The best traffic-free bike rides in Lamoille County

Lamoille County offers a significant number of routes suitable for traffic-free gravel biking. Our guide features over 30 routes, with a mix of moderate and difficult options, ensuring there's something for various skill levels looking for quiet paths.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is the centerpiece for no-traffic gravel biking in Lamoille County. As New England's longest rail trail, it provides a mostly crushed gravel path spanning 93-94 miles across Vermont. It's a multi-use, car-free environment with minimal grades, perfect for a relaxed and scenic ride through lush forests, farmlands, and quaint villages. You can find more information about the trail on the Vermont State Parks website.

Yes, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is particularly well-suited for families due to its gentle grades and car-free environment. Its smooth, crushed gravel surface makes it accessible for riders of all ages. While our listed routes are generally more challenging, sections of the LVRT offer an excellent family-friendly experience.

Many trails in Lamoille County, especially the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, are dog-friendly. The LVRT is a multi-use path that accommodates various activities, including those with dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them to maintain the trail for everyone.

The terrain varies. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail offers mostly flat, crushed gravel paths, ideal for a smooth ride. Other routes, like the Stowe Recreation Path – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop from Stowe, incorporate more challenging sections with significant elevation changes, twisty descents, and classic Vermont gravel roads through wooded areas and corn fields.

Lamoille County's trails offer numerous scenic highlights. You can encounter historic covered bridges like the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, enjoy views of the Lamoille River, and even spot waterfalls like Dog's Head Falls, which is visible from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Other natural attractions include Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls.

Parking is generally available at various access points along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in towns like Morristown, Johnson, and Jeffersonville. For routes like the Gold Brook Covered Bridge – Barnes Hill loop from Trapp Family Lodge, specific lodging or public parking areas in nearby towns like Stowe can serve as starting points.

Lamoille County is beautiful for gravel biking across multiple seasons. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes, while autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant foliage. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is accessible year-round, even accommodating snowshoers in winter, but for gravel biking, late spring through fall generally provides the most comfortable conditions.

Yes, several routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Old Railroad Bridge – Dog’s Head Falls loop from Morristown, which offers a moderate ride with scenic points.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Lamoille County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's tranquil, car-free paths, the stunning natural beauty, and the blend of challenging climbs with picturesque, rolling terrain. The ability to explore quaint Vermont villages and historical sites along the way is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the trails, especially the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, pass through or near several quaint towns and villages. These communities often provide access to local amenities such as cafes, pubs, and accommodations, allowing riders to refuel and relax. For example, the Stowe Recreation Path – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop from Stowe specifically highlights local establishments.