Best Bike Trails in Vermont

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Looking for the Best Bike Trails in Vermont

When the weather warms up I can hardly wait to get out on my bike. I love that sweet freedom of the wind in my face as I glide along. Fortunately, Vermont has some of the best bike trails in the United States. Whether riverside bike paths, or reclaimed rail lines, or flowing mountain bike trails, Vermont has it all.

The stories of the formation of these trails sets the bar for how to make bike friendly transportation in an area. Cooperative ventures are the hallmark of Vermont’s best bike trails.

Many of the railroads in Vermont fell out of use in the 1980-90s. Following the rails-to-trails movement, recreational enthusiasts saw an opportunity for turning the old rail beds into multi-use trails. In Vermont, the snowmobile community gets involved too. VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) maintains over 5000 miles of trails, some of which are used by bikers in the warm seasons. The 18 rail tails in Vermont meander throughout the state, some hugging the banks of rock-filled rivers. They not only spew natural beauty but also glimpses of the bygone history of Vermont.

The mountain bike community has been industrious and clever in building trails and supporting the sport in Vermont. Working with private landowners and state land management agencies, mountain biking has flourished on some amazing places to ride.

Related post -> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Bike Gear for Enjoying the Best Bike Trails in Vermont

Comfortable and functional biking gear will make your rides on these great bike paths more enjoyable. Take a look at the gear I use on biking trips.

Bike Apparel

• Bike gloves – Cushioning your hands from bike vibrations makes for a more comfortable ride. Look for gloves with gel cushions and leather palms for good grip.
• Bike shorts – Padded bike shorts might be my favorite bike gear item. They prevent chafing and cushion your tush enough to enjoy a nice long ride. Look for high-quality chamois fabric. Light-reflection elements are great for safety.
• Bike helmet – Bike helmets don’t last forever. For safety, replace your helmet every five years. So if you still have your 20-year-old brain bucket, it’s time to get a new one. A safe ride depends on an updated helmet. Look for a well-vented helmet to keep you cool.

Bike Gear

• Handlebar bag– Tuck a snack, a map, your phone, and other go-to items in your handlebar bag for instant access. I like a handlebar bag with a transparent sleeve for a smartphone or map. And a strap that turns it into a smart-looking shoulder bag for exploring off the bike is key.
• Cycling computer – It’s fun to know how fast you are going and how long your ride is. A simple bike computer will tell you this and more. There are also computers with a GPS and other bells and whistles. However, you will pay a lot more for them. They are great for elite rides but may be overkill for a bike path.
• Bike lights – There is nothing like a sunset bike ride on a bike trail. However, after the sun goes down, you’ll need lights to find your way back. I use quick-release lights that I only put on if I’m going to travel at night. Rechargeable lights make sense too.
• Bike Tools – A bike multi-tool slipped into your handlebar bag saves headaches out on the trail. Many small bike repairs or adjustments are a breeze with this multi-tool. You will be surprised how many bike problems you can fix on the trail with the right tools.
• Bike Pump – It always seems that someone in a biking group needs to blow up a tire. Come to the rescue with this super lightweight pump that attaches easily to your bike.
• Water bottle – An insulated bike water bottle provides refreshing chilled liquid throughout the ride. I put iced tea and ice cubes in mine for a frosty drink on a hot day. It really keeps it cold.

Related post-> Ultimate Guide to Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer

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Best Bike Paths and Rail Trails in Vermont

Island Line Rail Trail

If you love biking beside a beautiful Lake Champlain, then the bike path in Burlington is for you. Called the Island Line Rail Trail, it runs 13.4 miles from Oakledge Park in Burlington to South Hero in the Champlain Islands. The paved bike trail traces the shore of Lake Champlain offering excellent views of the Adirondack Mountain peaks across the lake.

