No matter the 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, 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 the Vernon Greenways Volunteers at This Email.

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

Adopt a Vernon Trail

Vernon's Adopt-a-Trail program involves businesses and residents in the maintenance, enhancement, expansion and proper use of the Town's existing 30-plus miles of trails, thus increasing educational opportunities and exposure to nature in our own back yard. You may participate as a Sponsor or as a Volunteer.

Sponsors:
A business or resident may become a Sponsor of a trail section by donating $200 annually, either in tax deductible cash or in-kind materials. Donations would be used for all aspects of the program including, but not limited to, office-related administration expenses, volunteer support and recognition, and the costs associated with actual trail work. You may select the trail section you wish to sponsor, or program staff can assign one for you. A sign posed on that segment would identify your participation in the Adopt-A-Trail program.

Vernon Greenways Volunteers:
The trail work is done by the members of the Vernon Greenways Volunteers, our resident volunteer program. Volunteers may select one of three participation levels: Trail Manager (overall responsibility for a segment of the trail and/or supervision, education and technical expertise for projects), Trail Worker (work force for trail projects) and Greenways Monitor (identify and report problem areas for correction and participate in low impact projects). To learn more or participate, e-mail

Vernon Greenways Volunteers

The Vernon Greenways Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping Vernon's trails spectacular and welcoming to residents and people from across Connecticut and New England. To learn more about this terrific organization and the great work it does, or to join, visit the group's website or email