Explore the best rated trails in Brandon, VT, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northern Rail Trail and Sugar River Trail . With more than 31 trails covering 334 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode the trail in early September on a Thursday and Friday. Thursday we started at Webster Lake and headed south (east?). Friday we rode from Webster Lake to the covered bridge. This second part of the trail was better riding than the other direction, which had more sand and was sometimes a slight bit challenging on our hybrid bikes (but maybe a better work out). We saw riders and walkers, but it was not crowded at all. Mostly we had this beautiful place to ourselves. We'll return for sure. (We camped at Granite State Campground about 30 min from where we began our rides.)
We rode to the end of the trail, then continued on Rice Farm Rd. to the dangerous intersection. we missed the entrance to the trail on the way back, so got a good workout on some hilly spots on the road.
On the packed sand patches, keep an eye out for roots that can be a bit dicey. In some spots along the gravel sections, the gravel can be a bit loose, so pay attention to the trail.
We biked from Granville to Rupert, 11 miles one way. It was an excellent ride! The trail is in great shape and parking on Water St. by the Slate Valley Museum was very convenient. I believe the trail continues another 2 miles into West Rupert. If you like gravel rides, I highly recommend this one!
Paved. Runs through Lebanon. This trail is a must if you are going to do the Northern Rail Trail.
Longest trail in State and is deservedly well rated by most. It is a consistently groomed crushed stone trail with few roots and rocks. Not many places to stop and sit which on a long ride can be helpful. Make sure to ride to the statue at the southern trail head.
We did this trail yesterday! It was so much fun! Lots to see and do! Do forget to bring cash for the ferry
Visited this trail 8/2/25. It rained the previous day which helped with the dust and packing the loose sections. NOT for skinny tires!! I was fine with my gravel bike but had it been dryer it would have been tougher but doable. There were a few ATV's & dirt bikes but they were VERY respectful and always gave us plenty of room on the trail. The river is gorgeous with plenty of access points to get your feet wet. If you're starting out on the Claremont side I'd recommend parking at the Home Depot just down the road from the trailhead. It's slightly uphill all the way to Newport which makes for a very easy ride coming back. Spoke to a local police officer parked at the trailhead and he said they're going to start patrolling the trail very soon to nab speeding ATV's which I consider a bonus.
Highly recommend. Parked at the south end, Oakledge Park. Made wrong turn to start so ended up downtown - there’s so many trails it’s hard to follow “bike path” signs and always be on the right one. Easily got back on near the harbor. Consider weekday if you can. It was pretty busy on a Friday so I imagine weekends are worse. After taking the ferry across ($10 donation requested, Venmo or cash), biked around 3 miles inland to farm stand for lunch at The Hive.
Enjoyed the trail on a sunny June day with temperatures in the low 60's! It does get crowded near the waterfront, but the trail is wide enough that it never became an issue. We loved the views of Lake Champlain and also some of the beautiful houses that are next to the trail. It's a very level ride. More riders than walkers on the day we were there. Every bit of this trail offers something new. One of the most entertaining trails I've ever ridden.
Did this trail in the summer of 2024. I agree with some of the previous reviewers that signage could be a little clearer but that's a MINOR concern. The ride was quite pleasant & would make a great lunch hour break for locals. Absolutely no issues with road surfaces and traffic on the nearby highway was very light that day so no competing with cars. Very short trail so make sure you have other activities planned. Visit nearby Hoyt's Landing on the CT river for a nice end of ride picnic :-)
I've ridden this trail many times and it never disappoints. I have ridden all of it in sections and each one has it's own charm. In the Grafton-Canaan stretch it can feel remote even though the highway is nearby. The section from Boscawen to Andover always has folks on it though I have never found it too busy to enjoy. The save can be said for Lebanon out towards Canaan. There are services available along the way though it might require some road riding to access some of them. The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail group does a great job, is responsive to user comments and is working to address issues like toilet access. That being said there are long stretches where you have to be willing to use the bushes. It's absolutely a carry-in/carry-out situation so its a good idea to be prepared.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