The bike path travels through Burlington’s gorgeous Waterfront Park. The best sunsets in the Northeast are seen here. Bike rentals are available on the trail downtown at Local Motion. Continuing north, the bikers will enjoy stops at Burlington’s fantastic beaches at North Beach and Leddy Park. The shaded trail passes natural areas and city parks until it reaches the Winooski River where it empties into Lake Champlain. The Winooski River Trail Bridge allows bikers to cross the river with amazing views of Lake Champlain on one side and the Winooski River delta brimming with wildlife on the other.

Colchester Causeway

The most unique feature making the Island Line Rail Trail one of the best bike trails in the US is the Colchester Causeway. Following an old rail bed, this narrow gravel bike path runs directly across the lake to the Champlain Islands. Views of islands and the major peaks of the Green Mountains abound. A gap in the Causeway allows boat traffic through. In the summer, a bike ferry boat transports bikers across the “Cut” to continue on for a magical bike trip on South Hero Island.

Pro Tip: Accessible Cycling The chance to feel freedom as you glide along on a bike should be available to everybody. Fortunately, dedicated groups in Vermont have worked hard to increase accessible biking for all. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is one such organization. Working with community partners and volunteers, Vermont Adaptive provides adaptive equipment and experiences for people with disabilities. While rail trails with gentle grades and smoothed surfaces are perfect for accessible cycling, mountain biking is possible too. State recreational groups offer the use of adaptive handcycle mountain bikes. Additionally, they rebuild or enhance trails to accommodate the uniqueness of adaptive mountain bikes. With this support, Vermont bike trails are becoming more accessible.

Stowe Recreation Path

No railroads were sacrificed for the Stowe Recreation Path. This multi-use trail winds from the north of town into the lower village at Stowe. The 5.3-mile trail can be accessed from 4 parking areas spaced along the trail. Numerous bridges span the West Branch of the Little River as you criss-cross back and forth over the rocky stream. There are several perfect places to cool off in this brook on a hot day. Aptly named Swimming Hole with a sandy beach is along the way. A map of the Stowe Recreation Path is here.

Unlike the linear nature of a rail trail, this bike path dips and curves through woods, farm fields, and a few trailside restaurants. Iconic red barns try unsuccessfully to block the views of the Green Mountains. Cornfields give a wondrous pastoral charm to the bike ride. Bike rentals are available on the trail.

Related post -> 4 Outdoor Adventures in Stowe Vermont You Will Love

Newport-Beebe Bike Path

This gravel and paved bike path starts at the town docks in the small city of Newport located on the southern shore of glacial Lake Memphremagog. The bike path travels along the scenic waterfront and winds its way alongside the lake. Lake Memphremagog (named for an Abenaki word meaning Big Waters) straddles the Canadian border, with most of the lake lying in Quebec.

You can pedal the 6-mile bike trail, tag Canada, and then return. The old rail bed used to be owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and runs into Quebec. Take your passport if you want to continue into Canada.

The spacious overlook of the lake is a constant beside the path, with panoramic views of the Green Mountain. Wetlands with many shades of yellow and red in the fall or profuse wildflowers in the spring are spectacular.

Stop by Prouty Beach and Campground to walk along the beach, watch the Canada geese and look for Memphré, the mythical sea creature of Lake Memphremagog. There are restrooms and parking for the Newport-Beebe Bike Path. Seasonal boat and bike rentals are also available.

Related post -> Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Best Outdoor Adventures

Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a 26.5-mile peaceful path that travels past farms and cornfields as it heads east-west across the state. The trail scenery is varied, switching between bogs and wetlands to forests, to farmland. Wildflowers line the trail in season. Tubing on maple trees for sugaring is testimony to Vermont’s maple syrup production.

The trail undulates over crushed stone. There are sections you can glide slowly downhill for over a mile. For the most part, it’s an easy ride through quintessential rural Vermont.

Trail History

The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail starts in St. Albans City, known as the Rail City for its historic Central Vermont Railroad. If you want to explore more rail history in St. Albans, visit Saint Albans Museum. The Milk Train, as it was called, used to carry milk and animal feed to and from Albany and Canada. Now, the rail trail passes through the pastoral communities of Sheldon, Enosburgh, East Berkshire, and Richford. The remoteness of the trail makes services scarce.

