1. Campus Life
  2. Fitness & Recreation
  3. Shaw Outdoor Center
  4. Maps and Trail Policies

Maps and Trail Policies

The Shaw Outdoor Center provides access to miles of scenic trails in the Northfield Town Forest and Norwich University property.

Explore the Trails

Shaw Outdoor Trail Sign - Blue Trail Green Trail

Whether you're here for a scenic hike, a bike ride, or just to enjoy the outdoors, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Below, you'll find essential information on parking, amenities, trail maps, and policies. Stay informed about trail conditions and closures, and help us protect these beautiful natural spaces by following posted guidelines.

Visitors can park outside the Shaw Outdoor Center (SOC) or use designated parking at Green Mountain Family Practice. A kiosk outside the center provides trail maps, updates, and amenities, including a bike wash station and picnic tables.

Restrooms, trash and recycling bins, and water are available inside the vestibule. When the rental counter is open, visitors are welcome inside to store gear, ask about the trails, or simply stop by for a chat.

Check our trail maps and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Trail conditions and closures will be posted at trailheads, on the Shaw Outdoor Center main page. Please respect all signage, closures, and trail etiquette to help preserve these natural spaces.

Trail Maps

Trail Policies

Please be aware that many of the trails cross between Northfield Town Forest and Norwich University property. Below are the general policies for both properties. Trail condition updates and closures will be posted at trailheads, the Shaw Outdoor Center website, Trail Forks, and on the SOC and Northfield Conservation Facebook page. Please obey signage and trail closures to keep our trails looking good. Finally, during the academic year there will be military exercises with military simulations, there is no live ammunition used.

Norwich Trail Use Polices

  • No hunting or trapping.
  • No cutting of live trees or plants.
  • No unauthorized motorized vehicles, camping, or fires.

Norwich University Trail Etiquette

  • Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Keep bikes under control and at a safe speed.
  • Bikes must yield the right-of-way to other trail users.
  • Dogs must be on a leash or under the owner’s immediate control.
  • All trails are multidirectional except the Orange Trail, which is downhill biking only.

Allowable Uses

Hiking, biking, class 1 eMTB pedal assisted and limited to 20 mph, cross country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling is permitted on VAST trail.

Access

Norwich University trails are open to the public. Please respect private, Norwich University, and Northfield Town property.

Northfield Trail

  • No cutting of live trees or plants.
  • No unauthorized motorized vehicles, camping, or fires. Camping and fires need to have permission from the Northfield Town Manager.
  • Leave no trace. Carry out what you carry in.

Emergencies

Call Norwich University Security at 802-485-2525 or 911.

Contact Information

Rental Shop Hours

During the semester

Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.