TOONERVILLE TRAIL:
SPRINGFIELD, VERMONT
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: September 09, 2024
Length: Toonerville Trail; 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy. Flat paved rail trail with some on-road (low volume) sections.
Directions:
To Start from the Routes 5 & 11 parking lot or Hoyts Landing parking lot [Southeastern End]; From I-91 take exit 7 to Route 11 east. You'll pass by a small parking lot on your right where the trail crosses the road. You may also continue along Route 11 to the CT River. Just before the bridge on your right is the CT River access parking lot.
To Start from the Robert Jones Industrial Center [Northwestern End]; From I-91 take exit 7 to Route 11 for 2.5 miles. Turn right when you see a sign for the Robert Jones Industrial Center. Park to your right where the trail begins next to an informational board.
The Toonerville Trail partially follows the rail bed of the old Springfield Electric Railroad. The trolleys that ran on that line from Springfield to Charlestown were affectionately called the "Toonerville trolleys" after a cartoon strip popular during the early 20th century. For more information visit; TOONERVILLE TRAIL .
Starting from the Robert Jones Industrial Center [Northwestern End]; From the sign board the stone-dust trail heads away from Route 11, past a Porto-Potty and turns Southeast, where it is now paved. The Black River follows the trail along your left and Route 11 is on your right. You'll come to Paddock Rd after 1.3 miles. River overlook on your left with benches and a Map Board. Turn left, over the black iron bridge, for an on-road section (low volume).
Note; You may take a quick side trip by continuing straight, on-road, along Perley Gordon Rd (residential). Just before Route 11 turn left through the old wooden Baltimore Covered Bridge/Paddock Bridge and you'll come to the old Eureka Schoolhouse (1785-1900) after 0.3 miles.
Follow Paddock Rd along the opposite side of the river and rejoin the paved trail on your right at 2 miles. The trail travels underneath Route 11 and alongside the river. Cross Route 5, then travel underneath I-91. The trail utilizes an old road out to Routes 5 & 11 at 2.8 miles. A parking lot is on your left. Continue straight across Routes 5 & 11 via a cross-walk. Use extreme caution; fast moving cars. Turn right and follow the paved trail alongside the road. The trail ends after 3.2 miles next to Connecticut River Rd. Right across Routes 5 & 11 is the Hoyts Landing parking lot with access to the Connecticut River. If you continue straight on-road a narrow bridge (Caution no shoulder) over the Connecticut River takes you into NH.
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BIKE IT OR HIKE IT