At Sheldon Junction, a rusty old railroad bridge spans the Missisquoi River. The broken bridge caused by a train derailment was the reason for the abandonment of the Central Vermont Railroad in 1984. Near here, the still being built Lamoille Valley Rail Trail intersects.

The trail continues through Enosburg Falls, the Dairy Capital of the World, with its marvelous dairy farms abutting the trail. Trail’s end is in Richford, a stone’s throw from Canada. Future plans to extend the trail across the border are in the works.

Pedal and Paddle

An adventurous way to enjoy the area is to combine canoeing and biking. Paddle down the 6.5-mile Wild and Scenic section of the Missisquoi River and then cycle back 5 miles to the beginning. The yearly event, the Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal race, celebrates this excursion.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is the longest bike path in New England. It runs 93 miles across northern Vermont from the Connecticut River Valley almost to Lake Champlain. While you can explore many bits of it, only 33 miles are officially open. VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travellers) has partnered with the state of Vermont to develop and maintain the trail. The crushed gravel trail is multi-use so don’t be surprised to see runners, hikers, or horseback riders. The less than 3 % grade and smooth surface make it accessible to people with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. In the winter, it’s perfect for fat bikes as well as cross country skiing and snowmobiling.

Cambridge to Morristown section of the LVRT

This middle of the state section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs 17.4 miles between Cambridge and Morristown. The Cambridge Greenway adds another 1.4 miles into Jeffersonville. The surface is compacted crushed stone-an excellent riding surface. The rail trail is built on the abandoned path of the Lamoille Valley Railroad, once an important east-to-west passage across Vermont. Plagued by constant financial problems, the railroad ceased service in 1994. Now the rail trail is a wonderful recreational resource. The trail hugs the Lamoille River throughout the valley with constant views of the Green Mountains on the other side. The Poland Covered Bridge at the Cambridge Junction trailhead is another bit of Vermont history on the trail.

Trailhead parking is available at the Cambridge Community Center trailhead on Old Main Street. Additionally, the Cambridge Junction Trailhead parking is approximately 1 mile east of downtown Jeffersonville on Route 15, near the Poland Covered Bridge. There is also parking in Johnson, Hyde Park, and Morrisville. Rental bikes are available in Morrisville, Johnson, and Cambridge.

Related post-> Best Free Cross Country Skiing in Vermont

St. Johnsbury to West Danville section of the LVRT

The 15-mile St. Johnsbury to West Danville section is in the Northeast Kingdom. There is a trailhead off S. Main Street in St. Johnsbury that is the official start of the LVRT. The crushed gravel path climbs gently past northern forests and farmland, through tunnels and over bridges all the way to beautiful Joe’s Pond in West Danville. if you want to start on the other end, park at Joe’s Pond beach or in Danville at Marty’s 1st Stop.

An old train tunnel and bridges alternate between scenic farmland and woods views. The ride back is a fun cruise downhill back into St. Johnsbury where there are restaurants and breweries to refresh after an exhilarating ride.

The Eastern Townships of Quebec are north of these Northeast Kingdom bike trails in Vermont. The variety of biking, natural beauty, and quaint towns in the Eastern Townships is worth exploring.

Westfield River Trail

As you pedal the West River bike trail try to imagine the railroad that used to run through this area. You’ll wonder how the trains fit through the narrow passage between river and cliff. You won’t be surprised to learn that the old narrow-gauge railroad was called the “36 Miles of Trouble” as it wound its way from Brattleboro to South Londonderry.

Upper Section

However, now the old rail bed is an exceptional rail trail divided into two parts. And it’s more beautiful than scary by bicycle. The Upper Section runs from South Londonderry to Townshend Lake but there are sections better suited to hiking than biking. The most bike-friendly part is from the old depot in South Londonderry until the rail trail dead ends past the Winhall Campground. There are numerous trailheads with parking on each segment of the section.

