The 7 Best Stand-Alone Bike Trails In Vermont

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Vermont is known for many things: maple syrup, fall foliage, craft beer, quaint New England villages, and exceptional biking opportunities. Whether you’re a mountain biker, road cyclist, bikepacker, or gravel enthusiast, Vermont bike trails will fulfill your two-wheeled adventure needs.

I grew up in Vermont, so I’m pretty familiar with the trails and backroads throughout the state and in this post, I’ve rounded up a handful of the best stand-alone Vermont biking adventures. From scenic paved bike paths to fast and flowy mountain bike trails, there’s something for every rider!

Discover the best Vermont bike trails for all types of two-wheeled fun from epic mountain biking singletrack to scenic bike paths through quaint New England towns

Vermont Bike Trails – Mapped

The 7 Best Vermont Bike Trails

1. The Burlington Bike Path

Road/Gravel Biking

Also known as the Island Line Rail Trail, the Burlington Bike Path is a 13.4-mile (one-way) stretch of off-road rail trail that connects the lakefront shores of Burlington to the narrow spit of the Colchester Causeway. Along the way, the trail passes by several beaches, wooded hiking trail networks, wildlife areas, local shops, and more.

The first 9 miles are paved and then the trail turns into hard-packed gravel, which is still suitable for most road bikes. During summer, there is actually a free bike ferry at the end of the Colchester Causeway and you can continue your ride on into South Hero and the northern islands of Lake Champlain.

So grab a rental from Local Motion Bike Shop and enjoy a day out on the trail!

2. The Stowe Recreation Path

Road Biking

Cycling along the Stowe Recreation Path (or Stowe Bike Path) is one of my favorite summertime activities. The path is only 5.5 miles one-way, but it meanders alongside a scenic river and ends in the quintessential New England town of Stowe.

Along the way, cyclists can stop to eat a delicious meal, drink some craft brews, and take a dip in one of the many swimming holes. If you visit Stowe, rent a bike and spend an afternoon on this iconic Vermont bike trail. You won’t be disappointed!

3. The VTXL

Bikepacking

The VTXL has long been on my bike-it list. Stretching the length of Vermont, this 302-mile trail links together Vermont backroads and old forgotten tracks from the Canadian border in the north to the southwestern-most corner on the Massachusetts border.

Throughout the route, the trail passes by bucolic pastures and pastoral landscapes and traverses through quiet little towns, many with their own character-filled general store.

Fingers crossed I’ll check this ride off when I head back home to Vermont this fall!

4. The Green Mountain Gravel Growler

Bikepacking

Another bikepacking route in Vermont, the Greek Mountain Gravel Growler is a beer-loving cyclist’s dream. The 248-mile loop starts and ends in Burlington, but along the way the trail passes by 13 different breweries, 2 classic brewpubs, and several esteemed taprooms and restaurants not to mention endless stunning Vermont landscapes and lots of cows.

The majority of the bike trail is on quiet backroads or abandoned tracks, so go ahead and have that second – or third – pint.

5. Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

Gravel Biking

The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a 26.3-mile crushed-stone trail that stretches between the towns of St. Albans and Richford just south of the Canadian border. It’s a scenic path with plenty of views of cornfields, pastoral dairy farms, and waterways, but the real appeal is the feeling that you’re stepping back into time.

Learn about railroad history at the Enosburg Historical Museum and stroll around the historical district in Richford for glimpses of the old mill-town architecture.

If you only want to do a portion of the trail, start in Enosburg Falls and head toward Richford.

6. Black Bear & Stormin’ Norman

Mountain Biking

Vermont is chock-full of amazing mountain biking trails and networks, but it’s hard to choose stand-alone singletrack because east coast trails tend to be short and best-ridden as a network.

But if I had to choose, it would definitely be Black Bear and Stormin’ Norman in East Haven near the Kingdom Trails of northern Vermont. These two trails are arguably the best descents in the state: super fast and flowy, a few features to play around on (including a massive rock drop on Stormin’ Norman), and fun for all levels of riders.

The only catch is that the fire road to the top is a bit of a grind…

7. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Gravel Biking

If you haven’t gathered, Vermont is home to a number of rail trails and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is another one worth checking out. Currently broken up into two segments, the trail will eventually span 93 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton and pass through 18 small towns.

For now, you can pedal the section between Cambridge and Morrisville (16.9 miles one-way) or St. Johnsbury to West Danville (16.3 miles one-way). Both stretches are super scenic and bucolic, but I’m partial to the Cambridge to Morrisville stretch because it’s close to where I grew up and the trail ends at Lost Nation Brewing.

Once completed, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail will be the longest bike trail in Vermont and one of the longest in New England.

What are your favorite stand-alone Vermont bike trails? Which ones did I miss? leave a comment below!

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