Active Trail Closures - December 11, 2025

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 as of 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.  As a result of this closure, there is currently no through-access around the entirety of Mud Pond.

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.  Williston continues to move forward with the permitting process and is currently working on wetlands permitting and Act 250 permitting in addition to other permits required to repair and reinforce the boardwalk to limit future flood damage.  Repair construction is currently expected to commence is May or June 2026.

Allen Brook Nature Trail: the beaver lodge at the Allen Brook tributary confluence is active again as of fall 2025, and the trail crossing is flooded out.  An assessment of the situation will be carried out in spring and alternatives to reconnect the trail considered.

*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