Vermont Business Magazine Nearly two years after historic rainfall triggered a landslide that closed a section of the West River Trail at Jamaica State Park, the trail is once again open to public use. While the trail is passable, visitors are urged to be aware of their surroundings: the slope is still adjusting, and conditions may change, especially during or after heavy rain.
Historic rainfall in July 2023 brought more than five inches of rain to Jamaica over just two days. The runoff overwhelmed the steep, rocky soils along the West River and caused a significant landslide that took out a portion of the 3.1-mile trail. Since then, the site has remained under close observation by the Vermont Geological Survey (VGS) and Vermont State Parks staff.
VGS first visited the landslide just days after the event, finding waterlogged soils and an unstable slope. Since July 2023, the trail has remained closed to the public as the landslide area continued to move and settle. In May 2025, VGS returned to the site after a particularly wet spring and found that, aside from minor shifting, the landslide zone had not significantly changed since 2023.
“We’re pleased to be able to welcome visitors back to the full length of the West River Trail,” said Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) Commissioner Danielle Fitzko. “While the slide area is passable, we ask everyone to stay alert, especially during wet weather.”
The reopened trail restores the primary access route to the Hamilton Falls Natural Area. Hikers should be prepared as the landslide zone is slightly steeper than the rest of the trail. Debris from the slide has been left in place to avoid destabilizing the slope, and the trail pitch and surfacing mean the path is not considered universally accessible beyond the first mile from Jamaica State Park.
Since the initial landslide, FPR has worked closely with the VGS, MSK Engineering, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the ANR District Stewardship team to evaluate site conditions and determine an appropriate restoration plan. Trail maintenance is ongoing, and FPR staff continue to monitor the slope. Discussions with FEMA are underway to explore more permanent solutions for stabilizing the landslide and returning the West River Trail to grade in the long term.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Jamaica State Park web page for trail updates and to use caution when walking through the landslide zone.
8.20.2025. Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
