North Branch River Park and Nature Center Trails

Description

The North Branch River Park trails feature miles of trails for hiking, running and biking. There is almost a mile of river frontage with important wetlands and wildlife habitat as well as upland forest. There is an invasive plants interpretive trail and a pump track for biking at the southern end of the park.

The North Branch Nature Center Trails connect to the North Branch Park via a bridge over the Winooski River and loop around the field and through the riparian forest. The North Branch Nature Center connects people with environmental education, natural history and community science through their many programs and projects. 

There is a 0.3 mile Universal Access Trail loop that starts and ends at the nature center parking lot. The 4-5 foot wide flat compacted stonedust trail makes a loop around the community gardens. Benches are located throughout the trails. Conditions are variable in winter. See Trail Access Information below for more information about this Accessible Experience. 

The other 0.9 miles of trails in the meadow of the nature center also provide access for many people. These mowed grass paths are typically 3 feet wide with a section that narrows to 24”. While cross slope is typically 0-2%, there are brief sections where it is over 5%. Benches are located throughout the trails.

The trails vary from wide and easy trails to fast and flowy singletrack. The trails connect to both Hubbard Park to the west and Sparrow Farm Road to the north. Most of the trails are multi-use - please be respectful of other users.

The intersections at North Branch are numbered to aid in navigation around the trail system. Refer to the Montpelier Parks map for reference.

TRAIL ACCESS INFORMATION 

(Applies to Universal Access Trail Loop)

Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 10/19/2025

Other Information

Guidelines and Regulations:

1. Carry-out whatever you carry-in
2. Dogs must be leashed at all times
3. Leave only footprints, take only pictures
4. Bikes allowed on designated trails ONLY (You can see which trails allow biking on the Trail Map tab. Click Legend > Uses > Mountain Biking and the bike trails will be highlighted)
5. No camping
6. No discharge of weapons, at any time
7. No fires
8. Snowmobiles are permitted on the main and marked trail only and limited to 15 mph, otherwise no motor vehicles allowed, except Parks Maintenance vehicles.

Trail Manager

For more information, contact: