One of the best ways to see the beautiful and verdant Green Mountain State is on your bike. And for a place that's only 200 miles-long and less than half that distance wide, Vermont has an estimated 1,000 miles of single track trails that range from rocky, rooty, natural trails to man-made, smooth, and flowing ones. So, you are bound to find a track for you if you follow our guide to the 10 best mountain biking trails in Vermont.
Kingdom Trails is an extensive network of scenic, recreational trails used for hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Named a top multi-use trail destination spot in New England by Yankee Magazine and Boston Magazine Travel & Life, Kingdom Trails utilizes the unique glacial features of Darling Hill Ridge and Burke Mountain to creates paths like no other. Experience smooth, winding single-track trails through pastoral fields and bucolic forests.
A little-popularized state trail secret, Perry Hill offers three looped trails. Known for its steep climbs and technical lines, this trail is recommended for solid intermediate to advanced riders. And with 3,000 feet of climbing, trails are nicely maintained and drain well, which means you can pretty much ride in all conditions. The trail itself is 7.8 miles with a 14.3 percent max grade and a 1,608-foot ascent.
The Green Mountain Trails comprise a network of single track trails that span varied terrain between Pittsfield and Stockbridge, Vermont. Trails accommodate mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing on 25 miles of well-groomed trails.
With an elevation of just under 2,300 feet, this trail network offers riding for everyone. From challenging ascents to bucolic flowing trails, the single track paths are partially situated in the Green Mountain National Forest and offer some of the best natural terrains in the Northeast. However, keep in mind much of the 15 miles of these trails is rated for experts.
Pine Hill offers single track and double track trails with rolling terrain that are marked by short power climbs and killer descents. With trails rated for all ability levels, there is over 325 acres of terrain to cover, so check out the Lonely Rock, Jersey Turnpike, 999, and Svelte Tiger trails. This network offers 16 miles of varied terrain for all levels altogether so have fun with the entire family.
Ascutney Trails spans the three towns of Windsor, West Windsor, and Weathersfield, and trails are known for being mountainous and challenging. With of 30 miles of trails, there are five that climb to the peak of Mount Ascutney from points around the base, and the track, as you might, imagine is rated for expert level bikers.
Home to the USA Cycling National Championships, Mount Snow Bike Trails offers 30 miles of advanced level trails, with an elevation of almost 2,000 feet. Also featuring Trail 7, which is the longest introductory downhill trail in the East, the network of trails is also known for its berms, ladders, man-made surfaces, and dirt jumps. What you may not know is that there are plenty of technical rock, root, and drop-filled trails, like Swamp Donkey, too.
Blueberry Lake is a smooth riding area with a wide, machine-built single track, which offers five miles of trails built expressly for beginners. Field Loop, Leonard's Loop, and Flying Squirrel offer gentle grades, sweeping turns and flowy lines in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest. Experience no worries about rocks and roots, as you would find on other trails and enjoy smooth riding and speed.
Offering smooth, and well-maintained single track trails with a tremendous flow, the berms and jumps are also fantastic. There is a nice mix of man-made and natural trails as well. With an elevation of only 800 feet, these trails offer some of the most diverse riding terrain in all of Vermont.
With over 20 miles of challenging single track mountain bike trails, Millstone represents a network of tight, technical paths around an old granite quarry that provide great views and nerve-racking drop-offs. Trails span 50 historic quarry sites with water-filled, abandoned ruins, majestic lookouts, and beautiful terrain.