Bike Trail Travels: Vermont

Vermont is a cyclist's paradise. With its rolling green mountains, charming small towns, and some of the best trail networks in the Northeast, the Green Mountain State offers something for every type of rider. From smooth rail trails that wind through peaceful river valleys to technical singletracks that'll challenge even experienced mountain bikers, Vermont delivers.

This guide covers the best biking trails across the state, helping you plan your next two-wheeled adventure.

Vermont has converted several historic railroad corridors into multi-use trails that are perfect for cyclists, walkers, and runners alike. These rail trails offer gentle grades and well-maintained surfaces that make them accessible to riders of all abilities.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is the crown jewel of Vermont's rail trails. Stretching 93 miles from Swanton near the Canadian border to St. Johnsbury in the Northeast Kingdom, this trail ranks among the longest rail trails in New England.

The trail follows the path of the historic Lamoille Valley Railroad, passing through 18 towns. You'll ride through quiet farmland, alongside the Lamoille River, and through several charming Vermont villages. The western sections near Sheldon Junction offer beautiful views of the Missisquoi Valley, while the eastern portions provide a true Northeast Kingdom experience.

The packed stone dust surface works well for hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. Road bikes with wider tires (28mm or more) can handle most sections comfortably.

For those exploring northwestern Vermont, the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail offers a relaxed 26.4-mile ride from St. Albans to Richford. This multi-purpose recreation trail passes through classic Vermont dairy country, with views of the Green Mountains to the east.

The trail connects with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, allowing ambitious riders to piece together longer adventures. The surface is well-maintained packed gravel, and the flat terrain makes this an excellent choice for families or those looking for an easier ride.

The Island Line Trail runs 13.4 miles from Burlington's waterfront northward toward the Champlain Islands. The highlight here is the Colchester Causeway, a stunning three-mile stretch that cuts directly across Lake Champlain. You'll ride with water on both sides and enjoy some of the best views in the state.

To continue to South Hero and the Champlain Islands, you'll need to catch the seasonal bike ferry across a gap in the causeway. This adds an element of adventure to what's already a memorable ride. The islands themselves offer quiet dirt roads and scenic lake views that reward further exploration.

Vermont has earned its reputation as a premier mountain biking destination. The state's varied terrain, combined with passionate trail building by local organizations and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, has created trail networks that attract riders from across the country.

No discussion of Vermont mountain bike trails is complete without mentioning Kingdom Trails. Located in the Northeast Kingdom near Burke Mountain, this trail network features over 100 miles of singletrack maintained by a non-profit organization dedicated to outdoor recreation.

What makes Kingdom Trails special:

• Miles of trail for every skill level, from beginner-friendly paths to expert-only descents

• Excellent trail maintenance and clear signage throughout the network

• A mix of flowy singletrack, technical features, and everything in between

• Beautiful views of Burke Mountain and the surrounding countryside

The network includes trails radiating from several access points, with Darling Hill offering some of the most popular riding. Expect packed single track through mixed forests, rolling terrain, and the kind of well-built trails that make you want to come back year after year.

Stop by the Kingdom Trails welcome center in East Burke for maps, trail conditions, and day passes.

Located in Stowe, Cady Hill Forest provides excellent mountain biking close to one of Vermont's most popular resort towns. This trail network offers about 11 miles of singletrack ranging from beginner to intermediate difficulty.

The trails wind through a hardwood forest with some elevation gain for those looking for a workout. After your ride, Stowe offers plenty of options for refueling, including ice cream shops and restaurants along the main street.

Also near Stowe, Sterling Forest offers more challenging terrain for experienced mountain bikers. The trails here feature more technical sections with roots, rocks, and steeper grades than what you'll find at Cady Hill.

Vermont is famous for its network of unpaved roads, and these scenic byways offer some of the best gravel rides in the Northeast. The state maintains thousands of miles of dirt roads that wind through farmland, forests, and mountain passes.

Popular areas for gravel rides:

• The hills around Waitsfield and Warren in the Mad River Valley

• The roads surrounding Middlebury and the Champlain Valley

• The remote corners of the Northeast Kingdom

• The Green Mountains' many scenic gaps and passes

These rides often feature significant elevation gain as you climb through the mountain terrain, but the payoff comes in the form of incredible views and the satisfaction of conquering challenging routes. A gravel bike or mountain bike with appropriate tires handles these roads best, though adventurous riders on sturdy road bikes can manage many of the better-maintained sections.

Not all Vermont cycling happens on dirt. The state has several excellent paved paths perfect for road bikes, families with young riders, or anyone who prefers a smoother surface.

The Stowe Recreation Path runs 5.3 miles through the heart of Stowe, connecting the village to the mountain resort area. This paved multi-use trail follows the West Branch River, passing through meadows with views of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.

The relatively flat terrain and smooth surface make this ideal for families. You'll share the path with walkers and runners, so keep your speed reasonable and announce when passing. Several access points along the way make it easy to stop for a break or connect with local roads.

Burlington's waterfront bike path stretches 8 miles along Lake Champlain, offering stunning water views and easy access to the city's restaurants, shops, and beaches. The paved surface and flat terrain make this perfect for a casual ride, and the path connects directly to the Island Line Trail for those wanting to extend their adventure.

A few practical tips will help you make the most of your Vermont cycling adventure.

Vermont's cycling season runs roughly from May through October, with the best conditions typically in late spring and early fall.

Summer brings warm temperatures but also increased trail users on popular paths. Fall foliage season (late September through mid-October) offers spectacular scenery but also draws crowds.

Spring conditions can be muddy, especially on singletrack trails. Many mountain bike trail networks ask riders to stay off trails during mud season to prevent damage. Check local trail conditions before heading out.

Vermont's weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Pack layers, rain gear, and plenty of water. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas, so download maps before you go.

For longer rides on rail trails or dirt roads, bring basic repair supplies. You may be miles from the nearest bike shop if something goes wrong.

Vermont's trails welcome a diverse group of users. As a trail user, follow these basics:

Vermont's combination of scenic beauty, well-maintained trail networks, and a passionate cycling community makes it a destination worth adding to your list. From the smooth rail trails following historic routes to the technical singletrack carved through the Green Mountains, there's a ride here for everyone.

The hardest part of any Vermont bike adventure is getting your bike there safely.

That's where we come in. At 1UP USA, we build bike racks designed to protect your investment for a lifetime. Our racks are manufactured right here in the USA from quality aluminum, and every part is replaceable by you. Whether you're loading up a mountain bike for a Kingdom Trails adventure or a road bike for cruising the Champlain Islands, our racks get your bikes where they need to go safely and securely.

You've invested in quality bikes. Make sure you're transporting them on a rack built to the same standards. Check out our bike rack collection and find the right setup for your vehicle. Those Vermont trails are waiting.