The best gravel rides in Lamoille County

Lamoille County offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 40 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring there's an adventure for every rider.

You'll encounter diverse terrain, including extensive gravel roads, rolling hills, and picturesque river valleys. While many routes offer gentle gradients, some areas, particularly those approaching Mount Mansfield, feature more challenging climbs. The region's landscape is characterized by forested areas and scenic countryside.

Yes, Lamoille County has options suitable for beginners. For a relatively easy ride, consider the Morrisville loop from Taylor Cemetery, which is 15.9 miles (25.6 km) long and features minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for those new to gravel biking.

Absolutely. Lamoille County is known for its more demanding routes. Trails like the Stowe Recreation Path – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop from Stowe (32.6 miles with over 800m elevation gain) or the Waterbury – Gold Brook Covered Bridge loop from Trapp Family Lodge (38.9 miles with over 1100m elevation gain) offer significant climbs and varied terrain for experienced riders.

Lamoille County is rich in natural beauty. Many routes offer stunning views of the verdant countryside and mountains. You might pass by viewpoints like Mansfield's Lower Lip or Sunset Rock. The region also features beautiful waterfalls such as Bingham Falls, Moss Glen Falls, and Sterling Gorge Falls, which are often accessible from nearby trails.

Yes, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is an excellent choice for gravel biking. As New England's longest crushed gravel rail trail, it offers a car-free, scenic experience. Sections like the one from Jeffersonville to Johnson are particularly noted for their beauty and are perfect for a smooth gravel ride.

For families, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail provides a safe and scenic environment with its flat, crushed gravel surface. Additionally, the Stowe Recreation Path, though paved, offers easy access from Lintilhac Park and crosses the Little River multiple times, with access to swimming spots, making it enjoyable for all ages.

Many multi-use trails in Lamoille County, including sections of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, are dog-friendly. It's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, but generally, leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your gravel biking adventures.

Parking is generally available at various access points along major trails like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Stowe Recreation Path. For example, Lintilhac Park in Stowe offers convenient access and parking for the Stowe Recreation Path.

The best time for gravel biking is typically from late spring through early fall. Summer offers lush greenery, while autumn provides spectacular fall foliage. Be aware that spring can bring 'mud season' conditions on some unpaved roads, and winter biking is possible on groomed trails like the LVRT, which is also used for snowshoeing and dog-sledding.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Lamoille County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Dog’s Head Falls – Old Railroad Bridge loop from Morristown and the Wolcott Pond loop from Wolcott, offering varied distances and challenges.

Yes, Lamoille County has several bike-friendly establishments. Towns like Stowe and Morrisville, which are central to many routes, offer cafes, pubs, and breweries. Many routes, such as the Stowe Recreation Path – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop from Stowe, are specifically designed to pass by local eateries and coffee shops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of gravel roads, the stunning natural beauty of the rolling hills and river valleys, and the variety of routes available for all skill levels. The ability to immerse oneself in the Vermont landscape with fewer cars is also a frequently mentioned highlight.