Explore the best rated trails in Hartford, 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 37 trails covering 381 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.
rode a section from the VT border to Littleton. It was a chore because of all the atv traffic. They are very polite but it still makes the ride a pia. Never again. I was on a bike packing rig so big tires etc. Not for anything less.
I live three miles from this trail. I'd like to echo others that this trail is NOT SUITABLE for bicycling, It has been chewed up by recreational and commercial ATV operators. It is doable with balloon tires but even then -- not enjoyable. Even strollers would find the walking difficult under foot. (If you're determined to bike here, the stretch in both direction off of Streeter Pond Rd. is likely the smoothest).
We rode from Castleton University to the end of the trail at the New York state line, and back 5/2023. We were able to get our Burley Bark Ranger (dog) bike trailer through the roadway gates with some difficulty, backing up, straightening, trying again. For several miles, this happens every 5 to 7 minutes. Then it gets better. I’m not sure if a two seat child trailer would make it through. There is a Poultney River loop trail that can be accessed from the rail trail, but it’s definitely not for bikes towing trailers like we do. Poultney is very cute, and we saw a pizza shop, and creemee stand there. The surface is great for slightly knobby tires. Bucolic farmland, quiet, sunny ride. One of the multiple snowmobile bridges crosses a river, and it’s a great spot for a shaded picnic and tossing a stick for the dog.
This trail is not suitable for bicycles. It’s a shame because it’s a beautiful recreational trail and would be such an asset to the area but the ATV traffic has ruined it. Don’t come here if you want to bike or even walk
The trail is very well marked with easy parking. Lucky I had my fat bike today for todays ride. Trail conditions changed from dry, wet, icy packed to snow plowing. It was fun to experience all seasons in one day with a bike to handle deep mud. It’s early spring and expected.
Like the title says, it’s not really a trail, it’s a utility access road. Cool water creek runs along it though. Seen about 15 other people and dogs on the utility road also.
Awesome ride on ebikes. Late I the fall season so there was no traffic on the trails. Paved and clear, easy ride. Well worth it for the views.
The trail is great Awesome views the up hills balance out the down hills. Only issue is a lot of ignorant people that walk 4 abreast and you have to almost stop to get around them. Next trip back I think I’ll bring an air horn ¿¿
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.
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.
Definitely a challenge but so fun! Start at the flume end so you get the hills done in the first half. Beautiful views of the basin and echo lake.
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