Whatever style of bike or surface you enjoy, we've got it here in Addison County. Everything from peaceful dirt roads bordering Lake Champlain to the most challenging hill climbs. In fact, the eastern side of Lincoln Gap is the steepest paved mile in the U.S. with a 24% grade. In recent years Addison County has been recognized as one of the best places to ride by Yankee Magazine, Vermont Life, CNN and the Boston Globe. Below are a variety of options suitable for all abilities.
ROAD BIKING
You can create your own route or ride one of nine bicycle loops developed by Lake Champlain Bikeways, a 1,600+ mile network of bicycle routes in the Lake Champlain Valley of Vermont, New York, and Québec. In Addison County loops range in difficulty—for example an easy loop with a continuous panorama of fields and mountains along Lake Champlain or a more challenging loop offering two mountain climbs over the Middlebury and Brandon gaps. Several of the routes are a mix of paved and hard-packed dirt roads. Tour one of the loops detailed here, in the Heart of Vermont Bikeways map. In addition, check out the Vergennes Partnership's suggested bicycle loops.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Addison County’s first trail designed and constructed specifically for mountain biking is within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, this 9-mile circuit offers vistas across southern Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on a trail ascending to an amazing ridge line, descending through ferny glades and winding through the boulder-strewn Leicester Hollow, back to the Silver Lake Campground. With the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service, this is a one-of-a-kind system and the first on federal land in Vermont.
FAT BIKING
In the winter months Rikert Nordic Center offers fat biking on their 55+ km trail network. Bring your own bike or rent from their fleet. Conditions permitting.
