Outdoor Recreation
The Mettawee and Indian Rivers:
Great Fishing and Scenic Stops
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A fast flowing tributary of Lake Champlain. Passing through the town of Granville, our river is known for fishing and kayaking. A clear bottom shows off the colored slate and old mill sites create pretty rapids. The Mettawee Park has shoreline access with pickleball courts, picnic areas and swimming.
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A stream flowing from East in Vermont and West in Washington County, and is part of the Lake Champlain watershed. Along it’s borders are local businesses: Mandy’s Spring Nursery, Gables & Gardens Wedding Barn and Slateville Farms & secluded camps. There are many chances for secluded cabin rentals throughout the area.
A Tale of Two Rivers
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A pretty rapids under the new Rail Trail bridge. Stroll around the Slate Valley Museum and the covered bridge that connects the Museum and the Pember Library.
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Another set of rapids just downstream from the Middle Granville bridge. Near the bridge is Chapman's General Store, a deli with convenience items that offers a picnic area and access to the river.
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The popular destination for local families in the spring and summer for kids’ softball and baseball games also offers plenty of access to the river and includes covered picnic tables.
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Learn more about where and what to fish in the surrounding area.
Scenic Fishing Spots
Trails and Hikes for Every Season
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Open year round for walking, running, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, horseback riding with trail access parking for cars, trucks and trailers.
The Village of Granville provides free public parking for access through the parking lot adjoining the Station House B&B and ending by the Slate Valley Museum, and in the Mettawee River Park.
Access points in the Village include North Street, Main Street (by the Ladybug Garden), Church Street and East Potter Avenue (near the Granville Rescue Squad) for local walkers/bikers/hikers.
Access the Rail Trail from the Village of Granville by the Ladybug Garden and the Old Rail Station; by the Slate Valley Museum bridge; and by the Granville Rescue Squad.
This D&H Rail Trail will take you all the way to West Pawlet, VT (parking available) and Rupert, VT. Keep a look out for three beautiful historical cemeteries to visit along the trail. There are stores and cafes near the trail for lunch or refreshments.
Check out this blog post from one of our community members for more D&H Rail Trail access points.
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A natural refuge for the region’s wildlife and plant species, located eight miles south of Granville on Route 22 in nearby Hebron, New York. There are over two miles of trails winding through 125 acres of forest, fields and wetlands on both sides of Black Creek, a tributary of the Battenkill. The Pember also offers programs at the historic schoolhouse located in the parking lot accessed on Route 22. There is also a small parking lot on South Grimes Hill road.
Trails in Granville
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Try this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail near Pawlet, Vermont. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 7 min to complete.
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Enjoy over 50 miles of free, public trails in Poultney, Castleton, and Wells
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The Saddles State Forest is 2,471 acres, with limited infrastructure that offers an ideal setting for hunting, trapping and exploring nature in a serene setting. It gets its name from the mountains on the property that look like a saddle, especially from the water on South Bay.
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Black Mountain is a well marked trail leading to a stunning view of Lake George and the surrounding area. The summit does have radio towers on top as well. The trail begins off of Pike Brook road and is relatively flat for the first mile and a half before it begins to get steeper and climb towards the top.
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Discover this 7.7-mile loop trail near Kattskill Bay, New York. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 43 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
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Looking for the best hiking trails in Lake George? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 9 scenic trails in the Lake George area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Lake George or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Lake George that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Nearby Trails
Parks & Public Recreation Areas
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There are abundant safe walking paths throughout Granville. A stroll through the village offers glimpses into the area’s architectural history. The D&H Rail Trail, River Walk, and public parks offer dedicated walking paths.
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Cyclists will enjoy the flat, scenic D&H Rail Trail that intersects the Granville Village, as well as gravel and country roads surrounding the town. Slate Valley Trails is a great resource for discovering new routes.
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The Mettowee River Park is home to two pickleball courts, built in 2024. These courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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The Little League Park in the Village of Granville is home to a great playground that kids and the young at heart will enjoy.
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The diamonds at the Little League Park in the Village of Granville are open to the public when not in use.
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The Pember Nature Preserve offers 125 acres of protected land, where native flora and fauna can be spotted year-round. Granville’s rural location also makes it an ideal location for birding and spotting wildlife on the trails and roads that intersect the town.
Recreation Activities
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The Mettowee River Park is located in the Village of Granville. Visitors to the park will enjoy paths along the Mettowee River, picnicking areas, and pickleball courts. This park is dog-friendly; dogs are required to be on a leash at all times.
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Located in the heart of Granville Village, this park features a number of baseball diamonds, playgrounds, a picnic pavilion, and a mixed-use gravel path that follows the course of the Mettawee River.
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This easy 0.25 mile River & Story Walk features placards with a story changed out monthly. It begins at the D&H Rail Trail, passes over the Mettawee River via a covered walking bridge, and terminates at the Pember Library & Museum, where kids can continue their love of reading by browsing the many books for all reading levels found at the library.
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The Pember Nature Preserve encompasses 125 acres of forest, wetland, and fields. The mission of the Pember Nature Preserve is to provide a refuge for the region’s native wildlife and plant species. Over two miles of trails wind through the Preserve, marked by a system of blazes and wooden signs.
