You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Epic Abandoned Railroad Hike In Vermont

Simply put, rail trails are awesome, and the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is great for everyone from beginners to experienced trail seekers. It's located in the general area of Castleton and has flat and smooth trails traveling through rural areas of Rutland and Bennington Counties. You'll love the views of open farmlands, forests and villages as well as abandoned places along the way. There is a lot to take in, and perhaps the coolest part is the flat trail surrounded by tall mountains.

Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail.

This abandoned railroad bed has been improved and is excellent for families and beginners.

Marble Platform at an old train stop in West Pawlet.

There are many things to see and explore along the way such as this marble platform at an old train station.

There are many abandoned places along the route.

Check out this abandoned barn and farm equipment. You'll travel through dairy farms, people's back yards, and small towns.

Nature is reclaiming many of the abandoned properties.

Most of the trail feels more like an old farm road.

An old John Deer was left behind.

You'll get a unique perspective of rural Vermont's dairy farms, meadows, woods, and small towns.

Take in the sights.

You'll pass old buildings, working farms, and sleepy small towns.

There aren't many of the original markers anymore.

There are very few reminders of the Delaware and Hudson Railway.

Travel at your own risk.

The trail is not maintained during the winter, so please use caution.

The State Line of New York & Vermont.

The state line is between East Hebron, NY and East Rupert, VT.

The trail ends about 1/2 mile past this sign.

The original idea was for the trail to follow the entire line from Rutland to Albany, but it looks like New York didn't follow through, so this is the end of the line for now.

Check out another great rail trail or take one of these 15 trails you must take if you love the outdoors.