Reservations & Group Use Policies
The Shaw Outdoor Center provides access to miles of scenic trails in the Northfield Town Forest and Norwich University property.
General Reservation Notification Process
Two Weeks Before Your Event
Minimum two-week notice to allow for communication between groups and the town. Last-minute requests will be reviewed but not guaranteed.
Submit a detailed plan to the Shaw Outdoor Center (SOC) Director. Include detailed plans of your activities, location area highlighted on map, dates, times, and number of people:
- Will you need access to the SOC main meeting room?
- Will you be on Northfield Town Property?
- Will you be using vehicles?
- Will you need gate access?
Detailed Emergency Action Plan
Outline your plan for dealing with emergencies during the event. Include names and contact information for the people in charge of clean up at the conclusion of the event.
Review the Norwich University Property Map
Northfield and Norwich, at times, may close certain trails and areas due to trail conditions and/or maintenance. You will be notified if trails are closed or closing.
View the Shaw Outdoor Center trail map
Questions?
Before submitting, if you have any questions or a special request, please contact the assistant director of recreation at apadill1@norwich.edu or 802-485-4032.
One Week Before Your Event
Send the Norwich University Marketing and Communications Office a summary of the event to be communicated to the Northfield community. Confirm with the Shaw Outdoor Center Director any last-minute updates. If using Northfield property, confirm permissions with Northfield Town Manager.
Group Use Policies
Leave no trace. Leave the area better than you found it.
- Remove all markers, flagging tape, MRE waste, brass, etc.
- Everyone should be personally responsible for picking up their personal trash.
- Fires must be completely extinguished and unburned wood dispersed. No fires under trees, on trails, or cutting of live trees.
- Human waste needs to be buried following LNT best practices and at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.
- Shelters must be torn down and dispersed when done.
- Do not block trails for other users.
- You will have 24 hours after the completion of your event to get all equipment and trash off the mountain. Failure to do so will incur a minimum fine of $250 for your organization.
Use of Motorized Vehicles
- No full-sized vehicles past the FacOps shed.
- ATV, UTV, and side by side (SxS) use on the mountain needs to be mentioned in your reservation submission.
- Damage done to the trails or double tracks due to SxS use will be repaired at your groups expense.
- ATV, UTV, and SxS are not allowed on the hiking/biking trails. They are allowed on double track trails (Red, Quarry, and access trail by paintball shed.)
- Speed limit is 10 mph.
- ATV riders must wear helmets.
- Do not exceed the labeled capacity of the vehicle or load people into the bed or trailer.
- Yield to all other trail users.
- SOC SxS/ATV and trailer: On request, the SO may be able to provide SxS support for equipment drop off and pick up. SOC staff will drive the SxS and a fee for their time may be incurred.
- If you need an ATV or SxS for medical evacuation, please contact and schedule NUEMS as they have an ATV and trailer that can support safe transport of a patient.
Northfield Town Forest Policies
- Camping and fires need to have permission from Northfield town manager. Minimum two weeks prior to FTX. The SOC Director can help connect you.
- Human waste needs to be packed out. Permitted groups camping on Cheney Field will need to provide portable toilets for the event at their own expense.
- No cutting down trees.
- No shelter building.
- No camping or off trail activities above the pinch point on Northfield Town property (see attached map).
- Leave no trace.
Contact Information
Rental Shop Hours
During the semester
Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Contact Us
802-485-4030
shawoc@norwich.edu
165 Paine Mountain Drive
Northfield, Vermont 05663