The best road cycling routes around Hardwick

Road cycling around Hardwick, Vermont, offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling fields, highlands, and valleys, interspersed with thick evergreen forests. The Lamoille River flows through the area, and the Woodbury Mountain Range provides varied terrain. While many routes feature gentle elevation changes, some will include more challenging climbs.

Yes, Hardwick offers a wide selection of road cycling routes. There are over 200 routes available, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult.

For beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride, Hardwick has over 80 easy routes. A good option is the Quainton Windmill – View of the Valley loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway, an easy 43.8 km path winding through picturesque countryside with gentle elevation changes. Another easy route is the View of the Valley loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway, which is 19.1 km long.

Yes, for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, there are a few difficult routes available. The region's varied terrain, including the Woodbury Mountain Range, provides opportunities for more demanding rides with significant elevation changes.

The road cycling routes around Hardwick vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the View of the Valley loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway at 19.1 km, to longer rides like the View of the Valley – Quainton Windmill loop from Whitchurch, which covers 55.1 km.

The road cycling routes in Hardwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, quiet back roads, and expansive views of rolling fields and forests.

Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You might encounter historic sites like Waddesdon Manor or the Bridleway to Claydon House and All Saints Church. The Pond and bench at Marsh Gibbon loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway, for example, leads past local landmarks. The area is also known for its weathered covered bridges and natural features like Hardwick Lake and Cheever's Falls.

For family-friendly cycling, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which runs through Hardwick, is an excellent option. It features a largely flat, compacted crushed stone surface, making it accessible for a range of cyclists, including families. Many of the easy road routes, such as the View of the Valley – View from Lines Hill loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway (27.9 km), also offer gentle terrain suitable for families.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail features a trailhead at the Hardwick Depot, which provides amenities such as parking. Many other routes around Hardwick also offer convenient parking options, often near the starting points of popular loops.

The best time for road cycling in Hardwick is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. The Northeast Kingdom is known for its beautiful foliage in autumn. While some trails are groomed for winter activities, road cycling is generally most enjoyable outside of the snowy months.

Yes, Hardwick has gained a reputation as an 'up-and-coming foodie town' with a vibrant farmers' market and local food businesses. Along some routes, you might find places like the George & Dragon — Coffee Shop & Tea Room in Quainton, offering opportunities for refreshments and a break.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Hardwick are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of the Valley – Quainton Windmill loop from Whitchurch and the Quainton Windmill – View of the Valley loop from Aylesbury Vale Parkway.