The best road cycling routes around Burlington

Burlington offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 45 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy lakeside paths to more challenging rides through rolling hills.

The region provides diverse terrain, ranging from flat, scenic paths along Lake Champlain and the Winooski River to routes that traverse rural Vermont's rolling hills. You'll find options with varied elevation gains, offering both gentle rides and more demanding climbs.

Yes, Burlington is very welcoming for beginners. Approximately 14 easy routes are available. A great option is the Winooski River and Champlain Bikeway Loop, an easy 15.6-mile trail offering beautiful views of Lake Champlain and distant mountains.

For experienced cyclists, Burlington offers several challenging routes, including 4 difficult options. The Champlain Bikeway is a notable choice, spanning 90.6 miles along the Lake Champlain shoreline with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 6 hours.

Many routes offer stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. You can cycle past the Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section, enjoy the central Waterfront Park, or even cross the Colchester/Burlington bridge. The Colchester Causeway offers a unique experience of being surrounded by water.

Absolutely. The Burlington Greenway is a fantastic option for families, offering an 8-mile paved multi-use path along Lake Champlain. It's part of the larger Island Line Trail, which includes a packed gravel causeway. This infrastructure is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

The road cycling routes around Burlington are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the expansive views of Lake Champlain, the diverse terrain, and the well-maintained network of paths and trails.

Yes, Burlington offers numerous loop trails. For example, the Cycle the City Loop is an easy 17.2-mile route that showcases both urban and natural scenery. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Burlington's road cycling season generally runs from spring through fall. The warmer months offer pleasant temperatures and lush scenery, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. The Burlington Greenway is popular year-round, but the full network of trails is best enjoyed when the weather is mild.

Burlington is renowned as a bike-friendly community with excellent infrastructure. This includes the paved Burlington Greenway, extensive bike lanes, paved shoulders, and multi-use paths. The city has invested in way-finding signage and amenities to support cyclists.

For detailed information about the Burlington Greenway and other local cycling initiatives, you can visit the official Burlington city website: burlingtonvt.gov.

Certainly. The Burlington Greenway to Hinesburg loop is a moderate 27.3-mile ride that perfectly blends lakeside vistas with the charm of rural Vermont's landscapes.