West River Trail

West River Trail runs as an all-season hike along the former West River Railroad bed in southern Vermont. It’s kept as a non-motorized path system managed for public access along the West River corridor.

This route breaks into major sections, with the best-known lower stretch starting near Brattleboro and the upper stretches extending north toward Jamaica and Londonderry-area trailheads. Expect the railroad-bed feel where grades stay gentle.

On the lower section, the trail follows the West River for roughly 3.7 miles one way and is described as flat and compacted for easy walking and leisure outings. The footprint is largely stone-dust style surface, with the overall character staying simple underfoot.

That lower segment is set up for easy back-and-forth hiking from trailheads at either end (Brattleboro-side access at Spring Tree Road and the Dummerston-side access at Rice Farm Road).

Farther north into the upper segments, the terrain is described as longer and more rugged than the lower section, with some narrow/rocky spots. The overall trail plan is built around restoring and linking rail-bed corridors through the valley.

Historically, the West River Railroad carried passengers between Brattleboro and South Londonderry; it later shut down, and today’s trail occupies portions of that old alignment. Friends of the West River Trail maintains the corridor for hiking and other non-automobile uses across sections.

More information: Official website, Official website, West River Trail (Windham County) | Vermont Trails - TrailLink