Trail Etiquette and Guidelines

Castleton University Trails Map

Trailhead

Visitor parking is behind the Stafford Academic Center in the Stafford lot (See Map) 

Description

These trails can be hiked or biked in any direction and are suitable for beginner mountain bikers, joggers and those looking for an easy hike. The trails wind through forest, cross Glenbrook twice and skirt the edge of athletic fields and Glenbrook Pond. The varied environments provide for an interesting outing but there are no major overlooks or views. 
The Castleton University Trails are easy and well marked. gentle with no significant climbs. The footpath is well maintained but there are plenty of roots and rocks to watch out for, and in spring, there will be plenty of puddles and wet spots. 

There are two trails:

• Spartan Trail – 1.6 miles (green markers)
• Lady Spartan Trail – 0.3 miles (red markers), which is a connector trail in the longer Spartan Trail loop (see map).

To Access the Trails

• Begin in Castleton Village on Main Street (also 4A). 
• Starting from Castleton Village head west. 
• Take the third left onto South Street. 
• In about 1/3 of a mile, (just after Jeffords Science Center), take the next left into a large parking lot.
• Immediately turn right and park at the end of the smaller lot adjacent to South Street. 
• The D&R Rail Trail passes just to the north of this parking lot. There is a rail trail informational kiosk about 100 feet to the east. 
• To access the Castleton University trails, cross South Street and follow the D&R rail trail south. It passes to the west of the Spartan Pavilion and Stadium.  There are two entrances (marked with signs). One is about 1,500 feet from South Street and the second is about 3,000 feet from South Street. See map for further details.

Guidelines

• Open to the public from dawn to dusk. 
• Walking, running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing are all allowed. 
• No motorized vehicles please.
• The CU trails are popular, and are used in fall by the CU cross-country running team. Please be aware and exercise caution around curves and blind turns in the trails. 
• Snowmobiles are allowed on the rail trail portion in the winter. 
• Please be respectful of private landowners and stay on the marked trails as some portions of these trails cross private land.
• Follow Leave No Trace ethics,  including carry out your trash and pet waste, and respecting other trail users.

Maps

Delaney Woods Trail Map

Find us on: Trailfinder and Trailforks 

Description

Delaney Woods, owned by the Town of Wells, is part of the conserved Delaney Farm. The newest trail is a connector trail, built in 2019, connecting Delaney Woods to a singletrack trail, Bearded Hen, located on private land thanks to the generosity of neighboring landowners.

The trails were designed and are maintained for HUMAN powered fun such as hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Volunteers and professional trail builders constructed about 4 miles of multi-use single track trails over the past couple of years. 

Trail Descriptions: On Trailforks and coming soon to new page on website! 

Trailhead Directions / Google Map

• Enter E. Delaney Cross Road off North Street in Wells, across from the Lakeside Park, and look for the official kiosk and raised gravel parking area. From there, continue on foot or bike up the road for about 0.2 m, stay right and you should see the sign for SVT Rt 1 trailhead. 
• Please no driving in fields, or parking along road.
• Please drive slowly. Watch for people, dogs, horses, and wildlife! 
• Amenities:  No facilities.

Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset - no camping.
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.
• Share the trails - bikers yield to hikers.
• Stay on marked trails - we went to a lot of trouble to build them
• Avoid using trails when they are wet or during freeze-thaw cycles when trails are easily damaged (and costly to repair). 
• Carry out your trash and pet waste.
• Be respectful to wildlife and other trail users. 
• Hunting is allowed at Delaney Woods.  Hunters may contact the Town of Wells for more information.  
• Wear bright colors during all Vermont hunting seasons including, but not limited to spring and fall turkey, fall bow, rifle, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
• Please NO HUNTING on or along 'Bearded Hen'. This trail is on private land.

MAPS

• Endless Brook to Fairgrounds - Summer Map
• 
  Find us on: Trailfinder and Trailforks 

Trailhead Parking

LOCATION: Endless Brook Rd, Poultney, VT  past Toad Hall, but before the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve.  

• LIMITED PARKING (9 cars)- please review other parking options!
• No parking on Endless Brook or Dayton Hill Roads, or VT-30
• Please do not block driveways
• Save the parking at the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve for hikers there
• Drive SLOW on Endless Brook Road
• Amenities: Portable toilet mid-May through mid-October

Description

From the Endless Brook Trailhead, these beautiful trails are entirely on private property and are open to the public through the landowner's generosity and their partnership with Slate Valley Trails.  

The majority of the trails are singletrack and designed for mountain biking.  However, the trails are open to any non-motorized use including hiking, running, and snowshoeing.  Once you reach the highest point on Hardy's Hill the views of Lake Saint Catherine are amazing, and so are the fast berms and rolls as you head back down the long descent. 

Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset.
• No camping or fires to respect the landowner's wishes. 
• Foot and bicycle use only.  
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.
• Share the trails - bikers yield to hikers.
• Stay on marked trails - we went to a lot of trouble to build them.
• Avoid using trails when they are wet or during freeze-thaw cycles when trails are easily damaged (and costly to repair).
• Carry out your trash and pet waste.
• Be respectful to wildlife and other trail users.  
• No firearms or public hunting - for everyone's safety.
• Neighbors do hunt adjacent parcels. Wear blaze orange (dogs too), leash your dog, avoid trails before 10AM and after 3PM, use inside voices.

MAPS 

• Fairgrounds to Endless Brook -Summer Map

•  Find us on: Trailfinder and Trailforks
   

Trailhead Parking

LOCATION: 131 Town Farm Rd, Poultney, VT

• Park in the designated gravel lot first.
• If the gravel lot is full, overflow parking next to the red barn in field
• Sound travels - please respect our amazing neighbors!
• If there is an event happening at Fairgrounds that will temporarily affect parking, we will alert you on social media and via e-news
• Amenities: Portable toilet mid-May through mid-October 

Description

The trails accessible from the Fairgrounds trailhead are entirely on private property and are open to the public through the landowner's generosity and their partnership with Slate Valley Trails. The majority of the trails are singletrack and designed for mountain biking.  However, the trails are open to any non-motorized use including hiking, running, and snowshoeing.

Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset 
• No camping or fires to respect the landowner's wishes  
• Foot and bicycle use only.  
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails 
• Share the trails - bikers yield to hikers.
• Stay on marked trails - we went to a lot of trouble to build them
• Do no use trails when they are wet or during freeze-thaw cycles when trails are easily damaged (and costly to repair).
• Carry out your trash and pet waste.
• Be respectful to wildlife and other trail users.  

Hunting Information

The Fairgrounds property is open for deer hunting only (no other game).  

Attention Hunters

The Fairgrounds property is open for deer hunting.  This property is a popular recreation destination and is used by hikers and mountain bikers.  Pets may be present.  Hunters should familiarize themselves with the locations of trails and take extra caution.

Rules

• Hunters must follow VT Fish and Wildlife regulations.  
• No vehicles are allowed on the property.
• Trapping is not allowed.
• Permanent deer stands and/or climbers are not allowed.
• Do not leave litter.
• Any field dressing must be done at least 200 feet from all trails.
• 
  

Attention Trail Users

Be aware!  This property is open to hunting. Please note these safety recommendations:

• Wear bright clothing, ideally blaze orange
• Avoid hiking/riding at dawn and dusk, which are prime hunting hours.
• Keep pets in control.
• Check for current Vermont Hunting Season Dates with VT Fish and Wildlife. Pay particular attention to when Youth Deer Weekend, Bow & Arrow,  Rifle, and Muzzleloader seasons are. 
• 
  

For your own safety and out of respect for hunters, please abide by trail closures.

The following trails are closed during rifle and muzzleloader season:  

• Cliffhanger
• Freefall
• Loop-the-Loop
• Midway
• To Morse Hollow

MAPS

• Endless Brook to Fairgrounds Summer Map
• Find us on: Trailfinder and Trailforks
   

Trailhead Parking

LOCATION: 2725 VT Rte 30, Poultney, VT

• For the LSCCC trailhead parking, use the natural surface parking lot (you'll see a kiosk) on the left as you pull into the LSCCC. 
• A new connector trail will be built at this location in Spring 2021. If you must use VT-30, please ride single file with the direction of traffic.  
• This parking lot may be closed for functions at the LSCCC. SVT will post closure at trailhead and our Trail Conditions page and to Facebook.
• Amenities: Fairways Restaurant & Tavern at LSCCC is open to the public daily from May 1st – Oct. 31st.  Food and beverages on the deck!

Description

Trailhead connector from the Lake St. Catherine Country Club connecting to Grove's Way in development Spring 2021! These new trails connect the Endless Brook trailhead to the Fairgrounds trailhead. These trails are entirely on private property and are open to the public through the landowner's generosity and their partnership with Slate Valley Trails.  

The majority of the trails are singletrack and designed for mountain biking.  However, the trails are open to any non-motorized use including hiking, running, and snowshoeing.  

Trail Descriptions: On Trailforks and coming soon to new page on website! 

Guidelines

• Shh, people are golfing! Please respect their space, and keep your voices down!
• Welcome sunrise to sunset.
• No camping or fires to respect the landowner's wishes. 
• Foot and bicycle use only.  
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.
• Share the trails - bikers yield to hikers.
• Stay on marked trails - we went to a lot of trouble to build them.
• Avoid using trails when they are wet or during freeze-thaw cycles when trails are easily damaged (and costly to repair).
• Carry out your trash and pet waste.
• Be respectful to wildlife and other trail users.  
• No firearms or public hunting - for everyone's safety.
• Neighbors do hunt adjacent parcels. Wear blaze orange (dogs too), leash your dog, avoid trails before 10AM and after 3PM, use inside voices.

