Trails

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Overview

• Each trail system in the Slate Valley Trails Network has its own unique guidelines, and may have different land ownership. 
• Please respect our landowners and guidelines as using these trails is a privilege.
• Please review trailhead parking guidelines and options.
• Use trails at own risk!
• Cell Service/WiFi: There is complementary, seasonal public Wi-Fi at the Fairgrounds trailhead. Cell service on trails is still spotty.
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These trails are easy and well-marked with no significant climbs, with some roots and rocks. Suitable for beginner mountain bikers, runners 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. 

Maps

• Castleton University Trails Map
• Castleton University Campus Map

Trailhead Parking: 

62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT

• Park at the start of the Rail Trail on Main St. in Castleton, or in the parking lot just north and east of the Rail Trail as it crosses South St. on the Castleton University campus. 
• Informational kiosk is located along the Rail Trail in between the college lots.

Recreation Use Allowed

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski
• No motorized vehicles please
• Snowmobiles are allowed on the D&H Rail Trail portion
• Horses are allowed on the D&H Rail Trail portion

Guidelines

• Open to the public from dawn to dusk. 
• The CU trails are popular, and are used in fall by the CU cross-country running team. 
• 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.

New trail connections will be made possible with a connector trail coming in Spring 2021! Intermediate to advanced hike and bike terrain connecting trails between the Endless Brook and Fairgrounds Trailheads. Climbing, berms and rollers for bikes, and hike friendly loops like Pond Loop and Overlook Loop. Blazes are on a white marker with an “SVT arrow”. 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. 

Maps

• Endless Brook to Fairgrounds
• Find us on: Trailfinder | Trailforks | MTB Project

Trailhead Parking: 

Lake St. Catherine Country Club (gravel lot on left), 2725 VT Rte 30, Poultney, VT

• Parking may be closed for functions at the LSCCC. SVT will post closure at trailhead and our Trail Conditions page and to Facebook.
• Country Club trailhead parking is closed during the winter, but may periodically be open IF plowed.
• If you use VT-30, please ride single file with the direction of traffic.  
• Amenities: Fairways Restaurant & Tavern at LSCCC is open to the public daily from May 1st – Oct. 31st.  Food and beverages on the deck!

Recreation Uses

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.

Other 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. 
• 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 on adjacent parcels.

Intermediate to advanced hike and bike terrain. Lots of climbing, and fast berms and rolls on the descent. Several hiking loops (recommended loops page coming soon). Blazes are on a white marker with an “SVT arrow”. Vistas with benches offering scenic views of Lake Saint Catherine. 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.  

Maps

• Endless Brook to Fairgrounds
• Find us on: Trailfinder | Trailforks | MTB Project

Trailhead Parking: 

Endless Brook Rd, Poultney, VT just past Toad Hall on left

• LIMITED PARKING-  Review other nearby options (state park and country club).
• No parking on Endless Brook or Dayton Hill Roads & do not block driveways.
• Day use only. No camping or overnight parking.
• Lewis Deane Nature Preserve parking is for hikers there.
• Drive SLOW on Endless Brook Road.
• Amenities: Portable toilet mid-May through mid-October.

Recreation Uses 

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.

Other Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset.
• No camping or fires to respect the landowner's wishes. 
• Foot and bicycle use only.  
• 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.

Beginner to intermediate to hike and bike terrain. Very family-friendly. Several longer loops offer lots of climbing, but also a good mix of family-friendly and beginner friendly green and blue trails. Vistas with benches offering scenic views. 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.  

Maps

• Endless Brook to Fairgrounds
• Find us on: Trailfinder | Trailforks | MTB Project

Trailhead Parking: 

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
• Day use only. No camping or overnight parking.
• 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: Public WIFI, Portable toilet mid-May through mid-October 

Recreation Users

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.

Other Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset 
• No camping or fires to respect the landowner's wishes  
• 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.  
• This property is open to hunting. See Below.

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.

