The best cycling routes in Mount Philo State Park

The touring cycling routes in Mount Philo State Park are generally considered moderate. All 7 routes currently listed are rated as moderate, featuring rolling hills and a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for touring bicycles.

While all routes are rated moderate, many feature quiet rural roads and scenic views that can be enjoyable for families with some cycling experience. Routes like the Bike loop from Lewis Creek Hill Natural Area, at 14.6 km (9.1 miles), offer a good introduction to the area's natural beauty without extreme distances.

You can expect a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, scenic river valleys, and rural roads. The terrain includes a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, often passing by historic covered bridges and natural areas. Mount Philo itself offers panoramic views of the surrounding Vermont countryside and Lake Champlain.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Mount Philo State Park are designed as loops. For example, the Sequin Covered Bridge loop from Quinlans Covered Bridge and the Old Brick Store – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp are popular circular options, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The routes often feature historic covered bridges, such as the Sequin Covered Bridge and Holmes Creek Covered Bridge. You'll also encounter natural areas like Lewis Creek Hill Natural Area and enjoy views of the Vermont countryside and Lake Champlain, especially from higher elevations or Mount Philo itself. Some routes, like the LaPlatte River Falls – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp, even pass by waterfalls.

The best seasons for touring cycling are typically late spring, summer, and early fall. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, including fall foliage, is at its peak. Spring can sometimes have muddy sections on unpaved roads, and winter is generally not suitable for touring cycling due to snow and ice.

While all routes are moderate, some offer more significant elevation changes. The LaPlatte River Falls – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp, for instance, features approximately 359 meters (1,178 feet) of elevation gain over its 41.8 km (26 miles) distance, providing a more challenging ride through the rolling landscape.

The duration varies depending on the route length and your pace. Shorter routes like the Bike loop from Lewis Creek Hill Natural Area (14.6 km / 9.1 miles) can take around 1 hour 18 minutes. Longer routes, such as the LaPlatte River Falls – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp (41.8 km / 26 miles), typically require about 2 hours 42 minutes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the scenic beauty, the presence of historic covered bridges, and the quiet rural roads that make for an enjoyable touring cycling experience. The mix of natural areas and countryside views is frequently highlighted.

While Mount Philo State Park offers a unique experience, the broader Burlington, VT area has numerous quiet country roads and scenic routes that might offer a less crowded alternative, especially outside of peak tourist times. Exploring routes around smaller towns or less-trafficked state forests can provide similar peaceful touring cycling experiences.

Specific parking information for each route start point is often detailed on the individual route pages. Many routes, such as the Old Brick Store – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp and the LaPlatte River Falls – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp, indicate starting points like 'Boat Ramp' which often have associated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the specific tour details for precise parking locations.

Yes, the LaPlatte River Falls – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop from Boat Ramp is a notable route that includes LaPlatte River Falls as a point of interest. This 41.8 km (26 miles) route offers a chance to experience both natural water features and historic covered bridges.