Outdoor Rec GuideHiking
There are so many trails, and different types of terrain, to hike on in Poultney - take your pick! Rugged climbs with sweeping summit views to the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, out and back routes through forested areas, long distance hikes, or accessible paths.
Castleton University Trails
Castleton University Trails are easy and well-marked with no significant climbs (though there are some roots and rocks), and are perfectly suitable for those looking for an easy hike. The trailhead is located at 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT, with parking at the start of the Rail Trail on Main Street in Castleton, or in the parking lot just north and east of the Rail Trail as it crosses South Street on the Castleton University campus. An informational kiosk is located along the Rail Trail in between the college lots.
The Castleton University Trails are also open to mountain bikers and runners, and in the winter you’ll find cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Slate Valley Trails: Country Club Trailhead
The Country Club Trailhead features several hiking loops with connectivity to more than 47 miles of multi-use trails. Access is located at the Lake St. Catherine Country Club, 2725 VT Route 30 (park in lower lot close to Route 30). The trails also connect to the Fairgrounds and Endless Brook trailheads, all managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Country Club Trailhead also offers beginner to advanced mountain bike terrain. Winter use includes snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Slate Valley Trails: Delaney Woods Trailhead
The Delaney Woods Trailhead accesses 5 miles of multi-use trails open to hiking. Access is located on East Delaney Cross Road in Wells. This trailhead is managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Delaney Woods Trailhead features beginner to intermediate mountain bike terrain, along with snowshoeing and cross country skiing in winter.
Slate Valley Trails: Endless Brook Trailhead
The Endless Brook Trailhead features several hiking loops with connectivity to more than 47 miles of multi-use trails. Access is located at Endless Brook Road, 0.8 miles from Route 30, with limited parking available. The trails also connect to the Fairgrounds and Country Club trailheads, all managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Endless Brook Trailhead also offers intermediate to advanced mountain bike terrain with lots of climbing and fast, rolling descents. Winter use includes snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Slate Valley Trails: Fairgrounds Trailhead
The Fairgrounds Trailhead features several hiking loops with connectivity to more than 47 miles of multi-use trails. Access is located at 131 Town Farm Road in East Poultney. The trails also connect to the Country Club and Endless Brook trailheads, all managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Fairgrounds Trailhead also offers family-friendly beginner to advanced mountain bike terrain. Winter use includes snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
Slate Valley Trails: Howe Hill Trailhead
Howe Hill trailhead accesses 3 miles of moderate hiking terrain. In the spring and summer of 2023 access to this trailhead is limited due to construction of the East Poultney Gorge Bridge. After construction of the new bridge is complete, parking for this trailhead is available at 1500 East Main Street, United Baptist Church, East Poultney, VT. This trailhead is managed by Slate Valley Trails.
Lewis Deane Nature Preserve
The Lewis Deane Nature Preserve is an 85-acre privately owned parcel on the east side of Lake St. Catherine with two trails meeting at the top of St. Catherine Mountain. Views of Lake St. Catherine and into the Adirondacks beyond. The trails are open to the public for hiking only. Parking is located on Endless Brook Road 0.8 mi. from the intersection of Route 30.
Lake St. Catherine State Park
Looking for an easy hike on packed earth/dirt surface winding through woods and meadows? Want to combine hiking with other recreational pursuits? Consider making Lake St. Catherine State Park your next destination. In addition to hiking, users of the park can relax and enjoy biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The 117-acre park offers a multitude of options for day use visitors and campers alike including a 1.8 mile network of easy to moderate multi-use trails, guide nature walks and night hikes.
D&H Rail Trail
If you're looking to hike short or long distances over a relatively flat surface, the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is ready to greet you. The D&H is a 19.8 mile section of former railroad bed in western Rutland and Bennington counties which is now a recreational trail. This railtrail is multi-use, and is open to pedestrians, bicyclists and horseback riders in the summer along with snowshoers, skiers and snowmobiles in the winter.
The trail is in two sections with one segment between Castleton and Poultney and the other between West Pawlet and Rupert. These two Vermont sections are separated by a portion of trail in New York. The D&H Rail Trail travels through scenic countryside with views of nearby hills, villages, farms, fields and forests. There are many opportunities along the route to picnic, fish and stop at a store for refreshments. Parking for the D&H Rail Trail is located on Bentley Avenue in Poultney Village.
Hiking within the Village of Poultney
The Village of Poultney offers a couple of options for trails: The Poultney River Loop (PRL) and Veteran's Trails. The Poultney River Loop is a 3.3 mile, flat, natural surface multi-use trail around downtown Poultney. Veteran's Trails are hosted at the Poultney Elementary School and adjacent private land. The Forest Loop on the Poultney Elementary School property, which connects the PRL to Veterans Trails, is open to the public only when school is not in session (before 7am and after 4pm on school days).
Wildlife Management Areas
Dispersed, wildlife-centric hiking opportunities are available at our local Wildlife Management Areas. Visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website to learn more about active hunting seasons so that we can safely share these rich resources.