Trail Closures & Repair Projects - August 3, 2026

Mud Pond Conservation Area Boardwalks: both boardwalks on the west side of Mud Pond Conservation Area, including the west side viewing platform, are currently closed since 11/3/25.  These structures have deteriorated over time and are no longer safe to use.  Repair costs and alternatives are currently being studied, but no replacement timetable has been set.  The Town has received ongoing temporary permission for pedestrians use of a private portion of the VAST trail in order to circumnavigate Mud Pond.  See the link below for a map of the temporary trail situation; maps are posted at the trailheads at both ends of the Mud Pond trail network.

Allen Brook Nature Trail: the boardwalk/bridge that connects Village Park to the Allen Brook Nature Trail has been out of service since early 2024 after a combination of severe flooding and beaver activity undermined bridge supports and caused a section of bridge to begin to cave in.  The damaged section of the boardwalk was removed on 12/2/25 for safety reasons.  The town completed the permit process in June 2026 and is now working with contractors to sequence the repair work.  Repair construction is currently anticipated to begin in late August 2026 beginning with stream stabilization work.  A final reopening date for the boardwalk has not been set, but we are hoping for fall or early winter 2026.

Allen Brook Nature Trail: the beaver lodge at the Allen Brook tributary confluence was briefly active in fall 2026 and spring 2026, and the trail crossing was flooded out.  The boardwalk was raised in summer 2026 to restore access and it will be re-decked next season to replace aging boards.  This site is subject to periodic beaver activity and fluctuating water levels, please report future access issues and avoid crossing if seriously flooded.

Schmoker Trail: the Schmoker Trail boardwalk adjacent to Oak Hill Rd is being replaced the week of August 10th, 2026 with the help of Winooski Valley Parks District.  This section of the trail is closed but will re-open on August 15th after construction.

Sucker Brook Hollow Country Park: an Eagle Scout is installing a new trail kiosk at the parking area & trailhead.  This work is expected to be completed by mid-August 2026.  Please use caution around the incomplete kiosk structure.

*Click Here for Trail Closure Details and Maps*

WILLISTON'S TRAILS

The Williston Conservation Commission (WCC) and planning staff maintain and manage the Town's growing network of Country Parks, Natural Areas, and trails, which includes more than 256 acres of parkland, 279 acres of conservation areas, and 12 miles of trails.  Conservation staff works with the Winooski Valley Parks District, Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Fellowship of the Wheel, Scout Troop 692, and many local volunteers organizations, individuals, and businesses to maintain Williston's country parks and trails.

The Town of Williston began a more formalized volunteer trail stewardship program called Adopt-a-Trail in 2019.  While that program is currently on hold, the town would like to thank the following individuals and organizations who all volunteered to adopt and steward trails:

Five Tree Hill Country Park - Karen Benway and Sue Dodge

Sucker Brook Hollow Country Park - Scout Troop 692

Mud Pond Conservation Area (West Side) - n/a

Mud Pond Conservation Area (East Side) - Terry Marron

Schmoker Connection (Five Tree Hill to Mud Pond) - Richmond/Williston Rotary Club

Allen Brook Nature Trail - n/a

Oak View Hill Trails - Mike Isham and Helen Weston

The town welcomes volunteer trail stewards for these trails and others. If you are interested in adopting a trail or volunteering on specific projects occasionally as the need arises, please contact the Senior Conservation Planner at dmoroney@willistonvt.org.

If you notice an issue on town trails that needs attention, please let us know!

CATAMOUNT COMMUNITY FOREST

The Catamount Community Forest is the newest addition to Williston's protected open space. The nearly 400-acre property has been a well-loved destination for a diversity of outdoor recreation for the last four decades.  The land, now owned by the Town, serves as a town forest and is managed by the nonprofit Catamount Outdoor Family Center (COFC) for mountain biking, Nordic skiing, hiking, environmental education, and other year-round public access. While some activities such as skiing and mountain biking require purchase of Day or Annual Membership, pedestrian access (walking, running, snowshoeing) is free, and visitors are asked to sign into the forest and check in at the Guest Services and Rental Hub before venturing out on the trails.

Note that the COFC closes the trail system to all uses during the spring/late fall seasons and during very wet periods when conditions make the trails particularly vulnerable to damage.  Catamount Community Forest trail conditions and temporary closures are announced on the Trail Maps and Conditions web page and interactive trail map. 

To protect this valuable trail network, please respect and abide by all trail closures.  Trails are re-opened as soon as conditions allow.

The COFC invests significant resources each year into maintaining and improving the trail system at Catamount Community Forest for the benefit of both fee activities and free access.  Pedestrian trail users who would like to support the work of COFC can purchase Supporting Memberships, contribute donations, or participate in volunteer projects to help sustain our valued partner organization.

OTHER TRAIL USE GUIDELINES

In addition to Catamount Community Forest, mountain biking and fat biking are also allowed at Mud Pond Country Park when trails are not muddy. These trails are managed by the nonprofit Fellowship of the Wheel, and are also closed during the spring mud season and at other times of year as needed.  

To prevent trail erosion we strongly recommend limiting all trail usage during mud season, and reserve the right to close any of Williston's public use trails when conditions warrant.

Dogs are not allowed at Catamount Community Forest or on the Oak View Hill trails, but are welcome at all other country parks.

Please follow the rules for responsible trails use:

Please plan ahead. Please pick up and properly dispose of your dog's waste.  Please be courteous of others by keeping dogs in control at all times. Dogs are required to be leashed on trails that cross through private property.

TRAIL MAPS