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Vermont

Franklin County

Attractions and Places To See in Franklin County - Top 5

Best attractions and places to see in Franklin County include a network of scenic rail trails, historic bridges, and natural waterways. This region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly cycling and exploring river landscapes. Visitors can experience well-maintained routes that traverse farmland and forests, highlighting the area's natural beauty and historical structures. The county's attractions are primarily centered around its rivers and converted railway lines.

Best attractions and places to see in Franklin County

  • The most popular attractions is…

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Missisquoi River Bridge at Sheldon Junction

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The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) is fantastic riding. Crushed stone, but sometimes down to just a single, narrow dirt track for a few dozen feet just to keep it …

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Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

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Well maintained and pretty even

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Missisquoi River

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This is one of several bridges in Richford that cross the Missisquoi River, which drains a section of the Green Mountains into Quebec, then back across the border and finally into Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain.

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Comstock Covered Bridge

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Comstock Covered Bridge is a historic bridge in Montgomery, Vermont on Comstock Bridge Road. Built in 1883, it crosses the Trout River and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Beautiful and well maintained bike trail that crosses forests, rivers and fields. This is paradise for cyclists! Would recommend at least 32mm tires as some sections can be a bit unstable when wet.

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Popular around Franklin County

Hiking in Franklin County

Road Cycling Routes in Franklin County

Cycling in Franklin County

Gravel biking in Franklin County

Running Trails in Franklin County

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Arnaud
July 20, 2024, Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: Swanton to Sheldon Junction

Beautiful and well maintained bike trail that crosses forests, rivers and fields. This is paradise for cyclists! Would recommend at least 32mm tires as some sections can be a bit unstable when wet.

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Comstock Covered Bridge is a historic bridge in Montgomery, Vermont on Comstock Bridge Road. Built in 1883, it crosses the Trout River and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Lisa
November 16, 2023, Missisquoi River

This is one of several bridges in Richford that cross the Missisquoi River, which drains a section of the Green Mountains into Quebec, then back across the border and finally into Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain.

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The track is covered by leaves but still easy to ride as there are no obstacles

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Well maintained and pretty even

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The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) is fantastic riding. Crushed stone, but sometimes down to just a single, narrow dirt track for a few dozen feet just to keep it interesting. Lightly used. Lots of farmland, with mountains in the distance as you get closer to the Canadian border.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Franklin County?

Franklin County is renowned for its scenic rail trails and rivers. You can cycle along the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, which offers well-maintained paths through farmland with distant mountain views. The Missisquoi River itself is a central feature, with several bridges crossing it, providing picturesque spots for exploration.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit in Franklin County?

Yes, Franklin County features several historical landmarks, particularly its covered bridges. The Comstock Covered Bridge in Montgomery, built in 1883, is a notable historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Missisquoi River Bridge at Sheldon Junction also serves as a key point on a historic rail trail.

What outdoor activities are popular in Franklin County?

Cycling is a very popular activity, with extensive rail trails like the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: Swanton to Sheldon Junction. These trails are suitable for various cycling levels and offer beautiful scenery. The Missisquoi River also provides opportunities for water-based activities, though specific details on kayaking or fishing would depend on local access points.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Franklin County?

Many of Franklin County's attractions are family-friendly. The rail trails, such as the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, are well-maintained and offer easy cycling for all ages. Historic bridges like the Comstock Covered Bridge also make for interesting stops during family outings.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the cycling trails in Franklin County?

The cycling trails in Franklin County, such as the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, are generally well-maintained with an even surface. Some sections may be crushed stone, and occasionally a narrow dirt track, but they are typically easy to ride. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: Swanton to Sheldon Junction crosses forests, rivers, and fields, offering diverse scenery.

Where can I find routes for running or road cycling in Franklin County?

Franklin County offers numerous routes for various outdoor activities. For running, you can explore options like the 'Venise-en-Québec Marina loop' or 'Milton Pond – Milton Town Forest loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy challenging routes such as the 'Missisquoi River – Jay Peak Pass loop'. You can find more detailed information and specific routes on the Running Trails in Franklin County and Road Cycling Routes in Franklin County guide pages.

What do visitors enjoy most about the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail?

Visitors frequently praise the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail for its fantastic riding experience. It's noted for being well-maintained and relatively even, making it suitable for various skill levels. The trail offers beautiful passages through farmland with distant mountain views, and it's generally lightly used, providing a peaceful outdoor experience.

Are there any specific bridges worth visiting in Franklin County?

Absolutely. The Missisquoi River Bridge at Sheldon Junction is a key point on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, offering scenic views. Another significant bridge is the Comstock Covered Bridge in Montgomery, a historic structure built in 1883 that crosses the Trout River.

What kind of scenery can I expect while exploring Franklin County's trails?

The trails in Franklin County offer diverse and picturesque scenery. You can expect to ride through expansive farmlands with views of distant mountains, especially along the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: Swanton to Sheldon Junction also takes you through forests, alongside rivers, and across open fields, providing a rich natural landscape.

What are the best options for longer cycling tours in Franklin County?

For longer cycling tours, Franklin County offers several routes. The 'Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail loop from St. Albans' is a popular moderate option spanning over 43 km. More challenging routes include the 'Jay Peak Pass – Fuller Covered Bridge loop from Franklin', which covers nearly 100 km. You can find more details on these and other routes on the Cycling in Franklin County guide page.

Is the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail suitable for all cyclists?

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: Swanton to Sheldon Junction is described as a beautiful and well-maintained bike trail. While it's generally accessible, some sections can be a bit unstable when wet, so at least 32mm tires are recommended for optimal comfort and stability. It's considered an intermediate trail, offering a rewarding experience for cyclists.

Most popular routes in Franklin County

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Chittenden CountyGreen Mountain And Finger Lakes National ForestsLake ChamplainLamoille CountyWindsor CountyBennington CountyWashington CountyWindham CountyRutland CountyAddison CountyOrleans CountyGrand Isle CountyCaledonia County

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