Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe
Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe
3.2
(22)
61
riders
Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe
03:28
41.4km
730m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
784 m
Waterbury
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
17.9 km
Barnes Hill
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
22.0 km
Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
31.7 km
Loomis Hill
Highlight • Summit
41.4 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
34.2 km
3.64 km
1.56 km
1.09 km
850 m
Surfaces
20.9 km
17.8 km
2.54 km
134 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (410 m)
Lowest point (130 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 20 July
24°C
9°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that truly earns its 'difficult' rating while delivering incredible views, the Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe is definitely worth your time. This challenging 25.7-mile (41.4 km) ride packs a significant 2400 feet (732 metres) of climbing into roughly 3 hours and 28 minutes, making it ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a rewarding day out in the Vermont countryside.
What to expect on Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop from Waterbury-Stowe
This route takes you on a journey through varied terrain, combining paved roads with unpaved sections, including some well-maintained gravel or "Class 4" roads. As you tackle the ascents, particularly around Barnes Hill, you'll be rewarded with expansive, panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the surrounding picturesque landscape. You'll also pass by the scenic Waterbury Reservoir and through lush forests, with the possibility of spotting charming covered bridges. While the climbs are demanding, they are designed to be achievable without needing "quads of steel," though good fitness is certainly a prerequisite for this difficult touring cycling adventure.
Planning your visit
The Waterbury area is a popular hub for outdoor enthusiasts, so planning your visit to the Waterbury – Barnes Hill loop is straightforward. Waterbury itself is known for catering to foodies and adventurers, making it an excellent base with local shops and restaurants. While specific parking details for this exact route aren't provided, the region offers ample access points. Given the route's duration and difficulty, starting earlier in the day is always a good idea to allow plenty of time to enjoy the ride and the scenery.
- Distance: 25.7 miles (41.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 2400 feet (732 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 28 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free