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USGS
Topographic map of Wells River
The following pictures suggest that the task of extending the Cross Vermont Trail along the remains of the abandoned railroad bed into Wells River will be challenging, if not expensive. Note that the inactive gravel pit that runs along the north side of the river might offer an 'affordable' means of connecting the Boltonville section of the trail with the intact section of railroad bed behind the houses along Water Street. But running a trail though a former gravel pit is a grim idea at best, and the necessary remediation efforts can also become rather expensive. Fortunately, this entire section of Route 302 offers wide breakdown lanes that offer reasonably safe passage to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
These pictures were deliberately taken in March in an effort to 'see through the trees' that otherwise obscure the abandoned railroad bed. However, the Webmaster freely admits that these pictures are 'depressing' at best!
The entrance to an inactive gravel pit just west of the
State Wildlife Area on Route 302.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
The granite block bridge abutments a short distance west of
the mill pond suggest that the abandoned railroad bed crossed the river at this
point to run adjacent to but well below the present Route 302.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
A gravel pit operator has ruined the abandoned railroad bed
that ran along the back side of the adjacent mill pond.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
The abandoned railroad bed can be seen across the river from
the old mill buildings just west of the north intersection of US Rtes. 5 &
302.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
The abandoned railroad bed runs behind and above the houses along
Water Street. The iron pipe railing near the intersection of US Rte. 5 marks the
beginning of the Bayley-Hazen Military Road.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
The eastern end of the abandoned railroad bed at US 5 across
from the active railroad track.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
Looking south along the still
active railroad track towards the
site of the Wells River Depot. The abandoned railroad line joined the active
railroad track just beyond the
railroad maintenance shed on the right side of this picture.
Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on March 1, 2000.
Sign images are from the Manual of Traffic Signs by Richard C. Moeur.
Updated on March 03, 2001 by Kenyon F.
Karl <Webmaster@new-england-rail-trails.org>.
Unintentional errors are likely!
