Three Ways to Bike Across VT

Find Happiness on Lesser-Known Vermont Bike Routes

Spring is here. Finally. And with it, the buzz is growing to get outside again—to push our winter bodies out of our comfort zone. From lofty goals of multi-day self-supported tours to sub-24 hour overnight trips, from single day centuries to picnic day trips, we celebrate all two-wheeled adventures as equally joyous and valid.

1. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail // For riders of any skill level

Seeking a casual, beautiful route through northern Vermont farmland? Look no further than the gorgeous Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LRVT)! The LRVT currently has 33 miles of open trail, and has been granted state funding for constructing 40 more miles this fall. It is projected to be New England’s longest rail trail by the end of this year. Being a rail trail, the terrain is fairly flat, and is topped with smooth, fine gravel that is comfortable to ride on with basically any bike. As it is now, it stands alone as an approachable, beginner-friendly choice for day rides or short overnights. The LRVT is also a key resource for longer rides—a cushy, no-traffic path that links conveniently between endless back-road possibilities. Learn more about the LVRT here »

2. Cross Vermont Trail // For State-traversing

A blend of gravel and pavement, pre-existing roads, paths, and single-track, the Cross Vermont Trail (CVT) is recognized as a splendid way to traverse the state. 90 miles west-to-east from Burlington to Wells River, this grassroots-made network connects urban centers, rural villages, and back roads without a car in sight. Stick to the iconically-signed trail, or choose from multiple variations if you’d like a longer trip. As a bonus, the CVT connects to further bike routes beyond the Vermont borders: the NY Lake Champlain Bikeway and the NH Ammonoosuc Rail-Trail. Learn more about the CVT here »

3. Bayley-Hazen Road // For the History Buff

Vermont is home to some rich history, and nothing says ‘magical history tour' more than riding a 225-year-old road once built by Vermonters with a plan to invade Canada—a plan which never came to pass. The Bayley-Hazen Road (BHR) goes from Wells River to Montgomery, largely on original Revolutionary-War Era dirt roads interspersed with pavement. There are monuments and historical relics along the way—and many hilltop picnic spots. As expected from a road this old, the route can be steep in sections, and darn-near impassable in others, so be prepared with low gearing and tires wide enough to tackle some rough Vermont gravel. The BHR spans between 70-90 miles, depending on the variant you take. To ride the entire length, plan for either a long day in the saddle or an overnight trip. Craftsbury Outdoor Center is perfectly situated halfway for indoor lodging—or bikepack and camp along the way. Fun Fact: This road goes by the grave site of Constant Bliss and Moses Sleeper, two scouts who, along with the Bayley-Hazen, now have award-winning Vermont cheeses named after them. Learn more about the Bayley-Hazen Road here » Sequoia on the 225 year-old road built to invade Canada.