Restoration work this summer covered accessibility upgrades and stream health
TRAIL INFORMATION LAST UPDATED: October 10, 2024
Public trails at Brewster Uplands in Cambridge received a major lift this summer!
Upgrades on nearly two miles of trails have enhanced accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. They will also improve stream health and clean water in the Brewster River watershed.
The seven miles of trails at Brewster Uplands are frequented by community members from the Cambridge and Jeffersonville area and visitors from further afield. VLT and our trail construction partner, Rabbit Tracks Trail Works of Eden, performed major improvements to the Loggers’ Loop Trail network and the Pond Loop Trail.
“Brewster is a special place to so many in the community,” said VLT’s Annalise Carington. “We’ve worked closely with the Cambridge Trails Committee and other community members to develop these projects to make this popular trail system more welcoming and more sustainable. We’re grateful to all our partners and the local community for their ongoing support!”
Loggers’ Loop Trail network improved for clean water and flood resilience
The Loggers’ Loop Trail network (which includes the main trail and adjacent trails Junction Hill, Canyon Road, and the Old Carriage Road) and the Junction Hill Road parking lot were closed through most of June, but trail improvements are now complete.
Several lifted culverts were either reset or replaced with shallow ford crossings that allowed water to flow naturally across trails and forest roads. Visitors will recognize the feel of these shallow crossings from the recent work done to remove breached culverts on the nearby West Farm Trail. (The picture above is of a crew from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps working on those improvements to the West Farm Trail in summer 2023.)
In addition, new water bars and grade reversals were installed to improve drainage and help mitigate erosion and muddy conditions. These upgrades improve stream and wetland function and enhance flood resilience in the watershed.
The improved trail is now open to all visitors, including bikers and horseback riders. (Please note that some sections of the rebuilt trail are still settling and may be soft or muddy. Use caution to stay safe and avoid damaging the trail. Please walk horses through soft sections.)
Pond Loop Trail enhanced with accessibility upgrades
The mile-long Pond Loop Trail was made more accessible for all with upgrades to make the path usable and safe for people on foot and mobility devices. Trail upgrades incorporated best practices for universal trail accessibility provided by the US Forest Service. The upper parking lot on West Farm Road also features new ADA (American Disabilities Act)-compliant parking, better drainage and surfacing, and an improved driveway entrance.
Accessible trail details
Length: 1 mile loop
Surface: Compacted crushed stone
Tread Width: 5 ft minimum; 6 ft maximum
Grade: Typical: 0-2%, Max: 3%
Cross Slope: Typical: 0-2%
“The benefits of time spent in nature are well known,” added Annalise, “and we want the lands that VLT owns and manages to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience-level in the outdoors. The Pond Loop Trail was intentionally selected with input from the community as a great fit for accessibility upgrades with its gentle grade and open trail corridor.”
A more even, well-drained and stable trail surface allows for easier walking and unrestricted movement of mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, or other power-driven devices.
“In addition, trail bump-outs, benches, and an improved pond overlook area will provide more places to sit and rest along the way,” explained Annalise.
“My family, friends and I are very excited and thankful for all those involved in making these upcoming accessibility improvements possible,” said Berni Kuntzelmann of Cambridge. “This is a beautiful asset to our community and should be enjoyed by all, which these improvements will help to do. I look forward to exploring the new, improved Pond Loop Trail and parking lot in my mobility chair ASAP!”
Hear more from Berni in WCAX’s recent coverage of the trail improvements.
Laird MacDowell of the Cambridge Trails Committee said: “The Committee applauds VLT for hiring Rabbit Tracks Trail Works to rebuild the one-mile-long Pond Loop Trail to be fully wheelchair-accessible, providing a rare flat, wooded trail for all users to complement the LVRT (Lamoille Valley Rail Trail) and Cambridge Greenway gravel trails. In addition, VLT will resolve a major issue with lifted culverts utilizing the same local contractor on the popular Loggers’ Loop trail, which will greatly improve the trail and make it more bicycle friendly.”
We plan to install benches along the trail or the seating area at the pond overlook spur later this fall.
Questions?
Please contact us with questions about planning your visit or accessibility needs.
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