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This trail extends 90 miles across Vermont, from Wells River to Bennington.


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Map Key

92.3

Miles

148.6

KM

Point to Point

1,457' 444 m

High

138' 42 m

Low

2,631' 802 m

Up

2,923' 891 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

Overview

While this is typically meant to be a bike route, it can be completed as a thru-hike across the state, as well. The trail starts on the NH/ VT Border, over the Connecticut River.

Hike Sections

Need to Know

This trail is more suited to biking than hiking; places to camp or re-supply may be scarce. Please bike/ hike the highways on the appropriate side.

Description

The route mostly follows 302 past Boltonville. It turns onto Creamery Road to South Ryegate. From South Ryegate, turn west onto 302. Turn onto Brown Road and follow this until it turns onto the old Railroad Bed.

Eventually, the trail passes through Ricker Pond State Park; this will be the first area to camp. There are also camping opportunities in Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond State Park, and New Discovery State Park.

The trail continues following the Old Railroad Bed until it reaches Depot Road. It follows Lower Depot Road out to Marshfield. In Marshfield, turn left onto Route 2. Follow this to Plainfield.

After passing through Plainfield, the trail turns left onto Country Club Road. Turn right onto the Railroad Bed. Follow this out to Route 14, then turn right to East Montpelier. From East Montpelier, follow Route 2 west towards Montpelier. At Gallison Hill Road, the trail turns onto a paved bike path that will take you through Montpelier. The trail basically follows parallel with the Winooski River all the way to North Moretown.

The trail crosses the bridge into Waterbury and connects to a recreational trail near the river. *The town of Waterbury carries most of the amenities that you'll need for a thru-trip. The trail follows River Road, which turns into Duxbury Road.

*For those thru-hiking this trail, there are camping options along the Long Trail. While the map shows the trail following Cochran Road, the Warren & Ruth Beeken Trails are more commonly used as a biking route.

From Richmond, the trail follows a series of bike trails and bike-able roads to Bennington. The trail continues to Austin Drive, where it ends at the bottom of the Island Line Trail. *If you intend to continue along the Island Line Trail, please ensure the ferry is in-season.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Smith

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#5172

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#59

in New Hampshire

#5,172

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2 Views Last Month
108 Since Sep 17, 2021
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Photos

Marshfield Mountain behind the lake.
Nov 24, 2021 near Hardwick, VT
Gateway Park
Nov 24, 2021 near Montpelier, VT
Green Mount Cemetery (c. 1855)
Nov 24, 2021 near Montpelier, VT
Pine Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Nov 24, 2021 near Barre, VT
Looking out over the Wells River.
Nov 25, 2021 near Saint J…, VT
Bombardier Meadow Preserve
Nov 22, 2021 near Williston, VT

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