Beebe Spur Rail Trail
Vermont’s northernmost rail trail, gliding along Lake Memphremagog.
Beebe Spur Rail Trail
Wander along the shore of Lake Memphremagog
The Beebe Spur Rail Trail (also known as the Newport–Beebe Bike Path) follows the eastern shore of Lake Memphremagog to Vermont’s border with Canada. At 4 miles, it is the shortest State-owned rail trail. At the northern terminus, travelers who want to cross into Canada need to take a 1.5-mile detour and carry a passport. The BSRT is a four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridor.
Starting at the south end in Newport, the trail reveals spectacular views of Lake Memphremagog in less than a mile. This glacial lake’s name means “where there is a big expanse of water.” It spans Vermont and Quebec over its 32-mile length and allows unobstructed views of the Green Mountains to the west.
After 3 miles, the trail veers away from the lake, passes parking for the trail, and enters residential North Derby. This is no longer a border crossing, but signs direct you 1.5 miles east to Beebe Road, which enters Canada.
Beebe Spur Rail Trail
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Regional Parking Information
Where do I park?
To reach the southern trailhead from I-91, take Exit 28, and head west on US 5 S/SR105 W. Go 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Shattuck Hill Road. Go 1.2 miles, and turn left onto Darling Hill Road. Go 0.4 mile, and turn right onto Prouty Drive. In 0.5 mile turn right into the parking lot for North Country Hospital. After parking, retrace your route about 0.1 mile along Prouty Drive to the trail and turn left.
Newport — Newport Bike Path Parking
What is it?
Quick questions about the BSRT
The trail has a 8- to 10-foot-wide firm compacted crushed stone surface with 1-foot grass shoulders and wheelchair-accessible grades. The trail is open year-round.
What uses are allowed on the trail?
Signs posted at trail entrances detail the allowed uses and expectations.
All non-motorized uses are allowed. E-bikes are allowed.
Overnight camping is prohibited.
Horses are permitted on the Trail but must travel near the shoulder whenever possible. Horse and pet owners should remove animal waste from the trail surface. Dogs must be on leash. Pet owners must have control of their animals at all times.
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail during the VAST season (December 16 – April 15).
ATVs, dirt bikes, motorized scooters, segways, and other electric or motorized vehicles are not permitted.
What is the surface like?
The Beebe Spur Rail Trail is a rustic multi-use path constructed with a crushed stone aggregate. The crushed stone is compacted to a firm surface suitable for most bicycles and just about any other use. It is also ADA-compliant to make the trail accessible to those living with physical disabilities. The typical trail section is an 8-to 10-foot wide aggregate surface course, with 1-foot wide grass shoulders.
Where can I find print maps of the trail?
You can download and print the PDF maps found on the Trail Maps page, https://railtrails.vermont.gov/trails/beebe-spur-rail-trail/trail-section-maps-beebe-spur-rail-trail/.
What towns does the BSRT run through?
Newport and Derby, with the northern terminus of the trail at the Canadian border.
Regional Trails
Regional Trails along the BSRT
The regional trail network connected to the BSRT includes the Newport Bike Path and the Memphremagog Trails (mstf.net).
- The Newport Recreation Bike Path (about 2 miles in length), starts in Downtown Newport, near the City Docks, winding it’s way through the city, along the shores of Lake Memphremagog, crossing the causeway, wrapping around the high school, past North Country Hospital, where it connects with the Beebe Spur Rail Trail, connecting Newport and Ayer’s Cliff, QC(newportrecreation.org).
- Memphremagog Trails are located off the Beebe Spur Rail Trail between Derby and Newport Vermont. The trails are suitable for walkers, runners, mountain bikers, and cross country skiers (Memphremagog Trails (mstf.net).
Contact Us
Have a question?
If you have additional questions or comments, please contact us.
May 9, 2023