The best gravel rides around Burlington

There are 9 gravel bike trails around Burlington, offering a mix of difficulties. You'll find 1 easy route, 5 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes to explore, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Burlington offers routes suitable for beginners. The Island Line Trail is a popular choice, following the Lake Champlain coastline and offering a relatively flat and scenic ride. This route even includes a unique bike ferry connection for an added adventure.

Gravel biking around Burlington features diverse terrain, from dedicated bike paths along Lake Champlain to extensive networks of unpaved country roads and more challenging climbs in the surrounding hills. You'll encounter mixed-surface trails, forests, and scenic views of the Green Mountains and Adirondack Mountains.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Three Covered Bridges loop is a difficult 40.3-mile path featuring significant elevation gain and unpaved roads through scenic areas. The region's proximity to the Green Mountains also means access to more demanding climbs.

Many routes offer stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. You can pass by Waterfront Park, explore the Colchester/Burlington bridge, or even experience the Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing. Some trails, like the Three Covered Bridges loop, showcase historic covered bridges.

Yes, many gravel routes around Burlington are designed as loops. For example, the Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Lakeside is a 34.1-mile trail that takes you through the Colchester Causeway. Another option is the Colchester Causeway loop from Colchester Bog Natural Area.

Burlington is an excellent destination for gravel biking from spring through fall, when the weather is generally mild and the trails are clear. The vibrant foliage in autumn makes for particularly scenic rides. While some paths like the Burlington Bike Path are groomed for fat biking in winter, many unpaved gravel roads may be less accessible due to snow and ice.

For families, routes with dedicated bike paths and flatter sections are ideal. The Island Line Trail, with its scenic lakeside path and minimal elevation, is a great choice for a family outing. Many local parks also offer accessible green spaces for recreation.

Many popular routes, especially those connected to the Burlington Bike Path and Colchester Causeway, have designated parking areas near their trailheads. For example, routes like the Colchester Pond – Chapin Orchard loop from Village Park indicate starting points with potential parking access. It's always recommended to check specific route details for the most accurate parking information.

The gravel biking routes in Burlington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 4 reviews. Riders often praise the stunning lakeside views, the variety of terrain from easy paths to challenging climbs, and the unique experience of features like the bike ferry connection on the Island Line Trail.

Yes, Burlington serves as a starting point for longer gravel adventures. The Vermont Gravel Ride, a 253-mile loop, begins and ends in Burlington, featuring extensive unpaved roads and challenging climbs. Within the guide, routes like the Three Covered Bridges loop offer a substantial 40.3-mile ride.

Absolutely! Burlington's location on Lake Champlain and proximity to the Green Mountains make it perfect for combining activities. After a ride, you can enjoy the five public beaches on Lake Champlain, try watersports like kayaking, or explore hiking trails in areas like Derway Cove. In winter, the region offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.