of Pecatonica. What you should know about this path is that the trail is comprised of flattened earth and some gravel (ranging sizes from crushed to large pebbles). The trail also has grass areas either in full, or partially. Personally, I don't care for the grass. The trail itself is 95% non-canopy. For those looking for direct sun and a lot of it..this trail is for you. Along the trail there isn't much in the way of scenery. I'd say it's mostly a 'put your head down and peddle' path. The trail composition wasn't favorable for me nor was the scenery, so I'm at two stars here. I think the trail could be maintained more to improve that side of it. Cheers
I rode the Sugar River State Trail from New Glarus to Albany on July 2, 2019. The scenery was beautiful, and the grade mild.
The trail conditions from New Glarus to Monticello (5.6 mi) was very good: mostly crushed limestone surface and the trail width 5 feet. The shoulder was recently mowed, this was the best portion of the ride.
South of Monticello into Albany (10.4 mi), the trail conditions were really unsatisfactory. The surface was overgrown with grass, weeds, and wild flowers, with a resulting pair of narrow trail paths, ranging from 6- 12 inches.
There were multiple gopher holes in the trail, some marked with dead branches and one with an orange traffic pylon. These were hard to see given the weed and grass overgrowth.
Until the trail in overhauled between Monticello and Albany, I recommend turning around in Monticello.
We park near Rt. 20 at the stone part of the trail. Always surpasses every other trail around. Wide and very clear. Kept up perfectly. I would recommend this trail to at least the state line of Wicconsin, where it has not been well maintained lately.
I have purchased trail passes for $25.00 a year from the Wisconsin DNR and cycling and jogging this and the Badger Trail since 1986. This year, high weeds, horrible cutting, trees down for a long time and almost hard to find a clear path though the weeds have been the order.
Worst maintenance since 1986. Last week the first cut in ages left it worst than cycling through a farmers fresh cut hay field. Disappointing and Avoidable I would advise. You'll never know if or when it will be clear and enjoyable. I have called, but had to leave messages with the DNR.
Very disappointed in The Sugar River and Badger this year. Embarrassing for the care its not receiving.
I've been riding this and Sugar River Trails since 1986. I purchase the trail passes every year. This year, I have had to crawl over and under trees. The weeds have been so high, all kinds of wild grass brushes against your legs to your knees.
Jane Adams trail is perfect. The first foot onto the Badger, north of Orangeville is really unenjoyable hell. It has not been mowed regularly, so I can't tell you if and when they mow it. But it's no fun. I called and left a message at the local DNR office responsible. Let's see what happens.
It was terrible . This trail needs lots of "tender loving" care. High grass on both sides & in the middle of the trail. I would never go back there. The state should be ashamed!!!
Had the pleasure to ride this trail from the Sugar River Trail junction to Monroe, returning North to the Stewart Tunnel, then returning to New Glarus. The section we rode was compact dirt but very smooth as we turned off the Sugar River trail headed to Monroe. Grass was not cut in this section of trail and 2 tire tracks make up most of the trail. Gentle uphill most the distance to Monroe. There is a detour entering Monroe that is well marked with signage and only several blocks on road before rejoining the trail. You'll appreciate the gentle downhill as you depart Monroe headed back North. We rode through the Stewart Tunnel which made the gentle uphill trek as you approach the tunnel worth while. Once past the tunnel we rode county roads back to the Sugar River Trail to take us back to New Glarus. I cannot attest to the condition of the trail outside of the 20 mile section we rode but recommend this trail for those who are looking for the casual ride and to enjoy the beautiful scenery Wisconsin has to offer!
If you're an urban rider used to asphalt and concrete trails you may be disappointed in the Sugar River Trail. This rider however enjoyed the scenic 10 miles from New Glarus to about 3-4 miles past Monticello. Trail is definitely off road fashion mainly dirt with grass and 2 tire paths for most of the trail. The trail was dry and extremely firm and manageable with some holes (usually marked with a stick stuck in them) to avoid. The tall grass that lines the trail was recently cut in the section I rode. There is a picnic bench, drinking fountain, and bathroom available in Monticello along side the trail which made for a convenient lunch stop. Many wooden bridges with some offering scenic rolling hills and farmland views line the trail. Use caution when riding past the golf course as golf carts have to cross the trail for play on 2 holes. Bring bug spray to keep the gnats and small flying bugs at bay. You don't notice them much when you're moving but when you stop you'll know they're there. Trail intersects with the Badger State Trail outside of Monticello. Yes, the trail can use some TLC but this rider is not disappointed and enjoyed the casual afternoon ride nonetheless. Hopefully next time I can go the distance to Brodhead and back. FYI snowmobiles are NOT allowed on the Sugar River Trail. Enjoy your ride!
What a mistake. I averaged 6.3 mph for 20 miles and then gave up. I was on three wheels and that was a big mistake. Have yet to see any rideable asphalt. Mostly mud and tall grass. Don’t even try it on a horse.
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