July 2024 Storm Impacts Upshot

October 2024 update: We are gradually bringing trail segments back up to standard after the repeated flooding of 2023 - 2024. Essentially, all of the trails along the route are passable at this time, but there are many places that are rough or require more than normal care.

See News and Social page for ongoing updates.

Rail Trail from Route 14 to Country Club Rd.

Bridge posted closed on railtrail east of Route 14, about a mile in and half way to Country Club Road. The bridge is basically OK, but the bank under a corner of the abutment is undercut. The bridge is officially closed while we work to stabilize the abutment.

Johnnie Brook Trail and Waterbury Greenpath.

Inundation flooding on lower Winooski. Two sections of trail, in Waterbury and Richmond, are in the flood plain and, as is normal, they were under water. Once the waters recede they are basically OK, and just need to be cleaned up. This time, it looks like mud is the big theme. In past years it was sand that got deposited, or worse lots of trash. But this time, mostly mud. We'll wait for it to dry out then see about regrading the travel way.

Montpelier to Wells River Rail Trail generally.

In Plainfield, Marshfield, and Groton, there was a lot of surface runoff on the trail and through culverts with the result now that there are many patches that are washed and rough. Patching and regrading projects will be underway through the rest of the summer.

Major reconstruction projects, ongoing in Groton throughout 2024.

The Town of Groton is resurfacing the railbed, and updating culverts, between Pine Mountain and Rickers Mill. Also, Groton State Forest is replacing a major bridge on the rail trail, at the outlet to Kettle Pond. In addition there is ongoing reconstruction to fix the storm damage from 2023. Stay alert on the trail for notices of work ahead and possible detours.

This notice affects Maps 2 and 3.

New section of Cross Vermont Trail officially opens on rail bed!

The railbed between John Fowler Road in Marshfield and the Plainfield Park and Ride in Plainfield Village is now officially open as the newest section of the Cross Vermont Trail. Yes, people have "traditionally" used the railbed here as a trail for many years, but now we have real permission from the landowners - a private parcel and also two parcels owned by the Town of Plainfield. Please keep in mind that the private parcel is open to public use on condition that trail users Stay On The Trail, do not trespass into the fields and forest to the sides of the trail where you see the "Posted" signs.

East to West: from Rte 2 turn left onto John Folwer Road. Literally go over the river and through the woods and up a short hill on this dirt road. Then turn right onto the old railbed. The Cross Vermont Trail follows the railbed for a half mile to the Plainfield Park & Ride. Continue through the Village on Main St. back out to Rte 2 and turn left onto the highway.

This notice affects Map 4.

New paths constructed in Montpelier and East Montpelier not shown on maps yet.

Between Granite Street in Montpelier and the new trailhead parking lot on Route 2 in East Montpelier, new paths constructed in recent years are not yet reflected on the maps and cue sheet. We are working to update the maps, but in the meantime:

• If you are eastbound, simply follow the signed path instead of the on road route shown on the maps.
• If you are westbound, look for trailhead parking on the north side of Route 2 (about a half mile after passing the intersection of Muddy Brook Road and Route 2) and you can get onto the new path there.

This notice affects Map 6.

Beavers repurpose railbed as dam. (Ongoing issues.)

We can't fault them for repurposing the railbed, that'd be the pot calling the kettle black. At various times, it ebbs and flows, beavers will block culverts under the old railbed and use it as a dam to make their pond. Sometimes they (busily) build their dams up taller than the old bed, and water spills over onto the trail making large puddles. It's dramatic and cool to see. Many people can just splash through. However, it does make the going more difficult. Periodically this happens in the Wells River Conservation area behind Blue Mountain Union, and in Groton State Forest west of Lanesboro. This notice affects Maps 1 and 3.