Connecting Route between Janesville and Albany Part 3: Leonard Leota Park to Albany

Polishing off the new road walk between the Albany and Arbor Ridge Segments of the Ice Age Trail (IAT) feels great. After much road walking, I feel unexpectedly giddy at the thought of getting back to a bit of trail walking. I parked my car at the Sugar River Trail parking area at 701 4th Street in Albany, Wisconsin. I followed the IAT along the Sugar River Trail about a quarter of a mile. From here, the road walk began. 

Albany Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Spring is most certainly on its way on the Albany Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After a number of silent winter hikes, the cacophony made by geese, sandhill cranes, and various songbirds, made for an unexpected but welcomed surprise. I parked at the Old Train Depot on Pratt Road in Monticello, WI and headed east.  The Albany Segment of the IAT follows the Sugar River Trail from Monticello to Albany, WI. It is an easy hike, along an easy to follow, well-maintained, flat multi-use trail.

Monticello Segment of the Ice Age Trail

To hike the Monticello Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, I parked at the Old Train Depot on Pratt Road in Monticello, WI. The parking lot is large with restrooms and refurbished buildings, all currently closed for the season. The Ice Age Trail (IAT) is not yellow-blazed on this segment, but the multi-use trails it follows are easy to find and follow. Heading north, I crossed County Highway C, and transitioned from the Sugar River Trail to the Badger State Trail. Not switching to the Badger State trail would have resulted in a walk to New Glarus rather than a walk through the Stewart Tunnel.