Hidden Gems Along the D&H Rail Trail

The section of the D&H Rail Trail through Granville is beloved for its accessibility and gentle terrain, but there are also a number of hidden gems scattered throughout the rail trail for those seeking a bit of adventure during their afternoon stroll.

Granville Ladybug Garden

At the Main Street intersection, visitors will be delighted by this small garden located right on the trail. Garden beds overflow with bright perennials, and there are spaces for children to write a letter to the Ladybug Fairy, trade jewelry and treats, and to leave letters for Santa in the winter months.

The Ladybug Garden in Granville, New York

Granville Airport

This tiny airport was built in 1947 by Neal and Josephine Hulett, and featured 500 feet of runway, as well as multiple hangars and facilities to service the small planes arriving to and departing from Granville. Today, the airport is used by private pilots. The D&H Rail trail passes by this piece of Granville history, located in Middle Granville.

Seating Areas

Throughout the Village of Granville, benches surrounded by edible gardens can be found at intervals along the D&H Rail Trail. Locally made at Telescope Casual Furniture, these benches offer the perfect respite for sitting and taking in the sights and sounds of the rail trail.

Former Train Depots

The Rail Trail in Granville is home to two former train depots. The trail follows the course of the former D&H Rail Spur, which serviced the thriving slate industry in Granville and the surrounding areas.  One depot, in Middle Granville, is now a private residence. The other, located on Main Street in Granville, is currently operated as the Station House Bed & Breakfast. With beautiful gardens and rooms furnished with period antiques, this depot has been restored to its former glory. 

The Station House B&B in Granville, NY is a former train depot.

Historic Telescope Casual Furniture Factory

Started in 1903 in New York City, Telescope manufactured cots and stools with “telescoping” wooden legs, giving this company its name. The company relocated to Granville, New York, in 1921, where they benefited from their proximity to the D&H railroad line. Today, Telescope Casual Furniture is still family-owned, and has pivoted to making patio furniture that is crafted with precision and care in their Granville location. Travelers on the D&H Rail Trail will glimpse their iconic water tower, built in 1949 to protect against fires. 

The Granville Bridge & River Walk/Footbridge Spur

Located just off of Water Street, this spur off of the D&H Rail Trail is worth the extra steps. Following the Mettowee River, the spur passes the Slate Valley Museum. It then crosses the river via a covered footbridge, where visitors can find the Pember Library & Natural History Museum.

The covered pedestrian bridge over the Mettowee River

Slate Quarries

Signs of active & former slate quarries are present throughout the D&H Rail Trail. Known as “The Colored Slate Capital of the World,” Granville, New York is still home to a thriving slate industry.

Wildlife

Visitors will be delighted to commune with local wildlife as they explore the rail trail. From an abundance of bird species to rabbits, chipmunks, and deer, the forests and fields surrounding the rail trail offer the opportunity for frequent wildlife sightings. 

Native Plants

Those interested in the local ecology will also enjoy the varying landscape found along the rail trail. After passing through town, the trail heads south through farmland before plunging into beautiful mixed hardwood forest. Along the way, the trail is edged by elderberry, ferns, pine and spruce trees, and red oak and maple trees.

Native foamflower (tiarella) can be found alongside the D&H Rail Trail

Along the rail trail, there are also a couple of edible gardens that have been planted for visitors’ enjoyment.

Rock Walls

Granville and the surrounding areas support a thriving agricultural industry, which is rooted in a rich farming heritage. This heritage is apparent in the many rock walls that line the trails, outlining former pastures and property lines. You can also find a number of mile and town markers along the trail heading from Granville to Pawlet.

State line markers along the D&H Rail Trail

The Granville D&H Rail Trail is home to so many hidden gems that surprise and delight visitors. On your next walk, bike ride, or snowshoe outing, be sure to take a moment to enjoy these many hidden treasures found along the 6 miles of trail in Granville, New York.