Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Badger State Trail

The Badger State Trail travels 40 miles between Madison and the Wisconsin-Illinois border while traversing farmlands, woods, rolling hills, scenic meadows, remnant prairies, ravines, glacial topography and several small communities. Highlighting the trail is the 1,200-foot long Stewart Tunnel. The tunnel is unique because it is built on a curve, and visitors can not see the other end when first entering the tunnel. Flashlights and jackets are recommended as the tunnel is dark and cool, and water from springs above can trickle onto the trail. Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnel.

The Badger Trail connects to the Capital City, Military Ridge, and Sugar River state trails, and the Madison bikeway system. In Madison, the Badger State Trail corridor continues into the city along the Southwest Path. At the Illinois border, the Badger State Trail connects to the Jane Addams Trail which continues to Freeport, Illinois.

Walking, Bicycling & In-line Skating

     The fairly level grade and smooth limestone surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. The 6-mile section between Madison and Purcell Road is surfaced with asphalt and is suitable for in-line skating. Each bicyclist or skater 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.

The fairly level grade and smooth limestone surface make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age Trail follows the Badger State Trail for about 3.5 miles between Purcell Road and County Highway A in Dane County.

Winter Activities

Snowmobiling is allowed from Purcell Road all the way south to the Illinois state line. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits.

• In Dane County the trail is open when there is over six inches of snow, or when the trail has a groomed base.
• In Green County the trail is open when there is over four inches of snow, or when the trail has a groomed base.
• Snowmobiles are not permitted in the Stewart Tunnel, or between Monroe and Monticello when that area is open for ATVs.

The Badger State Trail also connects to numerous miles of Dane and Green County snowmobile trails. For the most up to date conditions during winter, call the Green County Trail Information Line, (608) 527-2910.

Winter All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use is allowed on the Badger State Trail with some restrictions. UTVs or "Side-by-side ATVs" are not permitted on the Badger State Trail. ATVs are allowed under the following conditions:

• From December 1 to March 15 only
• From 21st Street in Monroe to Lake Avenue in Monticello only (11 miles)
• There is less than four inches of snow or the trail has not been groomed for snowmobiling
• The air temperature is under 28 degrees Fahrenheit (F).
• The trail surface is frozen solid
• No ATV use is allowed off of the trail tread.
• All ATVs must have a valid registration sticker.

For the most up to date conditions during winter, call the Green County Trail Information Line, (608) 527-2910.

   The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Badger State Trail.

For more information, ask:

New Glarus Woods State Park
W5446 County Highway NN
P.O. Box 805
New Glarus WI 53574.
(608) 527-2335