Poultney River and Rail Trail Map 

Description

The Poultney River and Rail Trail (PRRT) is a 3.3 mile multi-use trail around downtown Poultney, which has been under development since 2001. The trail features portions of the D&H Rail Trail, Poultney River and a corridor bordering the Poultney Elementary School. The blazes are currently blue.  Maps also posted at road crossings and other intersections.  

The PRRT is co-aligned with the D&H Rail Trail, which is maintained by the State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.  Slate Valley Trails partnered with the Town of Poultney, the Poultney 20/20 Committee and the Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District to establish the PRRT.

The trail welcomes walkers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders in warmer weather and snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers in the winter. 

Trailhead Parking

LOCATION:  D&H Trailhead Parking Bentley Ave, Poultney

• Public parking is also available along Main and Depot, and elsewhere in the village.
• In the future, there may be public parking available on the northern end of the PRRT loop. 
• Already in Poultney? Walk or Bike to the trail.
• Amenities: None
• Info kiosk north at Church St crossing

Guidelines (Specific to the D&H Rail Trail Section, VT FPR)

• Stay on the trail: Please respect the private property of adjacent landowners. Leaving the trail may constitute trespassing on private property. 
• Yield the right-of-way: When approaching oncoming trail users, always move to your right. When overtaking slower moving users, announce your intentions and pass on the left. 
• Stop at all road crossings: Trail users must stop and yield to traffic at all intersections with public highways. 
• Appropriate gear: Wear clothing and protective equipment matched to the activity you pursue. Helmets are strongly recommended for bicycling, horseback riding and snowmobiling. 
• Watch for obstacles: You may encounter natural obstructions such as fallen trees, ruts, washouts or wildlife. 
• Trail surface: Care should be taken when approaching bridges as there is normally a small transition between the cinder or gravel trail tread and the bridge abutment. The trail has several different types of tread material; some sections may be softer than others. 
• Pets: Pets are welcome on the trail but must be under owner’s control at all times. Dogs should be kept on a leash for their own protection as well as other users and wildlife. 
• Please do not litter. 

WINTER USE OF PRRT and D&H Rail Trail

The D&H Rail Trail and many parts of the PRRT are aligned with the VAST Trail.  The D&H is open to non-motorized and motorized use in winter months. The southern most section of the PRRT is on the opposite side of the Poultney River as the VAST Trail, and the PRRT at the Elementary School is separate from the VAST Trail.  
For the interactive VAST Trail Map CLICK HERE. For VAST info, visit the Poultney Area SnoDevils website or Facebook  

Maps and Information

• D&H Rail Trail Northern Section Map and Info (Castleton to Poultney ) on Trailfinder
• D&H Rail Trail Southern Section Map and Info (Pawlet/Rupert) on Trailfinder 
•  D&H Rail Trail (Granville, NY and beyond)- TrailLink

Description

The Northern section of the D&H Rail Trail passes through Poultney, and spans from Castleton, into Poultney, but ends a few miles south of Bentley Ave in Poultney. This section is approximately 10 miles one-way. The Vermont sections of the D&H Rail Trail are managed by Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.

The trail welcomes walkers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders in warmer weather and snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers in the winter. 

Parking

LOCATION:  D&H Trailhead Parking, Bentley Ave, Poultney

• Public parking is also available along Main and Depot, and elsewhere in the village.
• In the future, there may be public parking available on the northern end of the PRRT loop. 
• Already in Poultney? Walk or Bike to the trail.
• Amenities: None
• Info kiosk north at Church St crossing

Guidelines (Specific to the D&H Rail Trail Section, VT FPR):

• Stay on the trail: Please respect the private property of adjacent landowners. Leaving the trail may constitute trespassing on private property. 
• Yield the right-of-way: When approaching oncoming trail users, always move to your right. When overtaking slower moving users, announce your intentions and pass on the left. 
• Stop at all road crossings: Trail users must stop and yield to traffic at all intersections with public highways. 
• Appropriate gear: Wear clothing and protective equipment matched to the activity you pursue. Helmets are strongly recommended for bicycling, horseback riding and snowmobiling. 
• Watch for obstacles: You may encounter natural obstructions such as fallen trees, ruts, washouts or wildlife. 
• Trail surface: Care should be taken when approaching bridges as there is normally a small transition between the cinder or gravel trail tread and the bridge abutment. The trail has several different types of tread material; some sections may be softer than others. 
• Pets: Pets are welcome on the trail but must be under owner’s control at all times. Dogs should be kept on a leash for their own protection as well as other users and wildlife. 
• Please do not litter. 

WINTER USE OF PRRT and D&H Rail Trail

The D&H Rail Trail and many parts of the PRRT are aligned with the VAST Trail.  The D&H is open to non-motorized and motorized use in winter months. The southern most section of the PRRT is on the opposite side of the Poultney River as the VAST Trail, and the PRRT at the Elementary School is separate from the VAST Trail.  

For the interactive VAST Trail Map CLICK HERE. For VAST info, visit the Poultney Area SnoDevils website or Facebook