Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Sugar River State Trail follows an abandoned railroad line in south central Wisconsin for 24 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. A short access trail connects the Sugar River State Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park. Fourteen trestle bridges cross over the Sugar River and its tributaries, while the trail passes by farmlands, woods, rolling hills, and remnant prairies. The trail has also been designated as a National Recreational Trail.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Sugar River State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; snowmobiling in January–February; and cross-country skiing in January–February.
What can you do at Sugar River State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Sugar River State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Sugar River State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Sugar River State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Badger State Trail (4 mi), New Glarus Woods State Park (7 mi) and Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area (16 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 608-527-2335
Nearby
- Badger State Trail (4 mi)
- New Glarus Woods State Park (7 mi)
- Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area (16 mi)
- Capital City State Trail (22 mi)
- Capital Springs State Recreation Area (23 mi)
Closures and alerts for Sugar River State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.