Valley Falls Park Trails

Description

Terrain through woods is uneven, and flat in the fields, along the brook, and on the Hop River State Park Trail. Below are descriptions of popular trail routes through the property. For more detail, see the trail map created by Vernon Greenways Volunteers.

Valley Falls Loop Trail

This is a 3.8 mile blue/yellow blazed loop with some hilly terrain. From parking lot on Valley Falls Road, hikers can make a loop that includes sections of the blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail and the Hop River State Park Trail. Views include pond, brooks, bridges over spillways, soccer fields, and Valley Falls Park facilities. This loop also includes a rock scramble in the section near the Boulder Crest soccer field.

Main Road Trail

This red-blazed trail is 1.6 miles roundtrip. From parking on Valley Falls Road, the trail travels south past the pond and then Valley Falls Park, and connects to the Valley Falls Loop Trail.

Pond Loop Trail

This loop is about 0.6 miles. From the parking on Valley Falls Road, it travels partially on the blue-blazed Shenipsit Trail and loops around the pond. While on the Pond Loop Trail south of the pond, trail blazes are orange.

Boulder Crest Soccer Field Trails

Two loops, an inner yellow-blazed loop of 0.4 miles and an outer orange-blazed loop of 0.9 miles, start from the Boulder Crest Lane parking west of the trail system.

Lookout Trail

This unmarked trail is about 1.5 miles roundtrip and begins from the Valley Falls Loop Trail west of the Hop River State Park Trail. It consists of rock ledges and views of Valley Falls Park.

Railroad Brook Trail

This yellow-blazed 2-mile roundtrip trail starts from Valley Falls Road parking. It passes the pond on the Shenipsit Trail and then crosses several footbridges over streams. It can be hiked alone or used to connect to the Hop River State Park Trail and/or the Valley Falls Loop Trail for longer loop hikes.

Braille Trail

This small lollipop-style loop trail marked with 1,100 feet of guide rope can be accessed by traveling west from the Railroad Brook Trail (yellow blazes). The loop should be traveled counter-clockwise. The trail loops around the site of an 18th and 19th century mill site where remnants of the mill's stone wall and a waterwheel pit still remain. Braille signs tell the history at different points around the loop. Details can be found on Vernon's All Trails Brochure on page 16. 

Rock Scramble

Trail users have reported a rock scramble on the Valley Falls Loop Trail. A rock scramble is a section of trail with rocks or boulders that often requires the use of both arms and legs, but not rock-climbing gear, to navigate. Earn the Scrambled! rock scramble badge!

Other Information

Rules

General:

• All unauthorized motorized vehicles are excluded from all sections of the trail. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted.
• Carry out what you carry in!   Litter receptacles are provided only in high traffic parking areas and where there are picnic tables.
• Do not disturb wildlife or make fires.
• Smokers should not dispose of butts or ashes into the forest.
• Vandalism and graffiti should be reported to the town at (860) 870-3520.  Please state if there is any material that some people would find objectionable.  Timeliness is important.  Immediate removal discourages future like action.
• Obey posted signs and stay to the right.
• Please be courteous to others at all times.

Dog Owners:

• Dog owners should have their dog on a leash and under their control at all times.
• Dog owners shall remove all feces deposited before leaving the immediate area.

Cross-country skiers

• Ski on right side.
• Announce your presence to others.

Trail Manager

Vernon Greenways Volunteers

vgvpresident@gmail.com

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