The best gravel rides in Molly'S Falls Pond State Park

While Molly's Falls Pond State Park itself is a gateway to extensive networks, our guide features 4 curated gravel bike routes that showcase the diverse terrain of the surrounding area. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering varied experiences for gravel cyclists.

Yes, the region offers routes suitable for moderate skill levels. For example, the Keiser Pond – Cow Hill Pond loop from West Danville is a moderate 12.3-mile path that provides a mix of gravel surfaces around local ponds and through forested areas, ideal for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

Advanced riders will find challenging routes with significant elevation gain. The Peacham Café loop from Fosters Pond Access Area Parking, for instance, is a difficult 32.7-mile route with substantial climbing through rural Vermont landscapes. Another demanding option is the Sarah Moores Pond – Ewell Pond loop from Ewell Pond, which features varied terrain and significant climbs over 24.8 miles.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking. Vermont's gravel roads are renowned, and these seasons provide pleasant weather for exploring the forested terrain and scenic vistas. Fall foliage can be particularly spectacular.

While the routes in this guide are generally for more experienced riders, the broader area offers family-friendly options. Groton State Forest, which is connected to Molly's Falls Pond State Park, features the 12-mile Montpelier-Wells River Rail Trail with a packed gravel bed, suitable for various skill levels. Ricker Pond State Park, within Groton State Forest, also has ten miles of packed gravel trails ideal for family riding.

You'll experience an undeveloped natural setting characterized by forested terrain, wetlands, and the serene Molly's Falls Pond. The scenic gravel roads wind through farms, fields, and provide beautiful vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as moose, deer, and nesting waterfowl, including common loons on the pond.

The primary attraction is the natural beauty of the area itself, including the 411-acre Molly's Falls Pond. The routes traverse rural Vermont, offering views of the undeveloped landscape. The region's connection to the expansive Groton State Forest also provides access to additional natural areas and trails.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For routes like the Peacham Café loop from Fosters Pond Access Area Parking, there are designated access areas. For other routes, you may find parking in small towns like West Danville or near Ewell Pond, depending on your chosen starting point.

Yes, the park is strategically located. It sits along the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bikepacking trail and is just seven miles south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. This integration allows cyclists to use the park as a base to explore longer, interconnected gravel routes throughout Vermont.

The gravel roads in the Molly's Falls Pond State Park region offer diverse surfaces. You'll encounter everything from smooth graded dirt roads to unmaintained roads, providing a varied and engaging experience for gravel bikers. These 'pavement-free roads' are a hallmark of Vermont's cycling landscape.

Molly's Falls Pond State Park offers nine remote campsites, mostly accessible by boat, and one site (Site 10) accessible by walking. These primitive sites include a table, fire ring, tent platform, and composting toilet, providing a secluded experience for those looking to combine bikepacking with an overnight stay in nature.

The area around Molly's Falls Pond State Park is largely undeveloped and rural, so amenities like cafes and pubs are not directly on the trails. You would typically find these in nearby towns such as Peacham or West Danville, which serve as common starting or ending points for some of the routes.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Keiser Pond – Cow Hill Pond loop from West Danville and the Keiser Pond loop from Ewell Pond, which offer circular journeys through the scenic landscape.