New Glarus Covered Bridge - Image 1
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New Glarus Covered Bridge

4.7
Β·32 reviewsΒ·New Glarus, United States

A scenic, flat rail-trail featuring charming wooden bridges and leading to the quaint Swiss-inspired town of New Glarus.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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New Glarus Covered Bridge - Image 1

New Glarus Covered Bridge

Best Time

Weekends

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic, flat rail-trail featuring charming wooden bridges and leading to the quaint Swiss-inspired town of New Glarus.

4.7
(32 reviews)

"Beautiful scenery and very flat trail. So many cool wooden bridges and the Sugar River winding throughout."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bike or Hike the Trail

Enjoy the flat, shaded Sugar River State Trail. Consider local roads if trail conditions are muddy. :athletic_shoe:

Fuel Up at Sugar River Pizza

Grab a delicious bite at this spot conveniently located right on the trail. πŸ•

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 32 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sugar River State Trail

Sugar River State Trail

A beautiful, flat trail with ample shade, winding through natural landscapes and past charming wooden bridges.

Wooden Bridges

Wooden Bridges

Discover numerous picturesque wooden bridges that add to the trail's rustic charm and scenic beauty.

Quaint New Glarus

Quaint New Glarus

Explore this charming small town with unique shops, offering a perfect start or end point for your trail adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette & Conditions

The Sugar River State Trail offers a scenic route, but be aware of potential crowds, especially on weekends. Some sections can get muddy after rain, so check conditions before you go. Respect other users, including bikers, hikers, and dog walkers.

Accessing New Glarus

While the trail leads to New Glarus, some users prefer biking on local roads for a more satisfying ride. Free parking and restrooms are available at trailheads, but note that restrooms may close by 4 PM.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Holidays
Why
Experience festive charm
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Madison to New Glarus Bikepacking Trip

You could keep going to Brodhead. Make it a 130 trip.

Bike or Hike the Trail

Enjoy the flat, shaded Sugar River State Trail. Consider local roads if trail conditions are muddy. :athletic_shoe:

Fuel Up at Sugar River Pizza

Grab a delicious bite at this spot conveniently located right on the trail. πŸ•

Explore New Glarus Charm

Discover quaint shops and a unique atmosphere in this delightful small town. :shopping_bags:

Check Restroom Hours

Restrooms are available at trailheads but may close by 4 PM. Plan accordingly. 🚽

Tips

from all over the internet

Bike or Hike the Trail

Enjoy the flat, shaded Sugar River State Trail. Consider local roads if trail conditions are muddy. :athletic_shoe:

Fuel Up at Sugar River Pizza

Grab a delicious bite at this spot conveniently located right on the trail. πŸ•

Explore New Glarus Charm

Discover quaint shops and a unique atmosphere in this delightful small town. :shopping_bags:

Check Restroom Hours

Restrooms are available at trailheads but may close by 4 PM. Plan accordingly. 🚽

Friendly Trail Encounters

Expect a warm welcome from locals and fellow visitors; greetings are common. 🌊

What Travellers Say

4.7
(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the beautiful, flat, and well-kept Sugar River State Trail, highlighting the friendly atmosphere and scenic wooden bridges. The charming town of New Glarus is a popular addition to the trail experience. Some users note that trail sections can get muddy, and prefer biking on local roads.

"Beautiful trail used by visitors and locals alike. Everyone was so friendly, greeting each other as we passed by. There is plenty of shading and it is well kept. Trailheads have bathrooms."

Steven

"Great bike ride! Some canopy. Sugar River Pizza is right on the path, delicious food. Icecream shop also on trail end/beginning."

Dawn Casper

"Beautiful scenery and very flat trail. So many cool wooden bridges and the Sugar River winding throughout."

Madcity Stevo

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Friendly atmosphere
Flat, shaded trail

What People Dislike

Muddy trail sections
Restroom hours

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The New Glarus Covered Bridge is accessible via the Sugar River State Trail. You can access the trail from various trailheads, with free parking available. Some visitors opt to bike on local roads to reach New Glarus for a different experience. Reddit

Yes, the Sugar River State Trail is generally suitable for biking, offering a flat and shaded path. However, some users have noted that certain sections can become muddy after rain, and some prefer biking on local roads for a more satisfying ride. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to bike from Madison to New Glarus, often utilizing the Glacial Drumlin Trail and then connecting to the Sugar River State Trail. Some travelers suggest extending the trip further to Brodhead for a longer ride. Be aware of potential dirt bike and ATV traffic on trails south of Madison. Reddit

Free parking is available at various trailheads along the Sugar River State Trail. Plan your route to a convenient access point. Reddit

Restrooms are available at trailheads. However, it's important to note that they may be open only until 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the New Glarus Covered Bridge and the Sugar River State Trail is generally free. There are no specific tickets required for entry. Reddit

The Sugar River State Trail is an outdoor public trail and is typically accessible from dawn to dusk. However, facilities like restrooms may have specific operating hours, often closing around 4 PM. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to visit or photograph the New Glarus Covered Bridge. It is a public landmark along the trail. Reddit

Yes, hiking and walking dogs are permitted on the Sugar River State Trail. Ensure your dog is leashed and you clean up after them. Reddit

The Sugar River State Trail is a public recreational trail and does not typically have usage fees for walking or biking. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Sugar River State Trail is known for its flat and well-maintained terrain, making it ideal for biking and walking. Some sections can become muddy after rain, and the path is primarily a dirt path. Reddit

You can expect beautiful natural landscapes, ample shade from trees, and numerous picturesque wooden bridges, including the iconic New Glarus Covered Bridge. The Sugar River winds throughout the trail. Reddit

Crowd levels can vary. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier with both visitors and locals. Weekday mornings generally offer a more peaceful experience. Reddit

New Glarus is a quaint small town known for its charming shops and unique atmosphere. It serves as a great starting or ending point for your trail adventure. Reddit

Key points of interest include the various wooden bridges, the scenic Sugar River, and the charming town of New Glarus itself. Sugar River Pizza is also a popular stop directly on the path. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Sugar River Pizza is conveniently located right on the Sugar River State Trail, offering delicious food. There's also an ice cream shop at one of the trail's ends or beginnings. Reddit

New Glarus offers a variety of dining options in its quaint town center, complementing the trail experience. Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic areas explicitly mentioned, the trail's scenic nature makes it a pleasant spot for a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all trash. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The New Glarus Covered Bridge itself is a prime photo opportunity. The numerous wooden bridges along the Sugar River State Trail also offer beautiful scenic shots, especially with the river and surrounding nature. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds. The dappled sunlight through the trees can also create beautiful effects. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at the New Glarus Covered Bridge or on the public trail. However, always be respectful of other visitors. Reddit

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