The best cycling routes around Burlington

There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Burlington, offering a variety of experiences. These include 16 easy routes, 11 moderate routes, and 1 more challenging option, catering to different skill levels.

For an easy and relaxed ride, consider the Tamp Coffee Co. – Westbound Railroad Marker loop from Burloak at Winston, which is 17.5 miles (28.2 km) with a relatively flat profile. Another great option is the Trillium Trail – Bronte Creek Provincial Park loop from Appleby, an easy 25 km path through natural settings.

While most routes are easy to moderate, there is one difficult touring cycling route available. For a moderate challenge, the Dundurn Castle – View of Hamilton Harbour loop from Burlington offers 39 km with notable elevation changes, providing a more demanding ride.

Burlington's touring cycling routes are renowned for their stunning natural landscapes. You'll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondack Mountains to the west and Vermont's Green Mountains to the east. Many routes follow the Lake Champlain shoreline, pass through riverine areas like the Winooski River, and traverse forested sections, including old-growth cedar forests at Rock Point.

Yes, many routes around Burlington are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Tamp Coffee Co. – Washrooms loop from Appleby and the Centennial Trail East Terminus loop from Burlington, which leads through local parklands.

The touring cycling routes in Burlington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains, and the variety of terrain that caters to different abilities.

Along your rides, you can discover several natural attractions. Highlights include the serene Crawford Lake, the picturesque Hilton Falls, and the impressive Webster's Falls. You might also encounter the lush Bronte Creek Provincial Park.

Yes, beyond natural beauty, you can find interesting landmarks. The Spencer Smith Park Waterfront Trail offers scenic views, and you might pass by unique structures like the Wooden Bridge and Boardwalk. The region also features other waterfalls like Borer's Falls.

Absolutely. The Island Line Trail, also known as the Burlington Bike Path or Burlington Greenway, is a highlight for touring cyclists. This well-maintained path stretches along the Lake Champlain shoreline, offering a unique 'gliding on water' experience across a causeway with stunning views of the Green and Adirondack Mountains. A bike ferry bridges a gap, allowing continuation to the Champlain Islands.

The best season for touring cycling in Burlington is generally spring through autumn. These months offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Autumn, in particular, provides spectacular fall foliage, making for incredibly scenic rides. While winter fat biking is possible, the primary touring cycling season is warmer.

Burlington offers many family-friendly cycling options, especially along the well-maintained and relatively flat sections of the Burlington Bike Path. Parks like Waterfront Park and Leddy Park provide easy access to these paths, making them ideal for families with children or those seeking a relaxed ride.

Parking access for Burlington's bike trails is available at various points along the Burlington Bike Path and near major parks. Waterfront Park, North Beach, and Leddy Beach are popular spots that typically offer parking facilities, providing convenient starting points for your rides.