Many of the trails are wooded with the expected resident species. Pine Warblers and other warblers can also be heard here from May to September. Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Wood Ducks, and Common Mergansers can be found in a small pond adjacent to the athletic field. Across the stream is a brushy area where Eastern Towhees, Gray Catbirds, and Blue-winged Warblers (and some hybrids) can be found.

The trails can be accessed from the D & H Rail Trail (South Street). There is a three-car parking area next to the rail trail access. There is additional parking in the university visitor lot across South Street. The entrance to the Castleton University Trails is a short distance down the rail trail. There is another access point to the trails behind the gymnasium. The Castleton University Trails exist due to a partnership between the University, the Town of Castleton, and Slate Valley Trails. The trails are open to hiking, walking, running, mountain biking, and snowshoeing (when the snow falls). Some folks cross-country ski on these trails, but it is generally not groomed for skiing.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Castleton University.