Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail:
Vermont
Trail Map
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Description:
While hugging the New York state line, the Delaware & Hudson Rail-Trail quietly rambles over the rolling hills and farmland of western Vermont. The 22.3-mile D&H actually comprises two trails split in nearly equal sections, each providing quintessential Vermont solitude.
The trail traces an old Delaware & Hudson line that operated between Rutland and Albany, New York, playing a vital role in the slate industry in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Where the right-of-way crosses the border into New York, the corridor has not been developed as a trail, hence the gap.
To explore the northern section, begin at the Castleton trailhead. From the campus of Castleton State College, the trail delves into lush pockets of northern hardwood trees and provides a glimpse of Vermont farmland. Seven miles along, you'll reach Poultney, where a temporary detour veers from the defined corridor onto the town's sleepy, downtown streets. Rejoining the trail on the south end of town, you'll continue another 2.5 miles before ending abruptly at the New York state line, where a sign marks the end of the trial.
The southern section of the trail begins at the state line just north of West Pawlet. The best spot to access the trail is at the West Pawlet trailhead, which is approximately 2.5 miles south of the northern terminus. This 2.5-mile stretch into town is densely forested and ends at trailhead parking near an industrial site. South of town, the trail opens up a bit, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Don't be surprised to see deer all along this trail. After passing a parking area outside the small village of West Rupert, the trail continues only a half mile farther before reaching its southern terminus, ending at the state border.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Northern Section: To reach the Castleton trailhead from Rutland, take US Route 4 west to Exit 5, head west a half mile on State Route 4A, and turn left into the entrance of Castleton State College on Seminary Street. Turn right into the visitor parking area. At the end of the lot are rows of designated trail parking spaces.
To reach the Poultney trailhead from Rutland, take US 7 south to Wallingford, then head west on Route 140 into Poultney. In town, turn left on Grove Street, then right on Bentley Street. The trailhead is on the left.
Southern Section: To access the West Pawlet trailhead from Rutland, take US 4 west to Exit 4, head south on Route 30 about 9 miles, then turn south on Route 153 into West Pawlet. At the T-junction with Egg Street, turn right. The trailhead is on the right.
To reach the West Rupert trailhead, follow State Route 153 south to the village of West Rupert. Make a right turn on Hebron Road, and follow it until you see the trail.
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D & H Trail Vermont
By youker on September 26, 2008
I did both sections in August 2008. Very nice trail. The southern section is gradual uphill from West Pawlet to Rupert so starting from Rupert would be easier. The trail is slightly down hill from Rupert to a bit south of West Rupert at the state line. There is a dirt road over to the trail about a half mile above the NY border. There is a nice simming hole in the creek at the road and trail. Boith sections run along nice little creeks. The trail was flooded just north of Rupert, but it was easy to detour to the highway.
Trail in NY between West Pawlet and Poultney
By Fletch6 on June 20, 2008
We set out yesterday to explore the trail in NY between these two town because we had heard conflicting reports about if you could bike this section. Heading north out of West Pawlet to almost Granville the trail is about the same condition as south for about 3 miles to the town of Granville. It opens into some industrial area there and you will have to turn left to Church st. and then right into downtown Granville. After you cross the river you will shortly reach a light in town and here you have to make a left down to the finished compacte stone section in Granville. A right turn takes you onto a 1/2 mile section of compacted stone. After you cross Rt.22 again it gets progressively more brushy and narrow and ends in a barn yard. You can go around the barn and cows to Rt.22 for a short distance but here it is so dense and the brush closed in not much fun riding and after Fox Road the old Row has been swoll up in corn fields till after Raceville. You can take a left to Rt.22 to Poultney or a right on Fox road and withing 100 yard a left on an unmarked tar road that follows the row on the east to raceville in about 2 1/2 miles. Out of Pultney the trail is nice for about 2 miles then starts to get grassy and unmowed. You could follow a farm road thru the fields between here and Rt. 22 but it is posted. This is in the middle of two slate rock quaries.
Down the rabbit hole when you reach Castleton State College
By Dempsey on May 12, 2008
Surprises are in store for you when you near the Castleton State college playing fields walking north on the trail. Before you get to North Road on the left are two entrances to the cross country trails clearly marked with slate chips. They wind and meander through beautiful woodlands and swamp. All the trails circle around and loop together, there are little bridges and streams, a pond and even a deep hidden gorge with rushing water and a bridge over it to look down. My husband and I took the dog for a walk Mother's Day and after walking the lovely placid Rail to Trail ( for 12 years ) we discovered this maze of trails. Great fun!
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