The best cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park
5.0
(2)
105
riders
19
rides
Touring cycling in Waterbury Center State Park features routes through diverse landscapes, including the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir and surrounding mountains within the Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Cyclists can experience panoramic mountain views, ride through woods and pastures, and cycle alongside a small river. The region's geography provides close-up views of farms and forests, with many routes featuring mostly paved surfaces.
Best touring cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park
- The most popular touring cycling route is Barnes Hill loop from…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
3
riders
12.9km
01:06
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
The Gold Brook Covered Bridge – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop offers a classic Vermont touring cycling experience, winding through lush forests and past panoramic mountain views. You'll pedal…
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18
riders
41.4km
03:28
730m
730m
Imagine pedaling through Vermont's picturesque landscape, where rolling hills give way to panoramic views of the Green Mountains. This 25.7-mile (41.4 km) touring cycling route, known as the Waterbury –…
5.0
(1)
7
riders
48.0km
04:13
730m
730m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
6
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
For now, at least, this section of the Cross-Vermont Trail overlaps with Route 2. At least you have the pretty Winooski River for company!
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Avoid highway 100 by taking this lovely side road from Pine Brook Covered Bridge up almost to Moretown
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Lintilhac Park is a lovely little park behind the Stowe Community Church and is a common access point for the southern end of the Stowe Recreation Path, just north of Main Street, Stowe. The Stowe Recreation Path is a popular, scenic, 5.3-mile paved trail that is open for bikers and walkers, and is groomed in the winter for cross-country skiers. This fantastic trail crosses Little River several times via wooden bridges, has multiple spots for swimming, and offers direct access to many restaurants and shops in Stowe. There is a bike repair station at Lintilhac Park for those who might need it, in addition to parking for the Recreation Path.
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A coffee shop and a brewery right across the street from each other! What more can you ask for on a relaxing ride around Stowe? Idletyme Brewing and PK Coffee are two great spots to grab a burger and beer or coffee and pastry depending on your mood (and time of day). Both of these local-favorite spots are right off of the Stowe Recreational Path, making them convenient to stop at and refuel as you explore the area.
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The trees clear out near the top of 1207-foot Barnes Hill, giving you some nice views of the landscape around you. It's a nice climb to get up here, but no so bad that you need quads of steel to make it.
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Great Eddy is the oldest covered bridge still in operation in Vermont. It was built in 1833 and to this day is one of the main routes in and out of Waitsfield.
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Built in 1855, Pine Brook Covered Bridge stands now as it did nearly 180 years ago. Unlike other covered bridges in Vermont, this one hasn't required any reinforcing and will happily take you and your bike across the water, as it would have done for cyclists all that time ago.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park?
The touring cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park feature diverse landscapes, including panoramic mountain views, rides through enchanting woods and pastures, and sections alongside a small river. Many routes offer mostly paved surfaces, making them ideal for touring cyclists.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Waterbury Center State Park?
There are nearly 20 touring cycling routes available in Waterbury Center State Park, offering a range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?
Yes, Waterbury Center State Park offers a couple of easy touring cycling routes. For those seeking a moderate introduction, routes like Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury Center State Park provide a good balance of scenery and manageable terrain, often on paved surfaces.
What are some popular moderate touring cycling routes in the area?
Among the nine moderate routes, the Loomis Hill loop from Waterbury Center State Park is a favorite, offering scenic views over 11.1 miles. Another excellent choice is the Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe, which covers 17.6 miles with varied terrain.
Are there challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are eight difficult routes available. A notable option is the Waterbury loop from Waterbury, which spans nearly 30 miles with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see while cycling?
Cyclists can enjoy close-up views of farms and forests, panoramic mountain vistas, and the expansive 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir. Some routes, like the Gold Brook Covered Bridge – Loomis Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe, even pass by charming covered bridges and through picturesque woods and pastures.
What do other cyclists say about touring in Waterbury Center State Park?
The touring cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, the mix of paved surfaces, and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.
Are there any loop routes available for touring cyclists?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Waterbury Center State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. Examples include the Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury Center State Park and the Loomis Hill loop from Waterbury Center State Park.
What is the general elevation profile for touring routes in this region?
The region's geography, characterized by mountains and lakes, means that while many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, you can expect varying levels of elevation gain. There are options ranging from moderate rides with manageable climbs to more challenging routes that include significant ascents, such as the difficult 66-mile Waterbury Basin Super Tour mentioned in regional research, which features over 8,000 feet of climbing.
Is Waterbury Center State Park suitable for a full day of cycling and other activities?
Absolutely. Beyond cycling, Waterbury Center State Park offers a wide array of recreational opportunities. You can enjoy swimming at the beach, boating on the reservoir (with rentals available for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards), fishing, and picnicking. There's also a nature trail and a universally accessible trail, making it a versatile destination for a complete outdoor experience.
Most popular routes in Waterbury Center State Park
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