Find the top rated birding trails in Vermont, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We were pleasantly surprised with how nice this trail is based on some of the reviews. We ride hybrid bikes with shocks and comfort seats and are accustomed to riding gravel and backroads so this trail was just what we look for. Trail is firm packed gravel and very smooth, no potholes or washboard experienced on our ride. Plenty of parking available on the Castleton end of the trail, we parked in the trailhead lot across from the Amtrak station. Definitely in our top 10 list of VT rides.
Carleton to Poultney section somewhat better but still rough due to horse traffic.
This ride was what I think of when I think of rail trail biking. A trail with only mild changes in elevation, good surface (not paved necessarily) and good scenery. I started at the Morrisville trailhead and headed west for 10 miles before returning to where I had parked. There was not much traffic on the trail (mid morning in mid June) and the weather was great. The trail was in good shape- the crushed stone and dirt surfaces did not show any ill effects from recent storms. The scenery was nice- mostly forested stream banks and agricultural fields. My hybrid bike with road tires did fine on this trail. The parking area in Morrisville came up on my i-phone GPS so it was easy to find.
This was my first hike of the season so I wasn’t looking for a really difficult one. This is medium, only because there are sections with steps you have to go up. But a very nice hike and good views of Lake Champlain.
I’ve used this trail dozens of times, biking, walking and jogging in and around Montpelier. And now it’s expanded! I assume the TrailLink map will be updated to show it, but between Taylor and Main streets is connected, and the trail extends east all the way to Gallison Hill Road.
the first 2 miles were gorgeous and great rail trail packed gravel. After that we stopped at the base of a narrow rocky hill. The Brattleboro portion was great, 4 miles each way. I may go north sometime and try the top on down. I have an e bike with no shock forks/ trek verve 3. So not a mountain bike per se…
Rode the trail on a wet and windy Sunday morning--only a few hearty walkers sharing it with us. Several loons eyed us as we rode the causeway out into the middle of the lake--such fun! We started out by Lake Champlain and rode the trail out to the break and then rode into town and back. The trail is well-maintained and very well-marked. A unique ride!
We biked this trail on a cloudy fall day, but it was still beautiful. It’s perfectly maintained with stunning view of Lake Champlain. The trail is diverse, winding past the town waterfront, parks, beaches, neighborhoods, sheltered beaches, marshes with wading birds and a causeway across the lake. Unfortunately the bike ferry was closed as it’s only open in weekends in the fall. A great way to spend an afternoon.
This was moderate to difficult. But I am in my advanced 50s and over weight. It is 85% uphill, a lot of rocks. Not sure if all the rocks are from hurricane Irene or if it has always been rocky. A hiking stick was helpful for balance. My husband, same age, not over weight found it moderate to difficult, but navigated the rocks much more easily. The falls are incredible! Worth the hike.
I live about 7 miles from the South Londonderry trail head and only wish the trail was better suited for my hybrid bike. The first 3 miles (approx) to the Winhall campground are in bad shape (dirt festooned with rocks, roots, ruts and mud puddles). I don't know when the article summary was written, but I have a different idea of what "well maintained" means. Those with mountain bikes or fat tire bikes should have a much easier time with it though.
The trail ride is sandwiched by a campground road for a couple of miles. It's asphalt, and other than navigating several speed bumps, is an easy ride to another dirt path on the Jamaica side. It's in better shape than the South Londonderry portion. It's not in great shape for riding either but very manageable.
The two dirt path portions follow the contour of the tree lined West River. The view is particularly vivid, particularly in Autumn, and a favorite spot to hike with my dog. As a bike trail though, it needs work.
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