Welcome back to another edition of Pearl's Corner! This week, Pearl and friends visited the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. It was an overcast, slightly windy February morning and the trail was covered in wet snow. The fresh air and movement was enjoyed by all dogs and humans involved.
On this walk, Pearl enjoyed sniffing the snow, chasing after her friend Uri, and taking in the beauty around her.
The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a recreation trail that runs from St. Albans to Richford Vermont for 26.4 miles, going through a total of seven towns and the Missisquoi watershed. The trail offers views of rivers, villages, farms, forests, fields, and wetlands. The rail trail is open all year round and is popular for biking, walking, running, snowmobiling, and many more outdoor activies.
The rail trail gets its name from being a former railroad line. This section of Vermont railroad has been around since 1886 but stopped functioning with the Central Vermont Railroad system in 1984. A train derailment and decline in usage caused the permanent track closure. The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail opened in 1995 and has been enjoyed by many visitors ever since.
In winter, it can be difficult to get outside and enjoy the nature around you. Vermont is home to four rail trails, Missisquoi Valley, Lamoille Valley, Delaware & Hudson, and Beebe Spur. Look up the nearest one to you whether it is the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail or beyond and enjoy the beauty of the state. Maybe you will even see Pearl out there!
