Explore the best rated trails in Rutland, VT. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cross Vermont Trail and South Barre Bike Path. With more than 22 trails covering 287 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.
Nice trail, compacted gravel. Parallel to canel and train tracks. Rather exposed (no shade). Cute little town (Fort Ann) with a great brewery.
Beautiful section in terms of scenery and access to lakes and ponds. The surface can be challenging. Today, with fairly dry conditions, it could be negotiated with hybrid bikes.
I rode from near the Massachusetts state line and Rt. 12 north to Keene, NH on 10/01/2022 using a cyclocross bike with mid-width knobby trail-riding tires. The conditions were very good in general but, in the portion where it reduces to a single track in width you often needed to dodge rocks sticking up in the path. The portion of this trail with several deep cuts through the rock hills are quite a memorable sight to see. Take care crossing the stone arch bridge because there are no guardrails. Overall this was an enjoyable trail to ride.
This is a lovely, easy , quiet walk. Much improved from a few years ago, based on the reviews. Great for families, dogs and their humans.
I rode the whole trail out and back in August 2022. You really need tires with some knobs for this trail. I used a gravel bike with small knobby tires. It's not hilly or technical, just rough in places. VT uses 3/4" gravel which would make it difficult for standard road tires.
The VT portions of the trail are well maintained and have great signage, historical and otherwise.
The NY section is not as well maintained, specifically, the portion from the state line south of Poultney to Middle Granville. Google Maps displays the rideable portions, although once you cross the state line southbound, the trail gets quite narrow - tick spray recommended. There is a spot where you have to carry your bike over a pile of slate. It leads to a farm road, red in color, and leading to a red barn on route 22A. Not sure that is legit. There were no signs saying not to.
I rode south on 22A to Butler Road, then right on Depot. The trail starts again just after the cemetery. You have to maneuver around an active dairy farm to get back on the trail. Wasn't pretty but it works. Once you get south of the dairy farm, it's fine. Going through Granville proper is also confusing. Again, Google Maps is your friend.
I recommend Sherman's Store in West Rupert, near the trail end, for sandwiches and energy drinks. You can get there from the trail via Mill Road. Look for a business called Authentic Designs for the turn.
Absolutely beautiful asphalt trail mostly covered by canopy of trees, temp 10*cooler than in the sun. Here the end of July. Parked in the Million Dollar beach parking lot $10 and a great place to leave the car for the day¿¿rode around town, enjoying the lake and lunch afterward.
Fifty nine mile long well maintained trail that provides a nice mix of scenery the entire length.
I recently rode my hybrid from the Stone Arch Bridge to the Troy Depot and back, and found the trail to be in reasonably good shape along that stretch. I parked right on 101 in the open turn off and my car was undisturbed for the couple hours I was out. The trail southbound is the slight incline, as I was going a few mph faster on the way back. The trail does narrow down to a single track in the middle of that stretch as I feel it does not get enough use to keep the weeds at bay, and a few fallen trees meant stopping to lift the bike over. Overall, quite pleasant, and Troy is a lovely little town.
We parked in Keen at the Cheshire Trail Parking spot and went north to Walpole. Nice trail, unpaved but well-packed earth and shade. We have 2 electric bikes, so 2 steep inclines were not a problem. Unfortunately, after about 10 minutes we run into a closed section. Not sure when it will reopen - we saw no signs of work. We turned and went south to Keene, and in the center of Keene we followed signs for a bike trail which led us to Ashuelot River trail. It has several pretty bridges over roads, about a mile of paved section, and once it leaves Keene it is unpaved, but still has good surface and shade.
In Keene you can also go to southern section of Cheshire rail trail, but it is not easy to find, so use Google Maps on your phone to be sure.
Parked at the old train depot in Troy and rode South to the end at the Mass border and back. The trail is not paved, not groomed but that’s part of what makes it fun. Riding through the woods, along a stream, crossing a wetlands with high bush blueberry bushes loaded with fruit and on the way back jumping in a clear water pond to cool off, with a view of Monadnock …perfect day! Oh, and we saw one runner and two people picking those berries…a very memorable and delightful day on the trail.
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.
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