Castleton Gems
A collection of local recreational activities for all to enjoy
Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park
Hiking, great views, Japanese Garden
Overview
This State Park has no fees, has unique features, and both shorter and longer options that can cater to a wide-range of abilities. The most up-to-date information can be found at the Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park webpage.
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Description
From the main parking lot on the access road from St. John Rd. there are a number of hiking options. The closest is to walk down the gravel path to the Japanese Gardens. From this point there are a number of hiking options that can keep you on the west-side of the park, or crossover to the east-side of the park.
The west side trails are a bit steeper and make some nice small loops that are each under 2 miles and have great view points along the way.
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The east side trails are accessed by going down the Meadow Trail and crossing Monument Hill Rd. A loop of the Falls Trail and back via the Woods Rd offers a nice long-range view in the meadow and a look at a series of waterfalls near the high point. This is about 1.5 miles from the Monument Hill Rd crossing.
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Stats
Multiple options in the 0.5 to 3 mile range
Where
Park at Google Map Pin 43.685513, -73.142632
Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park
From Castleton Village: Take Rt 4a east to East Hubbardton Rd and take a left. Continue for 6.4 miles (turns into Monument Hill Rd.) to St. John Rd. Take a left, continue 0.3 miles and turn left onto the access road that is signed for the State Park.​
Activities
Hiking, walking
XC skiing is possible on the meadows and north woods trails
Herrick Mountain
Hike with elevation gain, great views
Overview
While Herrick Mountain lies just over the Castleton town border in Poultney, this gem is best accessed from Castleton on the north side of the Birdseye State Wildlife Area. This hike on double track trail is steep, but is highly rewarding with incredible views of the entire town of Castleton, the backside of Bird Mountain, Lake Bomoseen, and even the high peaks of the Adirondacks on a clear day.
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There are no trail markers for this route, but it is a well-defined double track where you keep on the major trail the entire time.
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Description
After parking in the log yard on the left side of Birdseye road, the double track trail starts by crossing Gully Brook over a wooden bridge in the back corner of the yard. The initial 3/4 mile slowly climbs to another bridge on a left turn that marks the start of the steeper climbing up to the northern ridge. After a series of switchbacks you reach the ridge that marks Herrick Pass, separating the destination tower and high point to your right from North Herrick peak to your left.
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At the pass, stay straight on the flat towards the east side of the ridge to a trail junction. Stay right at the trail junction and start climbing towards the tower. The tower is the best view, but those seeking a summit can continue on the trail and climb another 115' over a 1/3 mile to the high point that does not have an open view.
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Stats
Out-and-back hike
To tower viewpoint: 3.8 mi roundtrip, 1,335' gain
To summit: 4.4 mi roundtrip, 1,500' gain
Where
Park at Google Map Pin 43.568246, -73.117275
Birdseye State Wildlife Area
From Castleton Village: Take Rt 4a east for ~2.5 miles then turn right onto Birdseye Rd (not Ira Birdseye!). Follow for 3.2 miles to log yard on left before the road gets steeper and rougher.
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WINTER NOTE: The last 1.4 miles of Birdseye Rd is not plowed. It is a VAST trail in the winter.
Activities
Hiking (strenuous)
Hunting
XC/backcountry skiing (most difficult; variable conditions)
