🌤 Weather at D&H Rail Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–68 °F | 52–80 °F | 26–71 °F | 8–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rutland, 10 mi away, elevation 620 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
19.8-Mile Rail Trail on the Former Delaware & Hudson Railroad Bed — Castleton to Poultney and West Pawlet to Rupert, Rutland and Bennington Counties, Vermont
The D&H Rail Trail in Vermont is a 19.8-mile section of former railroad bed in western Rutland and Bennington counties. The Vermont Agency of Transportation leases it to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation for use as a recreational trail.
The trail comes in two sections: one runs between Castleton and Poultney, the other between West Pawlet and Rupert. A stretch of trail in New York lies between the two Vermont sections. Along the way you pass hills, villages, farms, fields and forests, and the trail runs right through the villages of Poultney and West Pawlet, where you can picnic, fish or stop at a store for refreshments.
Trail Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 19.8 miles in Vermont, in two sections |
| Sections | Castleton–Poultney (north), West Pawlet–Rupert (south) |
| Counties | Rutland, Bennington |
| Summer use | Walking, bicycling, horseback riding |
| Winter use | Snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling |
| Managed By | Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (lease from the Agency of Transportation) |
Trailheads and Access
| Section | Access point |
|---|---|
| North section | Castleton: at the college campus or along Main Street |
| North section | Poultney village: next to the old train station on Depot Street |
| South section | West Pawlet village: Egg Street |
| South section | South end: Route 153 at Hebron Road |
Wildlife & Nature
D&H Rail Trail — a multi-use trail following the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad corridor through southwestern Vermont. The trail’s farm fields, wetlands, and forest support bald eagles, bobolinks, and white-tailed deer. Bobolinks — whose populations are declining across North America — nest in the hayfields.
Nearby Attractions
Castleton — along the trail. Poultney — along the trail. Lake Bomoseen — nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you get on the D&H Rail Trail in Vermont?
The northern section has trailheads at both ends: in Castleton at the college campus or along Main Street, and in Poultney village next to the old train station on Depot Street. The southern section starts in West Pawlet village on Egg Street and ends at the intersection of Route 153 and Hebron Road. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation manages the trail.
Who can use the D&H Rail Trail?
The D&H Rail Trail is a multiple-use trail. In summer it is open to pedestrians, bicyclists and horseback riders; in winter to snowshoers, skiers and snowmobiles. The two Vermont sections add up to 19.8 miles and are separated by a stretch of trail in New York.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Bomoseen State Park and Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park are both a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at D&H Rail Trail
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at D&H Rail Trail?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for D&H Rail Trail
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
