The best road cycling routes around South Hero
5.0
(3)
227
riders
12
rides
Road cycling around South Hero offers routes primarily traversing the islands of Lake Champlain. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, characteristic of the Lake Champlain Islands region, with minimal significant elevation changes. Routes often follow the lake shore, providing open views across the water and connecting various island communities. The area is defined by its freshwater lake environment and agricultural landscapes.
Best road cycling routes around South Hero
- The most popular road cycling route is Champlain Bikeway,…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
72
riders
103km
04:05
460m
460m
Cycle the moderate Champlain Bikeway for 63.7 miles, gaining 1509 feet with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
5.0
(1)
76
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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16
riders
87.3km
04:00
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
12
riders
34.1km
01:32
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around South Hero
Tips from the Community
The Island Line Bike Ferry at Colchester Causeway www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry During Summer service, Bike Ferry Hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat & Sun. The Bike Ferry runs continuously throughout the day. Reservations are not required, and the boat runs by passenger's donations (cash or Venmo). The 2025 Bike Ferry season begins Memorial Day weekend, Friday May 23 - Monday May 26. Spring service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday June 15th. Summer daily (7 days a week) service begins Monday June 16th and ends on Labor Day September 1st. Fall weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays begins Sept 5th. Last day of 2025 service is Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday October 13th.
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Just the place to stop for a bit of everything, from groceries to snacks, housewares, extra gear, and so on. It doesn't hurt that there's a beautiful view of the coast right on the other side of the road, too.
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Although Grand Isle State Park itself is tiny, it's your ticket to some great, scenic cycling trails. There's a big campground here too, so you can more or less bikepack without the bother of actually hauling your gear.
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This 8-mile paved trail is one of the nicest cycleways in the city, knitting together neighborhoods, shops, restaurants and parks, with great views of Lake Champlain, too.
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Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, is a scenic public park on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and access to the Burlington Bike Path, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and picnicking. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
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Waterfront Pause Place 3 is located along the Burlington Greenway near Kieslich Park. From this spot you get great views over Lake Champlain from a nice overlook with some places to sit and take a break from the saddle.
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The Colchester Causeway is a popular, incredibly unique recreational trail located in Burlington, Vermont. It extends from the mainland to South Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The causeway is a narrow strip of land that was once used by the Rutland Railroad as a rail line connecting Burlington to the Champlain Islands. However, the rail line was abandoned in the 1960s, and the causeway was converted into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The causeway offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the highlights of the Colchester Causeway is the scenic bike ferry that operates during the warmer months (check the schedule here https://www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry). The ferry shuttles cyclists across a 200-foot gap in the causeway, allowing them to continue their journey uninterrupted. This unique feature adds to the charm of the trail and provides a memorable experience for visitors.
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The heartbeat of Burlington, Church Street is an energetic pedestrian hub with a wide array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, all within historic architecture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general terrain like for road cycling around South Hero?
Road cycling routes in South Hero primarily traverse the islands of Lake Champlain. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, characteristic of the Lake Champlain Islands region, with minimal significant elevation changes. Routes often follow the lake shore, providing open views across the water and connecting various island communities.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in South Hero?
Yes, South Hero offers several road cycling routes suitable for beginners. Out of the 13 routes available, 5 are classified as easy, providing a gentle introduction to the area's scenic beauty without significant climbs.
What are some popular loop routes for road cycling in South Hero?
Many road cyclists enjoy the loop routes around South Hero. A popular choice is the DonnaSue's Baked Good Shed loop from South Hero Island, which explores both the island's interior and coastal sections. Another favorite is the Grand Isle State Park loop from South Hero Island, offering a scenic ride through the state park area.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on road cycling routes in South Hero?
Road cycling in South Hero is defined by open water views of Lake Champlain and agricultural scenery. Many routes follow the lake shore, offering expansive vistas across the water and showcasing the natural beauty of the islands.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes in South Hero for experienced riders?
While the region is generally known for its flat to gently rolling terrain, routes like the Champlain Bikeway offer a longer distance of over 60 miles, providing a good endurance challenge. The elevation changes are moderate, making it more about sustained effort than steep climbs.
What can I see or visit along the road cycling routes in South Hero?
Along your road cycling routes, you can explore various points of interest. Notable attractions include the Colchester Causeway, which offers unique views across the lake, and the Grand Isle State Park. You might also encounter the Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing, which can be an interesting part of a longer tour.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in South Hero?
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in South Hero, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful lake views, the generally flat and accessible terrain, and the peaceful atmosphere of the island routes.
When is the best time of year to go road cycling in South Hero?
The best time for road cycling in South Hero is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, including fall foliage, is at its peak. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Are there any routes that connect South Hero to other areas, like Burlington?
Yes, routes like the Champlain Bikeway extend beyond South Hero, offering connections that can lead towards areas like Burlington, often utilizing the scenic Colchester Causeway. This allows for longer, multi-island or mainland-connecting rides.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in South Hero?
While specific parking details vary by route start point, many routes around South Hero begin near public access points or parks. For example, the Delta Park – Waterfront Park loop from Sandbar State Park suggests starting near Sandbar State Park, which typically offers parking facilities.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
The island communities along the routes, such as South Hero and Grand Isle, offer various local establishments where you can stop for refreshments. For instance, the DonnaSue's Baked Good Shed loop is named after a local spot, indicating that such places are integrated into the cycling experience.
How many road cycling routes are available in the South Hero area?
There are 13 distinct road cycling routes documented around South Hero, offering a variety of distances and experiences for cyclists.
Most popular routes around South Hero
Most popular attractions around South Hero
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