The 1.2-mile West Greenway starts at the trailhead parking off Meadow Road, just below Route 100, and continues along the Mad River to the VT-100 across the 1824 House (there is no exit at the 1824 House, so plan an out-and-back trip). Along the way, the path passes several river access points and a picnic gazebo. You’ll find beautiful views of Sugarbush’s upper ski trails and the Monroe Skyline of the Green Mountains. To the west, you can see the Hartshorn Organic Farm and maple sugaring operation. Bring your swimwear or fishing rod if you would like to have some fun in the river. The West Greenway is protected by a conservation easement held by our partners at the Vermont Land Trust and a trail access easement held by the Town of Waitsfield.
Dogs are allowed on-leash. Please Leave No Trace & clean up and remove all pet waste. Please stay on trail and off farm fields.
The rich floodplain along Meadow Road is part of a working farm, following a long standing tradition of agriculture in the Mad River Valley. Raising sheep was the first dominant agricultural activity in Waitsfield, shifting to dairy in the mid 1800s. Over time, agriculture heavily influenced the landscape, removing crucial riparian forest along the river. Farming today, as demonstrated on this land, strives for the restoration of healthy riparian forests alongside productive farmland. Friends of the Mad River and volunteers work with landowners across the watershed to reforest these areas for their benefits to wildlife habitat, clean water, and flood resilience. The West Greenway and adjoining agricultural land is permanently protected thanks to the Town of Waitsfield, the Vermont Land Trust and generous landowners.
This trail is part of the Mad River Valley Trails Collaborative.
The Collaborative is a watershed-wide network of lands and trails created through a partnership of local organizations, generous property owners, towns, the State of Vermont, the US Forest Service, and many volunteers. These trails reflect the Mad River Valley’s love of the outdoors and commitment to stewardship of land and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. Enjoy and help us care for this place. Click here to learn more and support recreation in the Mad River Valley.
Visit Mad River Path Association online for more information or contact:
To access the trailhead from downtown Waitsfield, drive 3.8 miles north on VT-100 from the intersection of VT-100 and VT-17. Turn right onto Meadow Road. Parking is on the right just before the bridge over the Mad River. Please do not block access to the business at the south end of the parking lot.
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