Hunting Season Reminder for 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

Delaney Woods trails are beginner to intermediate and there are approximately 5 miles of loops. Delaney Woods is part of the conserved Delaney Farm.  Please note, there is no longer a Bearded Hen entrance.  Hikers and bikers can enter the trails at the Hemlock Loop and SVT rt 1 trail.  

Maps

• Delaney Woods Trail Map
• DW on: Trailfinder and Trailforks 

Trailhead Parking: 

East Delaney Cross Road, Wells, VT

• Enter E. Delaney Cross Road off North Street in Wells, nearby the Wells Lakeside Park.
• 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, and look for the sign for SVT Rt 1 on the right.
• Please no driving in fields, or parking along road.
• Day use only. No camping or overnight parking.
• Please drive slowly. Watch for people, dogs, horses, and wildlife! 
• Amenities:  None

Recreation Use

• Human Powered Only! Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails. 

Guidelines

• Welcome sunrise to sunset - no camping.
• 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.

Moderate terrain. There are some short steep climbs on Laird's Loop, some of which may be dangerous in icy conditions. Howe Hill trails are open to walking, hiking, running, and snowshoeing. The trails consist of Laird's Loop (1.9 miles round-trip) and the Upper Loop (1.0 miles). This trail network represents a partnership between two generous landowners and Slate Valley Trails.  

Maps

• Howe Hill Trail Map
• Howe Hill on Trailfinder

Trailhead Parking: CURRENTLY NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC DUE TO BRIDGE CLOSURE

1500 East Main Street, United Baptist Church, East Poultney, VT

• Avoid parking during Sunday mornings church service.
• The trails start at the Howe Hill sign on the left side of Thrall Rd. across from the East Poultney bridge about a quarter mile south.
• Day use only. No camping or overnight parking.
• Amenities: None  

Recreation Uses

• Foot Traffic only: Walk, Hike, Run, Snowshoe
• No motorized vehicles or horses -  they can damage the trails.

Guidelines 

• Foot traffic only.
• Welcome sunrise to sunset.
• No camping or fires... to respect the landowner's wishes
• Stay on marked trails.
• Carry out your trash and pet waste.
• Respect wildlife and other trail users. 
• Hunting occurs at Howe Hill during all seasons. The landowner does try to post alerts to warn hikers if someone is hunting, but do not expect this. 
• Wear bright colors during all Vermont hunting seasons including, but not limited to spring and fall turkey, fall bow, rifle, and muzzleloader deer seasons    

Poultney Village offers a few options for trails, in addition to the D&H rail trail:  the Poultney River Loop (PRL) and the Veteran's Trails.  

The Poultney River Loop is a 3.3 mile, flat, natural surface multi-use trail around downtown Poultney. The trail features portions of the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Rail Trail, Poultney River and a corridor bordering the Poultney Elementary School. The blazes are blue. The PRL is co-aligned with the D&H Rail Trail, which was resurfaced with a packed, crushed gravel in 2020, and 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 in 2001.

The Veteran's Trails are hosted at the Poultney Elementary School and adjacent private land.  Note - the Forest loop on the Poultney Elementary School property is open to the public when school is not in session (before 7am and after 4pm on school days).

Maps

• Poultney River Loop Trail Map
• Veteran's Trails Map
• PRL on Trailfinder 
• Maps also posted at road crossings and intersections. 

Trailhead Parking:  

D&H Trailhead Parking Bentley Ave, Poultney

• Day Use Parking only at D&H Rail Trail parking area
• Day Use parking available along Main  St. and Depot St.
• Already in Poultney? Walk or Bike to the trail.
• Amenities: None. Info Kiosk at the Church St crossing

Poultney Elementary School

• Except between 7am and 4pm on days school is in session

Recreation Uses

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski
• No motorized vehicles or horses on PRRT portion of trail.
• Horses are only allowed on the D&H Rail Trail -  they can damage the trails.
• Snowmobiles, consult the interactive VAST Trail Map CLICK HERE. 
• For VAST info, visit the Poultney Area SnoDevils website or Facebook 

Other Guidelines 

• The public use of trails on Poultney Elementary School Property is prohibited from 7am - 4pm on school session weekdays.

