These trails near the village of Wilmington offer a range of options for walking, hiking, and biking.
The Riverwalk starts at the west edge of the village, at Reardon's Crossing, a pedestrian bridge over the Deerfield River. At the far end of the bridge, the flat, improved-surface trail follows the river past the old Vermont Barnboard factory, now renovated as the area's transit system garage and headquarters. Excellent interpretive panels tell the fascinating history of the businesses in this building over the years. You soon come to a small bridge. Here, you can return to the village for a total distance of a half mile, a pleasant stroll during that can be combined with a visit to village's many shops and restaurants. You can also continue across a bridge to a trail junction where the Riverwalk splits into two narrow, more primitive footpaths that form a small loop that takes 5 minutes to walk. At the top of the loop is the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail (see below). Hikers can turn right and follow this trail for 1.5 miles to Harriman Reservoir, or turn left and reach Mill Street in 0.5 miles. From here, you can walk the streets back to the village center.
The Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail utilizes the abandoned railroad bed of the Hoosac, Tunnel, and Wilmington Railroad. The railroad's initials, HT&W, were displayed on their locomotives and cars, and inspired locals to bestow their humorous nickname to the line. This trail is flat and easy walking or biking. You can access the HT&W trail from the Riverwalk, or from Mill Street.
For more information, visit the Town of Wilmington online, or contact:
West Main Street Parking Lot: You can park in this public parking lot to access the beginning of the Riverwalk at Reardon's Crossing on West Main Street. Signs on the south side of West Main Street (Route 9), 170 yards west of the traffic light in the center of Wilmington, direct you to this parking lot. From your car, walk back to West Main Street, turn left, and you will arrive at Reardon's Crossing bridge in two to three minutes.
South Main Street Parking Lot: This public parking lot is one block south of the traffic light in the center of Wilmington, on the left (east) side of South Main Street. Reardon's Crossing is a one-quarter mile walk from this lot; return on foot to the center of the village and turning left onto West Main Street. To get to the trailheads on Mill Street, you can walk south on South Main Street a short ways, turn right onto Shafter Street, and turn left onto Mill Street. From Mill Street, a short trail bears right leading down to the Riverwalk, or continue to the trailhead for the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail on the left. Blue arrows on village street utility poles guide the way.
Mill Street Trailhead for the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail: From the traffic light in the center of Wilmington, follow South Main Street (the street which is not Route 9 or 100) to Shafter Street (the first street on the right) and turn right. Turn left onto Mill Street. Continue past a side trail on the right leading to the Riverwalk to the beginning of the Hoot, Toot, and Whistle Trail on the left.
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