The Pittsford Trail Network encompasses several trails that are easy to walk and located in scenic areas throughout town. One is especially productive for birding: The Cadwell Loop.

The trail is an easy 2.4-mile loop that covers a variety of habitats. Located at the confluence of Furnace Brook and Otter Creek, the Cadwell Loop passes brushy areas, small ponds, and open fields with the riparian habitat attracting a wide variety of species.

Parking is a pull-off just east of the Cooley Bridge on Elm Street. From there you can start the loop in either direction. Printable maps are available near the parking area and also from the Pittsford Trail Network.

In early spring, if there has been a heavy snowfall, the area can be flooded, and at any time there can be muddy patches. By late February or early March, however, ducks and blackbirds pour into the area. The first Song Sparrows return while the American Tree Sparrows are still present. Mixed flocks of sparrows, including White-crowned, Lincoln’s, and Fox, can be found during spring and migration.

Year-round the area is reliable for Red-bellied Woodpeckers, along with all our other woodpeckers. Eastern Bluebirds are also present during the whole year. Carolina Wrens are frequently heard. Northern Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks are the most common raptor species.

May and September can be good for migrating flocks of warblers with Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler hanging around for summer nesting activities. Baltimore Orioles can be found along Otter Creek in May and June and when the leaves are gone, it is easy to spot the used nests.

The Cadwell Trail length is 2.4 miles (1.5 mi west, 0.9 mi east).

Parking is available at trailheads. One trailhead (east/west) is at a farm road approximately 0.6 miles south on Elm Street from the intersection with US-7. The other access is about 1 mile from Route 7 south on Elm Street at the Cooley Covered Bridge. Walkers can shorten their journey by selecting the East or West loop and returning to their car by walking along Elm Street.

Walking is easy with two short uphill climbs. The trail courses through fields and meadows, meandering along Otter Creek, Furnace Brook, and a lagoon. Beavers, otters, turtles, fish, ducks, birds, and wildflowers abound in the varied habitats along this trail. Also, it is possible to link with the Meadow Loop by following the connecting trail and bridge indicated by the sign at the intersection with the East Loop of the Cadwell Trail.

The Pittsford Trails are open to the public free of charge and provide recreational experiences for residents and visitors through all seasons of the year. Enjoy walking, bird watching, jogging, snow-shoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Trails are marked and traverse open fields, meander along rivers and waterfalls, and course through woodlands. This trail network has been developed and maintained by volunteers with the support of the Town, private landowners, and grant funding from the State of Vermont.