Description

The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail is a 19.8-mile rail trail built between Castleton, Vermont and West Rupert, Vermont.  It runs along an abandoned Delaware & Hudson Railway (D&H) corridor.  Just South of Poultney the trail dead-ends, somewhat disappointingly. Bicyclists can connect to Granville through a route SVT has mapped out as part of the Gravel Ride Network. It can be picked up again in Granville, and travels south back to Vermont. The VT section of the trail has been newly resurfaced with a crushed gravel material.
 

The Vermont section of the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is maintained by the State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

The Northern Section of the D&H Rail Trail travels 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 NY Section of the D&H Rail Trail, is on varied surface, passes through a dairy farm, the village of Granville, and crosses the Mettawee River.

The Southern Section of the D&H Rail Trail travels through the quiet towns and scenic country side and the Mettawee River in Pawlet and Rupert, Vermont. This section is  approx. 9.8 miles, one-way.

Maps

• D&H Rail Trail - NY & VT 
• D&H Rail Trail - Northern Section
• D&H Rail Trail - Southern Section  
• Want to connect the VT Section to the NY Section? Ride the “Missing Link”.

Trailhead Parking

D&H Trailhead Parking, Bentley Ave, Poultney, VT

• Public parking is also available along Main and Depot, and elsewhere in the village.
• Already in Poultney? Walk or Bike to the trail.
• Amenities: None
• Info kiosk north at Church St crossing

Recreation Uses

• Walk, Hike, Run, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, Cross Country Ski, Equestrian, Snowmobiles
• Horses are only allowed on the D&H Rail Trail, not on the PRRT
• Local VAST club: Poultney Area SnoDevils
  

Other 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. 

History

The Lewis Deane Nature Preserve was donated to Green Mountain College in 2002 by William and Linda Osborne, of Poultney, but when GMC closed in 2019, the preserve went back to its original ownership.  The trails and parking are still open to the public thanks to the generosity of the landowner. Please respect the landowner and their privacy. 

Description

The Lewis Deane Nature Preserve is an 85-acre lot on the east side of Lake St. Catherine with stunning views from St. Catherine Mountain of Lake St. Catherine and beyond into the Adirondacks.  

From the parking, follow signs and blue markers on the West side of the parking lot to the brook (no bridge at the moment).  The access has been moved to the other side of the pond.

Look for an informational kiosk ahead on the left at the edge of the mowed paths in the meadow. 

Yellow Trail –  1 mile one way. This is the original trail. It is shorter, and steeper, with less switchbacks. Climbing up the some rocky sections that can be slick when wet. Plan to hike 30 minutes each way. 

Green Trail – ~ 1.25 miles one way. This trail is newer and has several switchbacks leading up from the meadow into the forest. It goes past a peaceful brook, as it climbs to the summit. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to hike it one way.

Map

Lewis Deane Nature Preserve Map

Trailhead Parking - 934 Endless Brook Road, Poultney, VT

• Go 0.8 miles down Endless Brook Road, off of Route 30, and look for a head-in gravel parking area on the right with room for about 4 cars. 
• It is diagonally across the road from Slate Valley Trail's Endless Brook Trailhead and Dayton Hill Road.
•  No parking on Dayton Hill Road. 

Recreation Uses

• Foot use only. No bicycles or motorized use. No horses.
• No Hunting

Other Guidelines

All visitors to the preserve are asked to follow these guidelines:

- Leave-no-trace: carry it in, carry it out

- Travel on foot only, except for handicapped access or approved management practices

- Engage in no illegal activities

- Campi

ng by permission only

- No campfires Allowed

- Friendly Dogs welcomed off leash. Unfriendly dogs on leash. Cats about.

Archived Lewis Deane Preserve Info (PDF)