Clarendon & Pittsford Railroad

OVERVIEW: This walk is just over 4 miles out-and back on a historic railroad corridor, with only a slight grade and pretty views.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 4.5 miles (or shorter if desired)

ELEVATION GAIN: nearly flat

TERRAIN: dirt, gravel and grass

LOCATION: Take VT Route 3 north from Center Rutland into Proctor village (and enjoy going over the beautiful marble bridge!) From Main St., take a right onto North St, then bear left in less than half a mile up Florence Road. Follow Florence Rd. to its intersection with Beaver Pond Rd. (you'll see the pond on your left) and 0.7 miles north of this intersection you can see the rail-trail along the left side of the road. You can pull off on the wide shoulders and walk in where the snowmobile trail crosses the road, or go another 0.3 miles up the road and use the 1-car pulloff to the left of a sharp right-hand curve in the road.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: A half-hour's walk north along the old railbed will bring you through pretty woods, then reward you with sweeping views of pastures and distance mountains. After the open field, you'll reach a point on the railbed where the old railroad tracks are still there - turn around at this point and return (enjoying the views from the other direction!)

POINTS OF INTEREST: The Clarendon & Pittsford Railroad was built by the Vermont Marble Company in 1902 to connect the Hollister quarry in Florence to the marble works in Proctor. The Shangraw quarry is visible about 50 feet west of the track. The quarry was not productive and was abandoned in the early 1900s. You will see many huge blocks of grayish marble beside the track and these probably came from the Sangraw quarry. (Resist the temptation to explore off the track as there are many hazards around old quarry sites). If you have time, go back into Proctor and enjoy the wonderful Vermont Marble Exhibit!

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