Recreation
Sugar River State Trail
The Sugar River Trail headquarters is in the restored 1887 railroad depot in New Glarus. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and houses displays of local culture and railroad history. The Sugar River State Trail connects with the Badger State Trail just south of the Monticello trailhead.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Camping
A short access trail connects the Sugar River State Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park where camping is available throughout the year. The access trail parallels State Highway 69 and then leads uphill to the park.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Sugar River State Trail, from Bump Road (in the village of Albany) to the Badger State Trail, is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail winds for more than 1,000 miles through Wisconsin, along the terminal edge of the Wisconsin lobe of the last glacier to cover the state.
Hunting
The Sugar River State Trail corridor is open to hunting within the Albany State Wildlife Area, approximately eight miles, in Albany township, Green County from the Saturday nearest Oct. 17 through Jan. 31. The trail is posted open to hunting from the south side of County Highway EE in Monticello to the north side of Highway 59 in Albany. For more information, please see:
Walking and bicycling
The fairly level grade and compacted limestone surface makes this 24-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are allowed when there are over 4 inches of snow or when the trail has a groomed base. At all other times, the trail is closed to snowmobiling. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of Green County snowmobile trails.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are done on a county-wide basis, however, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.
The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile webpages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.