The Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is a 19.8-mile section of former railroad in western Rutland and Bennington counties. The trail is in two sections: one between Castleton and Poultney, the other between West Pawlet and Rupert. The two Vermont sections are separated by a portion of trail in New York. The DHRT is a four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridor for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling.
The D&H Rail Trail travels through scenic countryside with views of the nearby hills, villages, farms, fields, and forests. It also bisects the villages of Poultney and West Pawlet. There are opportunities along the route to picnic, fish, and stop at a store for refreshments.
The D&H Rail Trail is a multiple-use trail open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders in the summer, and snowshoers, skiers and snowmobiles in the winter. The northern section has trailheads at both ends. Trail access is available at Castleton State College, along Main Street in Castleton, and in Poultney village adjacent to the old train station on Depot Street. Trail access for the southern section is available in West Pawlet village on Egg Street and the south at the intersection of Route 153 and Hebron Road.
Guidelines
- 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.