Nottingham Lake

The Eagle Valley Trail – Nottingham Lake loop from Arrowhead Village offers a delightful road cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban convenience. You'll pedal along the paved Eagle Valley Trail, tracing the scenic Eagle River and enjoying mountain vistas, golf courses, and riparian areas. The route even passes through vibrant downtowns like Edwards, Avon, and Eagle-Vail, with the Nottingham Lake loop providing easy, pleasant mountain views.

This moderate 24.0-mile (38.6 km) road cycling route involves 1118 feet (341 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes. While the Nottingham Lake section is easy, the broader trail has varied terrain, including some road shoulders and potential pavement cracks. Start from Arrowhead Village, and be prepared for some navigation through towns where the trail might weave through residential areas.

This trail system is a standout for its exceptional connectivity, linking nine communities across the valley. Its well-maintained, paved surface makes it accessible for various users, and the constant presence of the Eagle River provides a refreshing natural element. The route offers convenient access to local attractions and amenities, making it a dynamic and enjoyable cycling option in Eagle County.

The Eagle Valley Trail loop from Avon offers a wonderfully accessible road cycling experience, tracing the scenic Eagle River through a pleasant riparian environment. You'll pedal on mostly paved surfaces, enjoying views up-valley from spots like Nottingham Park and passing by the Westin/Beaver Creek gondola area, all set against Avon's beautiful mountain landscape. It's an enjoyable ride that showcases the region's natural beauty and connects you with local communities.

This moderate 42.5-mile (68.4 km) route, with 1490 feet (454 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Accessing the trail is straightforward, with convenient entry points from various locations in Avon, such as Nottingham Park. While the trail is generally easy, some sections may transition to a shared sidewalk or road shoulder, so remain aware of your surroundings. Autumn is a particularly rewarding time to visit, as the trail comes alive with vibrant fall foliage.

This loop is a key part of the extensive Eagle Valley Regional Trail System, a non-motorized path designed to connect nine communities and provide a safe route for both residents and visitors. It's a testament to thoughtful regional planning, offering a continuous and well-maintained cycling experience that's suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The trail's development, with its final Avon connections completed in 2016, highlights its importance as a recreational and commuter artery in the valley.