Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail

OVERVIEW: An easy walk along the former route ofa railroad now converted into a recreational trail. There may be no better choice for the walker who wants to venture beyond a road walk but is apprehensive about a real "hike".

TOTAL MILEAGE: 7.0 miles between Poultney and Castleton. About 3.5 miles from Poultney Village to Walker Road, and the same for Walker Road to Castleton State College.

ELEVATION GAIN: 50 feet (south to north).

TERRAIN: Cinder and gravel of the original rail bed, now somewhat grown up with grass. Essentially straight, flat and level.

LOCATION: Castletown State College: From the intersection of Main Street (Route 4A) and South Street in Castleton Village go south on South Street for 0.3 miles to a parking lot driveway on the left signed "Castleton State College" and "Visitor Parking". Park at the far end of the parking lot. Start your walk from the southwest corner of the parking lot. Walk southwest for about 200 feet, cross South Street, and continue on the rail trail.

Midpoint: From Route 30, take Walker Road east to where the rail-trail crosses. Park on the road shoulder.

Poultney Village: From the intersection of Route 30 (Beaman Street) and Route 140 (East Main Street) in Poultney Village go west on East Main St. for 0.3 miles to a right on Depot Street. The trail starts behind The Depot. Park in any legal parking space in Poultney Village. Start your walk by walking north away from the village.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The entire walk is on the converted railroad bed. There are several bridges, overpasses, and secondary road crossings. The rail-trail passes through farmland, woods, and by a slate quarry. Note that the trail may be used by joggers, horseback riders, cyclists, and snowmobilers as well as hikers.

POINTS OF INTEREST: The trail passes through a variety of lowland Vermont ecosystems: woodland, marsh, pasture, farmstead, and village, each with its own flora and fauna. This route was part of the Delaware & Hudson system, which connected Rutland, VT with Albany, NY. In 1890, during the heyday of the slate industry in this area, the line carried an average of nearly ten freight car loads of slate a day. Service on the line ended in the early 1980s.

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