The solar eclipse is coming on April 8th! Learn more about where you can go to view the eclipse and other useful tips.

Bill Ballard Trail

The 4-mile Bill Ballard Trail parallels Charles Brown Brook and Beaver Meadow Road in Norwich and features the "Grand Canyon of Norwich."
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
4.00 miles, Network
Difficulty
Advanced
Town
Norwich (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The mostly level wooded trail includes many ups and downs to cross numerous seasonal creeks that flow to Charles Brown Brook - the most spectacular creek creating the "Grand Canyon" in the upper half of the trail. The trail is limited to foot travel; dogs are permitted. Bicycles and horses are not allowed.

From the upper (west-most) end, the trail leaves the road just beyond the roadside parking area. It passes an old stone foundation before crossing a foot bridge to climb gently up into a stand of old pines. The Converse Loop trail goes off to the right and rejoins after a short distance. The main trail crosses several foot bridges before coming to the Grand Canyon of Norwich. You then follow down the rim of the canyon before crossing on stepping stones at the bottom and continuing with a flatter walk along Charles Brown Brook. The trail eventually climbs up higher in the woods again, crossing under a power line and passing an old stone wall before meeting the junction with the closed road, Brown Schoolhouse Road. Three benches here provide a good spot for a snack. The second half of the trail is much like the first, with numerous foot bridges and stream crossings. The last segment follows close to the brook. Near the end of the trail there is a bike rack, picnic tables, and grills.

Trail Manager

For more information contact:

Norwich Trails Committee

Norwich Trails Committee
1396 New Boston Road
Norwich, VT 05055
Phone: (802) 649-1048
Nick.Krembs@gmail.com

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Dispose of solid human waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, or trails. Don't forget to cover it up when you're done!
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Three parking areas provide access to the trail off Beaver Meadow Road in Norwich (the first left turn immediately after Dan & Whits and the Norwich Inn): the Norwich Pool (on the left just over 1 mile from the Inn, immediately before Brigham Hill Road); Parcel 5 (directly across Beaver Meadow Road from Brown Schoolhouse Road), and roadside parking (just before Tucker Hill Road).

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found

Trail Alerts

Brown Schoolhouse Road Bridge OUT
Brown Schoolhouse Road Bridge OUT
The bridge across the brook is washed out, so if accessing Ballard Trail from the old road, plan to ford the stream.
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…