Celebrate National Trails Day and Take a Hike!

Saturday, June 5, is National Trails Day, 2010. In recognition, The Friends of the West River Trail are hosting an open house at the South Londonderry Depot, on Route 100, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Activities will include a free bicycle inspection and tune up, complimentary ice cream from the Walpole Creamery, tours of the restored depot and, of course, hiking and bicycling on the beautiful West River Trail. Maps of the trail are available at the depot.

The Trail follows, as closely as possible, the roadbed of the long-abandoned West River Railroad, which served the valley from its opening in 1879 until service ceased in the mid-1930s, the result of major competition from new highways and major damage from a hurricane. The roadbed adhered closely to the river and affords fine views of the pastoral stream and the steep hills that rise from its banks. Being a former roadbed, the Trail is generally flat and offers an easy and relaxing walk. Portions are handicapped-accessible.

It is the goal of The Friends of the West River Trail (FWRT) to convert the entire 36 mile route of the railroad, which ran from Brattleboro to South Londonderry, into a viable recreation facility. 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 unspoiled public land.

The depot itself was constructed in the 1870s. FWRT purchased the structure in 2000 in derelict condition with a Vermont Agency of Transportation enhancement grant. Work performed since then has led to the restoration of the Depot’s exterior to its appearance in the 1930s and the rehabilitation of its interior space for exhibitions and public gatherings. The Depot will serve as a Visitor Center and trailhead facility for the West River Trail and a historical museum for West River Railroad memorabilia. Currently in its final phases of fundraising and construction, the project is scheduled to be completed this year.

So come to the depot on June 5 and join the Friends in celebrating National Trails Day; explore the beautiful West River Trail, and when you have walked enough to deserve a reward, treat yourself to some delicious Walpole Creamery ice cream. If you have brought your bicycle, be sure to have it examined and tuned up for the busy season ahead by the professional staff of Mountain Riders.

FWRT extends sincere appreciation to Jon Woodell and Mountain Riders for offering this service to our cyclists at no charge. Tune-ups will be performed from 10 AM to 1 PM.