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

Bristol Trail Network

The Bristol Trail Network is a scenic loop of mostly flat, easy trail, punctuated by a few short but steep inclines with narrow tread through the village of Bristol. 
Trail Activity
Hiking Mountain biking Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing
Length
3.60 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Bristol (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder, Paved/Cement, Woodchips, Stairways/Ladders
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

This description explains the sections if you walk them continuously beginning at the southeast trail head at Basin Street and traveling clockwise.

Park in the village and walk east on Main Street (also called Rt 116/Rt 17/East Street). Turn right on Basin Street and walk to the bottom of the hill, then turn right and walk past the gate to follow the tree line into the woods. You’ll see a yellow BTN sign marking the trail, which turns immediately uphill once in the trees. This short segment emerges at the bottom of South Street. Turn left and walk on the shoulder of the road toward the bridge, then turn right and carefully cross South Street to enter the Coffin Factory Loop where you can find the foundation stones of the old coffin factory and an interesting informational sign.

You can then continue to hike along the New Haven River for about half a mile on the River Bend Trail section of the network. As you hike, you'll pass through several distinct forest types along with evidence of historical efforts to prevent bank erosion. Basin Street, Coffin Factory, and River Bend all have excellent access the river for fishing.

After about 0.6 miles, The River Bend Trail climbs steeply up to the level of downtown Bristol where it intersects with the Business Park Loop section of the network. Short and flat, the Business Park Loop has stunning views to the south and east.

Emerging from the Business Park Loop, follow Fire House Drive past the fire station to Main Street (also called West Street/Rt 116/Rt 17). Carefully cross to the sidewalk and turn left toward Airport Drive. At Airport Drive turn right and walk along the shoulder until you come to the American Legion driveway, then turn left and cross Airport Drive. Once on the grass, turn left and walk to the tree line at the south corner of the High School property where you’ll see the BTN sign as you enter the trees to begin the High School Trail, with magnificent westerly views of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks. The High School Trail offers the option to loop back towards school grounds or continue on along the Old Dump Trail.

While a bit unusual, the Old Dump Trail provides opportunities to view flora and fauna that prefer the more open landscape as well as salvaged historical equipment with handy informational signs. This is currently the final section of the Bristol Trail Network, and terminates at Pine Street at the northwest corner of the village. It is an easy walk from there through town along Main Street (featuring pleasant shops and restaurants in case you've worked up an appetite) back to your starting point.

Other Information

Certain sections of this trail pass through land that has been used for a multitude of purposes over the years. As such, this trail provides a window into the history of the interaction between nature and the people of Bristol. On the River Bend trail, which has several elevation changes on loose and gravelly soils, it is highly recommended to wear well-soled shoes.

Trail Manager

For more information, contact:

Bristol Recreation Club

Bristol Recreation Club
110 Airport Drive | PO Box 411
Bristol, VT 05443
bristolrecclubvt@gmail.com
View website

Trail Tips

Travel on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails. If there's no trail, try to walk on rock, gravel, or snow and spread out so that your group doesn't create a trail.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

This trail is designed to have multiple points of access from the Village of Bristol, VT. It is easy to hike the whole 3.6 miles or just hike one or two small sections.

You can park on Main Street or along the Town Green and easily walk to any of the trail segments. There is also parking at trail heads on South Street and behind the Fire Station as well as at the High School and the Recreation Park.

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
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…