The Badger State Trail may still be somewhat of a secret in southern Wisconsin, though it officially opened last summer. But its scenery, communities and planned expansion to Madison make it hard to imagine that it will remain a secret for much longer.

The trail is a 32-mile route that starts on Purcell Road in the southwestern corner of Fitchburg and goes south to the Illinois state line. There it connects with that state 's Jane Addams Trail, which travels further south.

It follows an old railroad line, meaning it 's straight in many places and essentially flat, rising or descending only gently. It 's perfect for cycling or walking, and in the winter snowmobiling and, along one stretch, ATV riding.

And there are indeed users. Steve Johnston, who manages state Department of Natural Resources facilities in Green County, including the Badger State Trail, said 31,000 people used the trail between July 1 and Dec. 31 of last year. The DNR was able to calculate that figure based on sales of trail passes, infrared counters along the trail, and snowmobile licenses -- December 's bountiful snow brought out 6,000 snowmobilers alone that month, Johnston said.

"We get loads of use, " he said.

But you might not know it from a visit. It 's easy to see no one else on the trail at times, making it a reminder to residents of the area 's urban communities of just how bucolic southern Wisconsin can be.

Helping to spread the word is the Friends of the Badger State Trail, a group of cyclists and other outdoorsy people.

"It 's such a wonderful facility, " said Sharon Kaminecki, the group 's vice president, who owns the Earth Rider Cycling Boutique & Hotel in Brodhead. "You can feel it when you 're biking the trail. You can tell you 're in the country and you start to feel good. "

History lesson

The last trains on the route stopped in the early 1980s, after running for more than 90 years between Madison and Freeport, Ill., and beyond. The DNR took over the route as part of the Rails to Trails program and removed the rails and ties. Users discovered the trail, despite its leftover railroad gravel and mud.

The DNR put down a ground limestone bed beginning in 2006, creating a surface that 's much more inviting, Johnston said. Now the entire length is relatively manicured, though the limestone, because it 's so new, isn 't fully compacted yet. In a few places, water and mud can collect, something the DNR contended with in the spring and which can happen after any rain, Johnston said.

Johnston says the trail, which had its official opening last July, is "still a work in progress. " He says the DNR plans to add rest areas, trail heads, kiosks and bulletin boards.

"So if people come to the trail and are disappointed, they should keep in mind that we 're still working on it."

But it 's difficult to see how users would be disappointed. Along the way, visitors have the chance to see a range of flowers and more than two dozen species of trees. There are ravines, forests and prairies. Birds and other animals are common.

"In my opinion it 's one of the most scenic trails in the state. It 's hard to pick a favorite spot, " Johnston said.

The Stewart Tunnel, though, is a highlight for many people. It 's a 1,200-foot tunnel, completed in 1887, that curves and as a result is near black. Flashlights or bike lights are necessary. Even so, the tunnel can be spooky, with its dripping water, and cooing and fluttering pigeons, bats and owls.

"Just south of the tunnel I think is absolutely beautiful. It 's up high and you can see for miles. There 's no commercial development, " Kamenicki said.

The trail does, however, go through or near several communities, including Belleville, Monticello, and Monroe, and it intersects the Sugar River Trail at Monticello and the Cheese Country Trail in Monroe. To Kamenicki, the route provides not just a glimpse of southern Wisconsin 's natural environment and geography, but it 's culture as well, including the area 's European heritage.

Perhaps more importantly, these communities provide convenient starting or stopping places for visitors. Local residents make routine use of the trail, Johnston said. People who might plan on a weekend bicycle ride can find stores, restaurants and other amenities about 10 miles apart. At Monticello, for example, a sign on the trail welcomes users to visit and lists offerings in the community.

A multi-purpose trail

David Vogt, deputy state director of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and an at-large board member for the Friends of the Badger State Trail, said almost any kind of cyclist can have fun on the trail, from occasional riders to experienced cyclists who might want a route to train away from vehicles. Because the trail has its ground limestone surface, which is still a bit spongy, it 's more resistant than pavement.

"Most likely the bike they have in the garage is the best to use. There 's more bikes that would be good on the trail than not, " Vogt said.

While a community is always relatively nearby, Vogt said users would be wise to have along an extra inner tube, pump and tools. Having water to drink and dressing in layers is smart. And it goes without saying that helmets are important.

Meanwhile, Johnston points out that the DNR calls the route a recreation trail, not a bicycle trail, in recognition of the hikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and ATVers that use it.

The ATV use in the winter has been a source of contention. Those riders want more of the trail opened to them. For now, though, they can ride only between Monticello and Monroe and only in the winter. In the summer, motorized vehicles aren 't allowed.

The trail 's accessibility, both in terms of its proximity to Madison and its ease of use, have it positioned for increased use. Vogt agrees that it 's still somewhat unknown.

But that is set to change. Johnston said he expects funding to allow for the completion of the trail 's last segmen to Madison that would be paved. That could happen in 2009. And that, in turn, would make the secret so much harder to keep.

"It 's truly one of those resources that make Wisconsin a great place to bike, " Vogt said. "You 've got all the makings of an extremely popular trail. I believe it could become one of the most popular in the state if not the region. "