SUGAR RIVER BIKE TRAIL

From the trail head at the old railroad depot in picturesque New Glarus to Brodhead in southern Wisconsin, the Sugar River Bike Trail traverses gentle rolling country with almost no grade to challenge the casual rider. This, plus its proximity to Madison, make it a perfect trail for families and newcomers to the sport of bike riding.

Into the woods near Monticello

From New Glarus, the trail follows the Little Sugar River to Albany. The first part of the trail goes straight through farm land and a golf course (watch out for golf carts crossing the path near the 14th hole). Nearer to Monticello you will enter some woods with occassional rocky bluffs to explore.

My wife and I recently peddled this stretch in mid May. . This is a great time of year to observe flora and fauna. This part of trail was a Packer fan's dream -- yellow and green being the predominant colors. The newly leafed-out trees and forbs contrasted with the golden marsh marigolds and dandelions found along the path. Goldfinches flicked overhead and we saw several pair of brightly colored orioles. Spring is the best time of year to see spring warblers, and the male redwing blackbirds wing patches are at their brightest.

On this ride we even had a special treat. The shrill cries of two redtail hawk fledglings helped us locate their nest not far off the trail. A mile later we saw one of their parents hunting a ridge in the late afternoon sun.

Feed me!

Spring is also a great time to observe wildflowers, and bike trails usually abound with them. The Sugar river trail is no exception. We found garlic mustard, Jacobs ladder, rue anemone, and wild strawberries in bloom. Every few weeks a new set of wildflowers will bloom, so keep a sharp eye out for these delicate beauties.

Road intersection near New Glarus

As you ride along this trail, be sure to allocate some time to make a trip into the small towns that the trail skirts. We enjoy the architecture of small town Wisconsin as much as anything else. You will always find a at least one home or building of interest, and this area, with its Swiss influence, has more than its share.

At New Glarus, you can take a side path up to New Glarus Woods State Park. Here you will find campsites, some of which are primitive biking campsites.

From Monticello to Albany you will ride throught the Albany Wildlife area-- keep a sharp eye out for critters. If you ride east out of Monticello on County "C" a few miles and take a left on "CC", you will find stone outcroppings along the road that are rich in fossils.

Cows and Cliffs

Near Brodhead, where the trail terminates, you will be riding on part of the Ice Age Trail. You will also be riding parallel to the Sugar River, but you will not be close enough to see it except when you cross it near Albany. You will find, however, a quaint covered bridge over a creek. This bridge is a 112 foot replica of the original 150 foot long bridge that spanned the creek. It was buillt in 1984 with wood from old buildings.

Bridge near Brodhead

The Sugar River Trail is a scenic ride in a very pretty part of Wisconsin. The towns along the way offer the saddle-sore rider all sorts of amenities, and the residents of this area have gone to great lengths to make your visit interesting, but not too "touristy". New Glarus in particular is heavy on charm, but Brodhead, Allbany, and Monticello all have something to offer.

This trail's easy grade of only 75 feet or so along its 23 mile length make it suitable for just about anyone, and for those wishing for a climb there's the spur going up to the New Glarus Woods. A pleasant combination of fields, river bottom, and woods lends variety and interest to the floral and fauna along the way.