Explore the best rated trails in Pownal, VT, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mass Central Rail Trail and Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail) . With more than 41 trails covering 700 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.
I'd ridden this trail a couple years ago, doing it in small sections, and had found it to be a nice ride with a decent surface, quite reasonable for my older hybrid. I only did about 6 miles today, from Keene southward before turning back, and those couple of detours noted in another review are still in place - taking you out onto the road for short stretches likely to avoid power line work being done.
Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.
The surface is paved, and in excellent condition.
The trail is ever so slightly down hill from north to south.
Mostly shaded, and while not amazing scenery, it is a lovely trail. In spring, when sunny, watch to LOTS of turtles on the far bank of a swampy section near the cheshire reservoir (on the west side of the trail)!
The Canalside rail trail is fully open and the paved trail is very well maintained. While it is only 7.2 miles round trip, it’s worth it! Plenty of parking at both ends and the town of Turners Falls has a nice selection of restaurants and shops.
We started at the marina restaurant at the south end of the trail and rode 3.5 miles on the rail trail section, with another 2 miles on Rice Farm & Quarries roads. Beautiful vistas of the river, rock formations, changing leaves. Esp impressive was the overhead highway bridge built with long tapering multicolored stone supports, representing tree branches. Under the arched stone supports is a picnic table & patio area. A few protruding stones/tree roots need to be managed but biking is very possible on this trail and should be included in the list of options for use.
Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.
Morning ride, foggy with lots of little critters, trail is paved with a few hills, views of railyard, picturesque village of Round Lake, mostly forested with wild flowers, very well maintained rail well worth the ride. trail.
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.
First time and loved it! I rode the entire route, starting at the south end parking lot. (42.758592, -72.471175) This trail has some unique features and the scenery is beautiful as you ride next to the river and through the woods. As a former rail, this trail has nice and gradual elevation changes and has fun bridges, which all seem to be maintained well.
At the time of my ride (end of Aug, '25) there were a couple of detours around mile 14 and 16 (heading north) but they have good (not great) detour signs listed to continue the route with a short road detour. As some folks mentioned, there are a few areas that look like they would be pretty wet during the wet season, but I had no issues with any area of the trail and never had to stop for downed trees in the way.
I rode my gravel setup (no suspension, 35mm tires) and had a blast! I'd highly recommend the trail and hope to be back for another spin soon.
We found this trail to be well maintained. Not as smooth as some rail trails, but smooth enough on our full suspension fat tire bikes. Hard tails may not enjoy as much. Nice scenery along the Connecticut river.
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!
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