Vermont Singletrack
Vermont is quickly transforming into one of North America’s premier mountain biking destinations. The expansive singletrack trail networks include The Kingdom Trails in East Burke, the Millstone Trail Network in Barre, the Waterbury-Stowe area, and the multiple systems maintained by the Fellowship of the Wheel. More are being added every year.
Vermont riding can be stunningly beautiful and dauntingly rugged, demanding perseverance, adaptability, and unique style. Unlike the terrain of the West, where riders must often pedal up for hours on dirt roads and double track to earn the reward of a long descent, Vermont’s landscape endlessly undulates, forcing riders to consistently climb and descend. Singletrack winds through the lower hills of the Green Mountains the northern extension of the ancient, well-worn Appalachian range. The consequent high occurrence of roots, rocks, and hillocks present both thrill and challenge to riders.
Trail systems range from technical, cross-country epics to more modern, flowing, bike-specific trails. Depending on your retreat selection, you will encounter trails strewn with spider web roots and rock piles, switchbacks, granite skinnies, exciting rock rollers, wooden bridges and teeter-totters, well-made berms, jumps, and scenic double track with many opportunities to experience the flow of the landscape. In the past ten years, there has been an influx of talented trail builders in the state, and they are designing trails with flow and sustainability in mind.
CHECK OUT THE TRAILS!
The Kingdom Trails in East Burke won Bike Magazine’s “Best Trail Network” award in 2009. This legendary system contains over 100 miles of singletrack and some of the area’s most striking views. The Kingdom has continued to grow and expand drawing in 60,000 visitors last year alone. The Kingdom Trail Association is currently developing Burke Mountain, adding all-mountain, free ride, and downhilling styles of riding, accessible by lift or an arduous climb up the toll road. These super fun trails have something to offer to everyone regardless of skill level.
The Millstone Trails in Barre has some 70+ miles of singletrack built on the famed Rock of Ages Granite Quarry land. In 2009, the Boston Globe ranked this network #2 in New England. It offers technical and challenging terrain for cross-country, all-mountain, and free ride bikers. Not only is the biking amazing, but the scenery is topnotch, too. Cool aquamarine water fills the vacant quarries and contributes much to the already beautiful views available from this system. The latest at Millstone? All granite skinnies and ladder-like descents – completely unique!
The Fellowship of the Wheel trails in Chittenden County are better known to the locals who frequent them, but these trail networks are too good to miss mention. The local trail stewards, or members of Fellowship of the Wheel, work year round advocating for new trails and maintaining the existing trails. These trails present lung busting climbs, long flowing descents with rock rollers, and other natural obstacles that keep riders of all levels in check. STM guides know the best way to ride these trails and how to link them together for epic rides you’ll never forget.
