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 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 Sugar River 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. The WGA has a series of 31 Ice Age Trail caches published in 2021.
Hikers do not need a trail pass. Bicyclists 16 years or older are required to have a State trail pass in order to use the trail. Trail passes are available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission/trailpass.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at the Wisconsin DNR website or at http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/forms/2500/2500-118.pdf
