The best gravel rides around St. Johnsbury

St. Johnsbury offers a selection of 12 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 7 moderate routes and 5 more challenging options, all designed to showcase the diverse landscapes of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

The gravel trails around St. Johnsbury are characterized by quiet back roads, often featuring smooth, packed dirt with sparse gravel. Riders can expect a mix of terrain, including both gentle sections and rewarding climbs through rural landscapes, verdant valleys, and forests. Some routes, like the Gravel loop from Breezy Meadows Campground, include significant climbs that offer expansive views.

Yes, the region offers options suitable for families. The Wonderful Lamoille Rail Trail – Public Access Tools and Pump loop from Sugar Ridge RV Resort utilizes a section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which has a firm, compacted crushed stone surface, making it generally accessible for a wider range of riders. The trail is multi-purpose and connects 18 towns, offering a scenic and relatively smooth experience.

The spring, summer, and especially the fall foliage season offer ideal conditions for gravel biking in St. Johnsbury. The vibrant autumn colors of the Northeast Kingdom provide a stunning backdrop for rides. While some trails might be accessible in winter, conditions can vary significantly due to snow and ice, so it's best to check local reports.

Absolutely. The Northeast Kingdom is known for its 'high peaks and verdant valleys.' Many routes offer stunning views, especially after climbs. For panoramic vistas, consider visiting Observatory Knob, the highest point in St. Johnsbury, which offers views of Burke Mountain, Mt. Pisgah, Mt. Hor, and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. The St. Johnsbury Town Forest also provides trails with views of the town and the Moose River.

While specific trail regulations for dogs can vary, St. Johnsbury is home to Dog Mountain and Dog Chapel, a unique attraction with 150 acres of trails where dogs are welcome to roam off-leash. This could be a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion before or after your ride.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Gravel loop from Lyndon and the Gravel loop from Danville are popular circular options that take you through rural landscapes and forests, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For routes utilizing the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, St. Johnsbury serves as a trailhead, and you can often find designated parking areas. For specific routes like the Wonderful Lamoille Rail Trail – Public Access Tools and Pump loop from Sugar Ridge RV Resort, parking may be available near the starting point or at nearby public access points. Always check the route details for specific parking recommendations.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet back roads, the stunning natural beauty of the Northeast Kingdom, and the rewarding climbs that offer expansive views. The diverse terrain, from smooth rail trail sections to more challenging hilly routes, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, St. Johnsbury offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gains. The Gravel loop from Kirby, for instance, is a longer, difficult route that will test your endurance and reward you with the region's characteristic high peaks and verdant valleys.

Absolutely. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which has a trailhead in St. Johnsbury, is New England's longest rail trail and features a firm, compacted crushed stone surface that is ideal for gravel bikes. It offers a smooth and scenic ride through idyllic farms and picturesque Vermont scenery. You can find more information about the trail on the Vermont government's rail trails website: vermont.gov.