Lower Section

The Lower Section is 3.5 miles of pure natural beauty. The sparkling West River keeps you close company on the ride. The Riverstone Preserve along the way has a floodplain forest with ostrich fern fiddleheads in the spring. Furthermore, spring wildflowers such as trout lily, trillium, and columbine line the trail in season. In the fall, the foliage couldn’t be better.

The path has a varied surface with hard-packed dirt, crushed stone, and sand at different junctures. However, it’s easy to ride with a low grade that makes it very family-friendly. The trailheads are behind the Marina on Spring Tree Road and on Rice Farm Road across from the Black Mountain trail network. You can extend the ride up to the West Dummerston Covered Bridge by following the quiet back roads on both sides of the West River.

Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail

If you want a long, linear, and flat rail trail, the 19.8 mile Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is it. And like other Vermont rail trails, it has two sections yearning to meet in the middle. The 4-mile gap in this rail trail is in New York state. The northern section runs from Castleton to the New York border past Poultney. The southern section goes from West Pawlet to West Rupert. The trail surface is well-maintained gravel, however, a hybrid or mountain bike is advised.

The D & H trail that plied this route was called the “Slate Picker”. It moved choice colored slate from the quarries in the area to adorn the roofs of Vermont houses. By 1983 it was more realistic to move the rock in the Slate Valley by truck and the railroad was abandoned. Now the multi-use rail trail runs beside bucolic farm fields and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Stops to explore in the picturesque small towns on the trail reveal much about Vermont life.

Trailhead directions can be found here.

Alburg Recreational Rail Trail

The Alburg Recreational Rail Trail is located in the Champlain Islands not far from Canada. It’s likely you will see few riders on this beautiful short but sweet trail.

Bikers will find the 3.5 miles of rail trail riding to be a trip through a nature diorama. Listen to the plop, plop, plop of sunning painted turtles as they scoot off logs in Mud Creek as you ride by. The trill of red-winged blackbirds in the cattails will echo through your ride. Plus, spectacular wetlands are on either side of the rail trail filled with birdlife. The trail is rough in spots so leave your road bike home in favor of a hybrid or mountain bike. Access to Lake Champlain at Alburg Lakeshore Park is off the rail trail.

Besides this rail trail, the bike riding on the deserted roads of the Champlain Islands is otherworldly. Check out my post Outdoor Adventure Guide to the Champlain Islands for more information.

Map of the Best Bike Trails in Vermont

Best Mountain Bike Trails in Vermont

Kingdom Trails

This mountain biking area in the Northeast Kingdom has become the Moab of the East. Riders flock here from afar for the best mountain bike trails in Vermont.

Therefore, if you are looking for well-groomed mountain biking trails with great flow, the Kingdom Trails near East Burke are on your bucket list. The spidery network of MTB trails has something for everyone. A family with bikers of all abilities can enjoy the multi-use trails. For instance, there are easy green-rated trails switchbacking through meadows with eye-popping views. In addition, there are kamikaze double black trails screaming down the mountain. Plus, every kind of single and double track in between. Over 100 miles of trails.

What’s cool about the Kingdom Trails is that almost 100 private landowners have gifted access to their property for riders to enjoy the trails. The vibe of appreciation is evident in the respect people have for this area. The $20 day pass helps support the non-profit Kingdom Trails Association in maintaining this remarkable outdoor adventure resource. There are monthly and yearly memberships as well.

Millstone Trails

If want to see the most beautifully colored water this side of the Caribbean, take a bike ride by one of the quarries on the Millstone Trails near Graniteville. This mountain bike trail network is centered in the Barre Town Forest in Central Vermont. Historically, in its day, this area was the largest producer of granite gravestones, public monuments, and mausoleums. The Rock of Ages quarry still has an active quarry and granite plant. Tours are offered to see this largest deep-hole granite quarry in the world.

The Millstone Trails

However, you don’t need a guided tour to see some aqua-green-colored quarries. If you park at the lot on Barclay Quarry Road you can ride across the street to the Grand Canyon trail for a bike tour through quarry history and beauty. This green-rated trail is short but there are many side trails for incredible views of the quarries and huge piles of discarded imperfect granite scraps. Make sure to explore all the side trails as each has a unique overlook. You can see Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield rise over the immense old Rock of Ages quarry.

