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Walking or bicycling the beautiful West River Trail (Former RR
roadbed) |
The Trail
The West River
Trail may well be Vermont’s oldest transportation path. Native Americans
called the West River “Wantastiquet” or “waters of the
lonely way”.
In 1879, this path
was developed into the West River Railroad, originating in Brattleboro
and terminating at the South Londonderry Depot.
Click here for more history of the trail.
Today, 16 miles along
the upper section of this valley route provide a safe and scenic alternative
to Route 30 for hikers, walkers, skiers and bikers, linking the villages
of South Londonderry, Jamaica and Townshend with 4,500 acres of public
land. The trail has a variety of terrain that will please everyone; from
single track for mountain bikers to Sure Pack for strollers and wheelchairs.
Click here for a map of
the trail.
The Depot
Constructed
in 1870’s, the Depot originally served as the terminus for the West
River Railroad. FWRT purchased the structure in 2000 with a Vermont Agency
of Transportation enhancement grant. The Depot has been restored so the
exterior appearse as it did in the 1930s and the interior space is for
exhibitions and public gatherings. The Depot will serve as a trailhead
facility for the West River Trail and a historical museum for the West
River Railroad. The building’s redesign also incorporates rentable
office space to offset ongoing maintenance and expenses.
The Friends of the West River Trail
Organized in 1992, the Friends of the West River Trail (FWRT) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the establishment of a 36-mile scenic trail through the West River Valley — eventually linking Brattleboro, Dummerston, Newfane, Townshend, Jamaica and South Londonderry. FWRT’s mission is to:
- Develop and maintain a publicly accessible system of paths along the West River corridor for educational, recreational and alternative transportation purposes.
- Promote public awareness and enjoyment of the recreational path system and of the history, geology and biota of the West River valley.
- Coordinate local, state and federal interests in planning, funding, construction, management and use of the trail system.
Click here for more information about FWRT or get involved.
FWRT Accomplishments
Since
its inception, FWRT has raised more than $1,170,000 through grants and
private contributions. Completed projects to date include:
- Financing and construction
of Cobb Brook Bridge
- Financing and construction
of Ball Mountain Dam Switchbacks
- Financing and purchase
of South Londonderry Depot and Renovation Plan
- Financing and construction
of fully accessible trail – 1.7 miles from the south gate of the
Winhall Brook Campground
- Financing and construction of trail access improvements at Townshend Dam Overlook.
Click here to learn more about the projects on the trail.
P.O. Box 2086;
S. Londonderry VT 05155 | info@westrivertrail.org