Vernon Conservation Commission: Rails to Trails

No matter what season, you can find beauty, fun or tranquility on Vernon's many trails. We have more than 30 miles of trails, including Hop River State Park Rails-to-Trails, the Hockanum River Linear Park Path, walkways that loop around ponds and reservoirs and through Valley Falls Park amd the Belding Wildlife Management Area, and many more. 

Walking, biking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing are just a few of the activities you and your family can enjoy, Benches along the rail trail overlook scenic Valley Falls Pond, while smaller trails lead down to the pond, where you can fish, swim, picnic or relax in the sun. Or, you can hike up to the cliffs above the trail to watch hawks soar over the trees.

Another user of the Rails-to-Trails is horseback riding. Horses are welcome on the trail, but riders should read Share the Trail, Tips for Trail Etiquette, provided by The Connecticut Horse Council, Inc.

Informational signs along the Hop River rail trail tell about the historic Vernon Depot and about important fish habitat restoration projects in nearby Railroad Brook. Signs along the Hockanum River Linear Park Trail describe the ecology and Native American history of the river corridor.

A map of Vernon's Parks and Recreation Trail System can be downloaded at Vernon Parks and Recreation. If you would like to volunteer to keep our trails safe and clean, contact Don Bellingham at 872-6061 or e-mail him at vernongreenways@att.net.

And please remember to take out what you take in. Keep our trails beautiful!