Here are 9 places to enjoy some of the best Vermont biking:
Kingdom Trails in East Burke
Established in 1994, Kingdom Trails offers an extensive network of mountain biking trails around Darling Hill, East Burke village, and Burke Mountain. Interconnected trails wind through wide open fields and thick woods for all abilities. (478 Route 114, East Burke; KingdomTrails.org; 802-626-0737)
Stowe Bike Path
The scenic Stowe Bike Path meanders along the West Branch River and features bridges, swimming holes, park benches, picnic tables and scenic views of Mount Mansfield. The award-winning, 5.5-mile, paved path can be accessed off Main Street/Route 100 behind the Stowe Community Church. (Route 100, Stowe, gostowe.com/thingstodo/sports/recreation-path; 800-GO-STOWE)
Millstone Hill Touring & Recreation Area in East Barre
What was once home to many working granite quarries is now a scenic biking destination featuring about 70 miles of trails along 1,500 acres. The water-filled quarries and scenic vistas make Millstone a perfect place for mountain biking in Vermont. (Admission fee required. 422 Websterville Road, East Barre, www.millstonetrails.com; 802-479-1000)
Pine Hill Park in Rutland
Enjoy 16-miles of a single track trail system for mountain biking in a 300-acre forest located within the city of Rutland. The park is stewarded by the Pine Hill Partnership, a non-profit organization run by volunteers. (Trailhead located at Giorgetti Athletic Complex, 2 Oak Street Extention, Rutland; www.rutlandrec.com/pine-hill-park; 802-775-7976)
Ascutney Trails in Brownsville
At the former Ascutney ski resort in Brownsville and nearby West Windsor Town Forest is a 30-mile network of mountain bike trails. The mountain biking trailhead is located on Ski Tow Road in Brownsville (follow the signs to Ascutney Mountain Resort), or at the West Windsor Town Forest Trailhead at the end of Coaching Lane, just west of the Village of Brownsville. (Take Exit 8 or 9 off Interstate 91 to Brownsville; http://ascutneytrails.com)
Burlington Bike Path
This 12-mile trail along Lake Champlain starts at Oakledge Park and extends up through Burlington’s New North End and across the magnificent Colchester Causeway. Near the end of the Causeway is a bike ferry that will take you across a 200-foot gap to the gorgeous Champlain Islands. (802-864-0123; localmotion.org)
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs along the former St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad. About 33 miles of the trail is currently open for recreation between St. Johnsbury and West Danville, and between Morrisville and Jeffersonville. First constructed in 1877 by the St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad Company, the track served both passenger trains and freight cars hauling timber, limestone, talc and asbestos from northern Vermont’s forests and quarries, according to Seven Days. (802-229-0005; www.lvrt.org)
Blueberry Lake in East Warren
A trail network that is enjoyable for all levels, the Blueberry Lake mountain bike trails in the Green Mountain National Forest feature views of Blueberry Lake and the mountains. With trails like Tootsie Roll, Suki’s Alley, Lenord’s Loop, you can’t go wrong. (Trailheads are on the opposite side of Blueberry Lake on Plunkton Road; madriverriders.com)
A Vermont Ski Area
Ski areas aren’t just about winter recreation. In fact, several ski areas offer mountain biking trails in the summer and fall, including Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, Mount Snow, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Okemo. (Fees may apply; skivermont.com)
