Beebe Spur Rail Trail
Vermont’s northernmost rail trail, gliding along Lake Memphremagog.
Beebe Spur Rail Trail
Meander up to Northern Vermont
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 less than 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 for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling.
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.
During the winter, the trail is groomed by the Memphremagog Trails group.
Trail Facts
| Length: | 4 miles |
| Surface: | Gravel, Dirt |
| Seasons: | 4 - all |
| Towns: | 2 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Elevation: | ≤3% |
Trail Map
See the full BSRT
This 4-mile trail passes through a primarily residential area in the towns of Newport and Derby. The northern terminus is located at the Canadian border. The trail provides spectacular views along the shores of Lake Memphremagog.
Beebe Spur Rail Trail
Pinch and Zoom the map using two inputs.
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. An informal northern trailhead option can be found at 1685 N Derby Road in Newport.
- Newport — North Country Hospital
- North Derby — North Derby Rd.
What is it?
Quick questions about the BSRT
The trail has a 8-foot-wide firm compacted crushed stone surface with 1-foot grass shoulders and wheelchair-accessible grades. The trail is open year-round to non-motorized uses.
What uses are allowed on the trail?
All non-motorized uses are allowed. In the winter snowmobiles also use the trail (and it is maintained and groomed by The Memphremagog Trails Group). Signs posted at trail entrances summarize the allowed uses and expectations.
ATVs and other motorized recreation are not allowed on the trail.
E-bikes allowed.
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. Pet owners must have control of their animals at all times.
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-foot wide aggregate surface course, with 1-foot wide grass shoulders.
Where can I find print maps of the trail?
You can download the PDF maps linked below.
What towns does the BSRT run through?
Newport and Derby, with the northern terminus of the trail at the Canadian border.
Additional Maps
Regional Routes along BRST
Use our maps to guide your way along Lake Memphremagog, and take in the sights on and off the trail.
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