Sugar River State Trail

The Sugar River State Trail opened in the mid 70's as the second state trail in Wisconsin after the Elroy-Sparta. This 23 mile rail runs from New Glarus, Wisconsin, to Brodhead, and is crushed gravel except for a mile that is paved in New Glarus, and for a while follows the Little Sugar River which it crosses five times. The National Park Service has designated the Sugar River Trail as a national recreational trail. A day-use trail pass cost $4 in 2010.




Woods with oaks, hickory, walnut, and cherry are interspersed between the dry prairies and other areas that have been invaded by sumac, willow and elderberry. Lowland cattails and reeds are found in the wetlands. The diverse vegetation contributes to a spectacular display of color in autumn.


Mammals found on the Sugar River Trail include deer, coyote, fox, bobcat, beaver, woodchuck, skunk, mink, rabbit, fox and gray squirrels, chipmunk, ground squirrels, moles and shrews. Many kinds of snakes, turtles, salamanders are found along the trail as well. Almost every bird found in Wisconsin can be seen on the Sugar River Trail, more than 100 different species. The corridor totals 265 acres, but this provides more benefit to wildlife than a block of land the same size, because it gives access to more land along the trail and a variety of habitats.

In Monticello, the trail crosses the Badger State Trail and is well marked...





Parking can be found in New Glarus on Route 39 (Sixth Avenue) west of Route 69, and turn right on Railroad Street to the depot.

In Brodhead, park at Exchange Street and West 3rd Street (2 blocks west of Route 11/Center Avenue.)

In Monticello, the lot is on S. Pratt Road between County EE and East Lake Avenue.

Wisconsin DNR web page for this trail