Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Pond reflects the blue cloudy sky and pine trees surrounding the banks.
© Linda MacMillan

Trails at Rutland Brook

Explore 4 miles of trails at Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. A series of loop trails can be accessed via John Woolsey Trail which originates off the parking area. Portions of the trails may be wet or muddy following spring thaw or heavy rain. Depending on your trail route, moderate to steep slopes may be encountered and terrain can best be described as moderately rugged.

Trail Map

download Rutland Brook Trail Map (832.9 kB)

Trail Descriptions

John Woolsey Trail 

Length: 0.36 mile 

Start in the parking area and continue along to Connor Pond and a field edge before it joining Rutland Brook Loop Trail.  

Rutland Brook Loop Trail  

Length: 0.6 mile   

Wind through an impressive White Pine and hemlock forest along picturesque Rutland Brook and returns to John Woolsey Trail. Portions of the trail are rocky and uneven.   

Ridge Trail  

Length: 0.2 mile  

This short steep trail connects Rutland Brook Loop Trail to House Pond Trail and Sherman Hill Loop Trail. A short portion of this trail is moderately steep and may be strenuous for some users. 

Sherman Hill Loop Trail 

Length: 0.6 mile 

Continues uphill off Ridge Trail through a boulder landscape in an attractive forest. Look for the large shagbark hickory along the trail. Please be aware of the rough footing on your downward hike.   

Porcupine Ledge Loop Trail  

Length: 0.1 mile 

This short trail off Sherman Hill Loop Trail takes you to the base of a 40-foot ledge named for the porcupine den located there. Look for the impressive specimens of sugar maple, white ash, and red maple.