Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail Access Points
The Delaware & Hudson (or D&H) Rail Trail is a 26-mile trail that follows the former railbed of the now defunct Delaware & Hudson Railroad Company. Initially built in the 1850s to serve the thriving slate industry, the trail wends its way through the heart of Slate Valley – from Castleton, Vermont to West Rupert, Vermont. The trail rambles through New York via Granville for a roughly 6 mile section between Middle Granville, New York and South Pawlet, Vermont.
The trail is beloved by locals and visitors alike for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding in the warmer months. In winter it is a destination for snowshoeing, fat tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The trail surface is a mix of mowed grass and gravel, and is not groomed in the winter months. There is a 4-mile section gap in the trail between Poultney and Middle Granville.
As the trail meanders through the scenic landscapes of Slate Valley, it passes through agricultural land, an occasional quarry, and peaceful forests. It is common to see wildlife on the trail-rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional deer can be spotted. The trail traverses through the towns of Granville, Poultney, and Castleton, where visitors can stop for refreshments and to explore the villages.
Multiple access points in Granville and beyond make the D&H Rail Trail easy to find and navigate.
Within Granville
While there is no parking at this trailhead, it is an access point for those living or visiting Middle Granville. The trail picks back up after the Poultney-Granville gap at the former Middle Granville Depot, at the intersection of Depot Street & Lafountain Ln. From this access point, the trail heads south through a dairy farm, past the Granville Airport, and through former slate quarries until it reaches Granville Village.
Granville Village Main Street Parking Area
The trail crosses Main Street in Granville Village about 2 miles south of the Middle Granville trailhead. Here visitors will find abundant parking. There is a free parking lot adjacent to the former railroad depot, which now serves as the Station House Bed & Breakfast. Just off of Water Street, there is another small gravel lot for parking.
While in Granville, it is worth a stop at the Slate Valley Museum, located on Water Street, just off of the rail trail. This museum explores the history of slate mining in the area, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history.
Granville Village is also home to a number of eateries – including Slate Town Brewing, On the Rocks Pub, and Bernardo’s 5 for a post-trail day refreshment.
After traversing through Granville Village, the trail passes the historic Telescope Casual Furniture factory and meanders through farmland and forests for about another 2 miles until it crosses Andrews Road. The South Granville parking area is a large gravel lot located on Andrews Road, just off of 22A.
Surrounding Access Points
Castleton, Vermont Parking Area
The northern end of the D&H Rail trail starts right in the Castleton Village. Fuel up for the day at Birdseye Diner, and pick up provisions at the Castleton Village Store. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, and overflow parking can be found nearby at Castleton University.
Poultney, Vermont Parking Area
Parking for the Poultney, Vermont section of the trail is located on Bentley Ave. However, it’s worth a quick visit to Main Street just one block north. Poultney was once home to Green Mountain College, and the main street boasts a number of shops and services that are worth exploring. If you need a rental bike, Porcupine Bikes offers rentals. Bike service and parts can be found at Analog Cycles, along with their line of Slate Valley-inspired Tanglefoot bicycles. Eateries include the Rail Trail Eatery, Toad’s Burger Bar, and The Poultney Pub.
The trail extends south from the Bentley Ave trailhead and terminates about 2 miles south of the town of Poultney. It can be picked up again about 4 miles south of Poultney, in Middle Granville.
West Pawlet Village Parking Area
Heading south for about 2 miles through beautiful mixed hardwood forest between Granville and Pawlet, the next parking area will be in the tiny historic village of West Pawlet. This village was once home to a booming wool trade as well as many other agricultural industries that benefited from the railroad passing through. Today, you can still see remnants of the mills and farms that put West Pawlet on the map.
Another 8 miles south of the West Pawlet parking area you’ll find the Rupert parking area. The trail terminates 0.5 miles south of this parking area. Between West Pawlet and Rupert the forest opens up to reveal views of surrounding farmland and rolling hills.
The D&H Rail Trail is easily accessible and simple to navigate. It offers views of the bucolic landscape of Slate Valley, and also a glimpse into the area’s rich past. Whether you’re seeking a day out with the kids, a leisurely stroll, or brisk exercise, the D&H Rail Trail offers abundant opportunity to explore.
