Outdoor Rec GuideXC Skiing
A favorite winter sport of many locals, Poultney offers many trails for Nordic skiing. Long distance outings or quiet, wooded trails are both available here.
Castleton University Trails
The Castleton University Trails—easy and well-marked with no significant climbs—are the perfect opportunity to get out your cross country skis and enjoy a sunny winter's day. The trailhead is located at 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT, with parking at the start of the Rail Trail on Main Street in Castleton, or in the parking lot just north and east of the Rail Trail as it crosses South Street on the Castleton University campus. An informational kiosk is located along the Rail Trail in between the college lots.
The Castleton University Trails are also open to snowshoeing, and in the spring, summer and fall you'll find hiking, mountain biking and running opportunities.
Delaney Woods
The Delaney Woods Trailhead, with 5 miles of multi-use trails, is open to cross country skiing in the winter when conditions allow. Access is located on East Delaney Cross Road in Wells. This trailhead is managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Delaney Woods Trailhead also provides opportunities for snowshoeing, and in the spring, summer and fall you'll find hiking loops and beginner to intermediate mountain bike terrain.
Endless Brook Trailhead
The Endless Brook Trailhead is open to cross country skiing. Part of the Slate Valley Trails network, the Endless Brook Trailhead enjoys connectivity to more than 47 miles of multi-use trails. Access is located at Endless Brook Road, 0.8 miles from Route 30, with limited parking available. The trails also connect to the Fairgrounds and Country Club trailheads, all managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Endless Brook Trailhead also offers snowshoeing, and in the spring, fall and summer, it boasts intermediate to advanced mountain bike terrain and hiking loops.
D&H Rail Trail
Looking for a flat stretch of cross country skiing terrain? The Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail has what you need. A 19.8 mile section of former railroad bed in western Rutland and Bennington counties, the D&H is now a multi-use recreational trail open to snowshoers, skiers and snowmobiles. In the warmer months, recreation opportunities include walking/hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The D&H Rail Trail parking area is located on Bentley Avenue in Poultney village.
The D&H Rail Trail traverses through scenic countryside with views of hills, villages, farms, fields and forests. Warm up after in the heart of Poultney's downtown!
Fairgrounds Trailhead
The Fairgrounds Trailhead is open to cross country skiing. Part of the Slate Valley Trails network, the Endless Brook Trailhead enjoys connectivity to more than 47 miles of multi-use trails. Access is located at 131 Town Farm Road in East Poultney. The trails also connect to the Country Club and Endless Brook trailheads, all managed by Slate Valley Trails.
The Fairgrounds Trailhead also has snowshoeing opportunities. In the spring, summer and fall, this trail boasts several hiking loops and family-friendly beginner to advanced mountain bike terrain.
Lake St. Catherine State Park
In addition to its abundant offerings in the warmer months, Lake St. Catherine State Park offers cross country skiers another option to get out and enjoy winter days on the 1.8 mile network of easy to moderate multi-use trails. Once sufficiently frozen, the lake itself provides ample opportunity for outdoor exploration. The fishing access parking area is plowed throughout the winter and Port-a-lets are provided.
During the spring, summer and fall months, the 117-acre park offers a multitude of options for day use visitors and campers alike, including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and more.