Find the top rated walking trails in Randolph, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I did the entire trail, excepting the on-road portion in New York. Each section (the two in Vermont and the central part in New York) was quite different from the others, so I've broken my review into 3 parts.
The northern Vermont section (Poultney to Castleton) was in good shape and appears to get a lot of use, maybe 3 to 1 walkers to bikers. The surface of quarter inch gravel was not ideal, but enough has been brushed aside over the years that the ride was smooth and comfortable. It is well-maintained, mowed with no washouts or potholes, and just the right number of historical signs. It is generally well-shaded but probably the least scenic of the three sections.
The southern Vermont section (West Pawlet to West Rupert) was much more open and scenic, especially near Rupert, but Vermont's choice of quarter inch gravel surface is still generally in place so slows down the ride. A short detour to the general store in West Rupert for ice cream was a treat, as was a trail-side stream at the southern end to cool off in. The gentle slope made the northbound ride here more enjoyable than the southbound one. The trail was as well maintained as the northern portion. Ratio probably 4 to 1 bikers over walkers/joggers but fewer of both than the northern section.
The middle section in New York (West Pawlet to Middle Granville) was completely different. Parts of the surface were cinder (perfect for riding) while other parts were completely grass covered (and mowed) and as a result felt much like riding on someone's lawn - soft and slow. The scenery was less interesting, but the section in Granville was nice, with a park and B&B right on the trail. I didn't have time to explore the town, though. Despite the sunny Sunday, I saw few others using this part of the trail.
All in all, the trail was OK and has a lot of potential. With a better stone dust surface, I would have given it a 5-star. If the 4-mile break in New York between sections were completed, this would become a destination ride. With fall colors, it would be exceptional.
Top trail for us in our travels so far. Diversity of scenery, activity, and terrain complete this adventure. We started and finished at a midway point, Leddy Park, to avoid potential congestion on the Burlington side, proved to be a good strategy. The Causeway is unique, not too often do you encounter a bike ferry. This is a destination ride to be sure.
My wife and I rode this trail between the Echo all the way to the ferry and back, and we would have ridden the ferry if we didn't need to get back to return our bikes to the rental shop. Clear skies, temperatures in the low 80s, and we had a great time, even forgetting that we were lacking sleep after issues with flights. We hope to try it again some day when we wont feel so rushed.
There is a new trailhead with parking for about 20 cars near the west end of the trail (Swanton end) where the trail crosses Robin Hood Dr. better option than the Park & Ride a few blocks away which has fewer parking spots and several trailers stored in the lot.
There's another couple of miles of mostly paved trail that goes beyond the parking lot in Lebanon. That's an excellent section of the trail. It took us all the way to Glen Road in West Lebanon.
Trail has enough Snow to Ski and Snowshoe. Must remove Skis and Snowshoe to go through Tunnels and Cross Roads.
This Trail has been all redone we started at Ricker pond and went to Kettle pond was so much fun the views were amazing
Despite all the bad reviews for this trail we gave it a try and I'm so glad that we did. It was a little rough in some spots but nothing terrible. There are some scenic parts of the trail, a few trestle bridges, and one small tunnel. The river view is breathtaking in many spots. There's a great view where the river bends near a long covered bridge with a little chapel in the background...this time of the year the foliage just added to the beauty.
The trail is sandy for approximately the first one and a half miles on the Newport end. So what. If you fall off your bike, it will hurt less. The rest of the trail more than makes up for it. You get to ride across two railroad covered bridges - name another bike trail in New England that has that. There is also a microbrewery backed right up to the trail, and they are open early on Fridays so you can do 3/4 of the out and back ride and then grab a slice and a beer before finishing in Newport. Very scenic - saw several turkeys and a heron in back to back years.
Short trail that is very much an extension of Sugar River trail, but without much scenery, other than the last .5 mile. The first portion of the trail that runs along the road is safe and wide, but its surface is a little soft. If you ride the Sugar River Trail, you should ride this trail as it is short, it adds to the exercise and the road portion is unique. I applaud and support all trail extensions.
This is one of the prettiest trails in the state. It runs along the Sugar River almost the entire ride and there are numerous bridges, including two covered rail bridges. I rode and e-bike with 2.1" tires. I agree with the other reviews concerning bikes, sandy but rideable. I left from Newport, and the sand was only an issue during the first 1.5 miles and then sporadically thereafter. I found the best way to deal with the back tire sliding out in the sand was to use higher levels of assist than I would normally have used. This trail can easily be top rated if it had a firmer surface. I passed 2-ATVs and 2-motorcycles and all four were exceptionally courteous. I did the Bobby Woodman trail too as part of my ride as the two trails are seamless.
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