The southernmost 30 miles of the Catamount Trail are also some of the easiest. The trail follows a mostly easy grade along the scenic Deerfield River and Harriman reservoir. There are a few short hills that can be walked, if needed. There are also some sections of snowmobile trail and a short road walk. Take care on river crossings.
To reach the border with Massachusetts, you must ski south from Harriman Station. The property south of the MA-VT line is private and not open to the public. Please do not proceed past the boundary marker.
Although the grade in this section is relatively easy, it is also ungroomed. Plan for extra time if there has been recent snowfall.
The Catamount Trail Association also provides detailed section-by-section route descriptions on their website.
Please note that the Catamount Trail is open only in the winter.
Sharing the trail - The Catamount Trail is primarily managed for cross-country skiing, but snowshoes are welcome. When snowshoeing on the trail, travel in single file, stay on one side of the trail to allow skiers to use the other, avoid stepping on the ski track and if at a cross-country ski center, abide by the rules of the center.
Snowmobile Trails - The Catamount Trail uses many snowmobile trails through the generosity of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Skiers should step off the trail to allow snowmobiles to pass. VAST membership dues pay for the maintenance of these trails. If you will be regularly skiing sections of the Catamount Trail that use parts of the VAST trails, please consider supporting the maintenance of these segments by joining VAST. Contact VAST at: 26 Vast Lane, Barre, VT 05641, 802.229.0005
Private Landowners - Much of the Catamount Trail passes over private land. Please respect the rights of landowners and stay on the blazed route. In addition, keep your dog on the trail (have a leash with you!) and carry out any trash that you make or see. If you run into any problems, please contact the Catamount Trail Association.
For more information and for detailed maps and descriptions, go to the Catamount Trail Association website or contact:
Harriman Station - From the village of Readsboro, take VT-100 North over a high bridge, and immediately turn right (south) on Depot Street., which becomes Harriman Station Drive. Follow the road to its end at a plowed parking area above Harriman
Station, a hydroelectric plant. Park near the Catamount Trail Parking sign. Do not block buildings or gates.
Harriman Dam - From the village of Readsboro, take VT-100 North (toward Whitingham) 4.0 miles. Turn left (north) on Dam Road. Follow Dam Road to the end of plowing and a parking lot adjacent to Harriman Dam. The Dam Road sign is often missing.
US-9 - Approximately 4 miles west of Wilmington turn right off US- 9 onto Lund Lane, a paved, “No Outlet” road. Drive in 0.5 mile and park in a plowed cul-de-sac. To ski south on the CT, climb up the bank and cross US-9, walk eastbound, cross the Deerfield River on the highway bridge and then start skiing in the clearing on the right side of the road. The state does not allow blazes along the highway, so look along the edge of the woods for blazes.
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