Besides this easy trail by the quarries which can be done on a hybrid bike, the Millstone Trails has a nice mix of blue and black rated mountain bike trails winding through the woods. Here you will see more grout piles and the artifacts of hardware used in the quarries. On the Locomotion trail, find a rusty steam boiler parked in the middle of the woods. It was used to power the steam drills used to cut the rock. Steam was also used to run derricks, pump water from the quarries, and heat buildings.

The Millstone Trails have a $10 day pass fee or a yearly membership for mountain bikers. Hikers, skiers, and other non-motorized recreationists can use the trails for free.

Additionally, the Millstone Hill West Bike Path starts in Graniteville and runs past the Rock of Ages visitors center for 2.4 miles to Websterville if you want an easy ride nearby.

Memphremagog Mountain Bike Trails

The Memphremagog Trails organization has built a system of mountain bike trails that start from the Newport-Beebe bike path in Newport. There is an array of trails for all abilities with 10 miles available and more in the planning stage. Easy double track leads to blue-rated single track with great flow. The rockpile of the Launchpad and double black Gap Run will appease thrill-seekers.

The trail flips over to a cross country ski area with groomed trails in the winter. Access to the all-season trails is by membership.

Sunny Hollow

Mountain bikers will get a great roller coaster ride on the trails of Sunny Hollow in Colchester. There are 3 miles of winding loops to put together a beautiful ride. The bridges and berms make the trip into and out of the hollows lots of flowy fun. If you look at a topo map of Sunny Hollow the terrain looks like a person’s hand. Long thin ridges make up the fingers of the hand with old river valleys cutting between. Well-marked trails loop around, traveling along the ridges and crossing swamp areas with lots of beaver activity.

Be aware that Sunny Hollow is also a popular hiking destination. Fortunately, the trails are wide enough to share. The Fellowship of the Wheel maintains these free trails.

Stowe Trails

Mountain biking in Stowe has taken hold in a big way. Top-notch trails for all abilities abound.

Cady Hill Forest, with 11 miles of prime mountain biking, can be accessed from several places along Mountain Road (Route 108). There are some nice green trails to wander through the forest. On the other hand, advanced riders can speed along on the technical singletrack available.

Other popular pods of trails are Adams Camp and Sterling Forest. The Stowe Trails Partnership has done exceptional work to build a world-class mountain biking area. 

The famous Trapp Family Lodge has a widely sought out network of trails too. The world-class Nordic skiing center transforms into a mountain biking mecca in the spring through fall. There are 20 miles of double track to ride through woods and pastures. Eight miles of fast and steep single track will satisfy riders with a need for more cardio. Trails start at the Outdoor Center on Trapp Hill Road. The trail pass is $10. There are bike rentals available here too.

You can also start the trails at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall. Tons of parking is available. Plus, the outdoor Biergarten is an excellent place to end a ride. Brew with a view.

For a chance to get all the inside information on the trails and ride them with a pro, you will love this guided mountain bike ride. Get in the flow on the Stowe trails.

Wrap Up of the Best Bike Trails in Vermont

Certainly, there are many more bike trails of note in Vermont. Downhill mountain biking has become the rage and many of Vermont’s ski resorts offer a lift up the mountain to fly downhill on a heart-throbbing descent. In addition, there are 18 distinct rail trails and mountain bike trails just about everywhere you look in the mountains of Vermont. I’ve chosen some of my favorites with special attention to areas with beginner and family-friendly trails.

I’ve also only covered select bike paths and mountain bike trail areas. Vermont is famous for its gravel grinder biking. The backroads certainly have so many biking possibilities. Lake Champlain Bikeways has mapped out some amazing routes on quiet Vermont roads that are rich in history and scenery.

Remember, just when you think you are just going out for a bike ride, you will probably end up on a ride through some part of Vermont’s history. Add in that gorgeous Green Mountain scenery and I believe you have some of the best bike trails to explore in Vermont.

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