Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail

Discover hidden gems in this two-section rail trail.

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Ramble through Southern Vermont

The Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is a 19.8-mile section of former railroad in western Rutland and Bennington counties. The trail is in two sections: one between Castleton and Poultney, the other between West Pawlet and Rupert. The two Vermont sections are separated by a portion of trail in New York. The DHRT is a four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridor for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling.

The D&H Rail Trail travels through scenic countryside with views of the nearby hills, villages, farms, fields, and forests. It also bisects the villages of Poultney and West Pawlet. There are opportunities along the route to picnic, fish, and stop at a store for refreshments.

The D&H Rail Trail is a multiple-use trail open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders in the summer, and snowshoers, skiers and snowmobiles in the winter. The northern section has trailheads at both ends. Trail access is available at Castleton State College, along Main Street in Castleton, and in Poultney village adjacent to the old train station on Depot Street. Trail access for the southern section is available in West Pawlet village on Egg Street and the south at the intersection of Route 153 and Hebron Road.

Trail Facts

Length:	19.8 miles
Surface:	Gravel, Dirt
Seasons:	4 - all
Towns:	4
Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation:	≤3%

Trail Map

See the full DHRT

Wander through southern Vermont with this two part trail, as it weaves through New York and then back into Vermont, from Castleton to Poultney to West Pawlet.

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Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail

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Regional Parking Information

Where do I park?

The northern section has trailheads at both ends. Trail access for the northern end is available at Castleton State College or along Main Street in Castleton. Public parking at the south end can be found in Poultney Village adjacent to the old train station on Depot Street and on nearby streets. Trail access for the southern section is available in West Pawlet village on Egg Street and to the south at the intersection of Route 153 and Hebron Road. The D & H Trail crosses state and local highways in many places, but most intersections do not provide adequate room for safe parking or sight lines at road crossings. Users should access the trail only at designated trailheads.

Castleton — Castleton Trailhead (limited parking along Main Street)
Poultney — Bentley Avenue Trailhead
Pawlet — West Pawlet Village Trailhead- Egg Street & Railroad Avenue
Rupert — Rupert Trailhead – Route 153 and Hebron Road

What is it?

Quick questions about the DHRT

The trail has a wide, level, and stable base. There are 17 wooden-decked bridges of various length. The trail is split into two sections, where it dips into New York State and back into Vermont.

What uses are allowed on the trail?
All non-motorized uses are allowed. In the winter snowmobiles also use the trail (and it is groomed by the local snowmobile clubs). 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 trail includes 17 wooden-decked bridges of various length. The bridges have 5-foot-high railings and are constructed to provide a smooth surface for travel. The trail tread consists of the original cinder rail bed ballast, gravel, and stone. For foot travel, the trail is well suited to people of all ages and abilities due to its wide, level, and stable base. The D & H Rail Trail encompasses the trail sections only in Vermont. Even though the original rail line extended into New York and weaved back and forth between the two states several times, some sections of trail in New York have reverted back to private ownership and are not open to public use. Please respect private property in both New York and Vermont, and access the trail only at the designated trailheads.
Where can I find print maps of the trail?
You can download the PDF maps linked below.
What towns does the DHRT run through?
Castleton, Poultney, West Pawlet, and Rupert.