Rail trail · Wisconsin
Sugar River State Trail
A 23-mile rail-trail through the pastoral Sugar River valley of southwestern Wisconsin between New Glarus and Brodhead, featuring one of the longest covered wooden bridges in the state and classic Swiss-heritage dairy country scenery.
Length
23 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
New Glarus to Brodhead
Season
Best May through October; the New Glarus area is spectacular in fall; a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older
Plan your ride or walk
The Sugar River State Trail runs 23 miles through one of southwestern Wisconsin's most scenic and culturally distinctive valleys, connecting New Glarus to Brodhead on a former Chicago and North Western rail corridor. New Glarus is known as 'America's Little Switzerland' for its Swiss immigrant heritage and its famous New Glarus Brewing Company, and the surrounding landscape of rolling dairy farms and river bottomlands reflects that pastoral character. The trail's most photographed landmark is the long covered pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the Sugar River, one of the longest covered bridges in Wisconsin. The Sugar River itself is a cold-water trout stream, and native wildflowers line the corridor in spring. The trail is surfaced in crushed limestone and connects to the Badger State Trail at New Glarus for longer tours toward Madison.
Getting there
The northern trailhead is in New Glarus, about 25 miles south of Madison via Highway 69. Parking is at the New Glarus depot trailhead. The southern terminus is in Brodhead near the Rock County border. Shuttles can be arranged through local outfitters in New Glarus, and the Badger State Trail connects north toward Madison from the same trailhead.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Sugar River State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sugar River State Trail?
The Sugar River State Trail is 23 miles long, running point to point from New Glarus south to Brodhead through the Sugar River valley of Green County.
What is the covered bridge on the Sugar River State Trail?
The trail crosses the Sugar River on a long covered pedestrian and bicycle bridge that is one of the most photographed features of any Wisconsin rail-trail. The covered span protects the wooden deck from weathering and is a popular photo stop.
Does the Sugar River State Trail connect to other trails?
Yes. At New Glarus, the Sugar River State Trail connects to the Badger State Trail, which runs north toward Fitchburg and the Madison area, adding significant additional distance for multi-day tours.
Do you need a pass for the Sugar River State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual pass. Walking and running are free. Passes can be purchased at the New Glarus depot or online.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.