The best road cycling routes around Burlington

Burlington offers a diverse range of road cycling terrain. You'll find flat, scenic paths along the Lake Champlain shoreline, such as the Burlington Greenway, as well as rolling hills in the accessible foothills of the Green Mountains. Routes also explore the Winooski River valley and rural New England countryside, providing options from easy waterfront rides to moderate routes with significant elevation gain.

Yes, Burlington is very family-friendly for cyclists. The Burlington Greenway / Island Line Trail is a paved, car-free path running along the Lake Champlain shoreline, ideal for all fitness levels. For a specific route, consider the Beach at Burlington Waterfront loop from Burlington, an easy 24.7-mile path that offers flat riding and beautiful views of Lake Champlain.

Many routes offer breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondack Mountains. You can also cycle through picturesque rural New England countryside, past cornfields, historic homes, and gardens. For specific attractions, consider routes that pass by Crawford Lake or the various waterfalls like Borer's Falls and Hilton Falls. The Burlington Greenway itself connects major waterfront parks like Oakledge Park, North Beach, and Leddy Park.

While Burlington offers many accessible routes, more challenging rides are available, especially as you venture towards the Green Mountains. The sinuous and steep Appalachian Gap, for instance, caters to experienced cyclists seeking a significant climb. Longer loops to places like Middlebury also provide more demanding rides with greater elevation.

The best time for road biking in Burlington is generally from spring through fall. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains is at its peak. Fall offers stunning foliage, making it a particularly picturesque time to ride.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Burlington are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example of a moderate loop is the Rolling Hills – View of Lake Ontario loop from Aldershot, which covers 35 miles with varied terrain. Another option is the Flying Monkey Coffee Bar – Red Tulips in Bloom loop from Appleby, a 46.8-mile route through rural countryside.

Burlington is bike-friendly, and many parks and trailheads offer parking. For routes along the Burlington Greenway, you can often find parking at major waterfront parks like Oakledge Park, North Beach, and Leddy Park. Some routes, like the Roadbike loop from Visitor Parking, even specify visitor parking as a starting point.

Burlington's commitment to cycling includes good accessibility. While specific public transport connections to every trailhead might vary, the city's infrastructure and compact nature make many routes, especially those along the waterfront and downtown, easily reachable. The Burlington Greenway is well-integrated into the city, making it accessible from various points.

The road cycling routes in Burlington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from serene lakeside paths to challenging mountain foothills, and the stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding natural beauty. The well-maintained trails and vibrant cycling culture are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Burlington's bike-friendly environment means you'll find various cafes and establishments near popular cycling routes. The Burlington Greenway, for example, runs through the downtown area and connects to parks, offering numerous opportunities for breaks and refreshments. Specific routes, like the Flying Monkey Coffee Bar – Red Tulips in Bloom loop from Dundas St @ Hwy 407 Park & Ride, even feature coffee shops in their names, indicating popular stopping points.

There are over 50 road cycling routes available around Burlington, catering to various skill levels. These include 18 easy routes, 40 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists.