4.5
(14)
1,433
riders
30
rides
Mountain biking in Essex County, Vermont, offers diverse terrain characterized by rolling hills, forested paths, and significant elevation changes. The region features prominent natural landmarks such as Burke Mountain, providing a scenic backdrop for various mountain bike trails. Riders can expect a mix of challenging climbs and descents, often winding through wooded areas. This landscape provides a dynamic environment for mountain biking, catering to those seeking both endurance and technical skill development.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
3.0
(2)
241
riders
37.4km
03:37
710m
710m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
70
riders
28.4km
02:32
410m
410m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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43
riders
73.3km
07:07
1,340m
1,340m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
28
riders
19.9km
01:50
330m
330m
This difficult 12.4-mile (19.9 km) mountain bike loop, with 1097 feet (334 metres) of climbing, offers a challenging ride through Vermont's renowned Kingdom Trails network. You'll navigate varied forested singletrack,…
4.5
(2)
18
riders
14.5km
01:23
250m
250m
If you're seeking a challenging ride that showcases the best of Vermont's mountain biking, the Mountainbike loop from East Burke delivers. This difficult 9.0-mile (14.5 km) route winds through varied…
19
riders
20.3km
01:48
270m
270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
14
riders
20.9km
02:19
790m
790m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
13
riders
15.1km
01:35
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
8
riders
17.4km
01:39
330m
330m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
6
riders
21.3km
02:13
520m
520m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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This climb is short but brutal, covering around 3.3 miles with an intense average gradient of about 12.2%, hitting pitches over 20% and gaining over 2,000 feet. As you grind your way up through the dense Vermont forest, be sure to catch your breath at the overlooks; midway up, you might see the striking Willoughby Gap, and from the summit, climbing the fire tower rewards you with incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the rolling Green Mountains and White Mountains stretching out into the distance – especially stunning when the fall foliage is peaking.
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Burke Mountain is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts during winter. However, during the summer, it transforms into Burke Bike Park, offering singletrack biking and hiking trails. The Burke Mountain bike climb is a challenging and steep climb of 3.3 miles (5.31 km), known for having the steepest 2.5 mile (4.02 km) section in the US. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy several fantastic views of Vermont's famous Willoughby Gap to the north.
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Darling Hill, just off Darling Hill Road, is a popular recreation area for Vermonters. Trail running, hiking, and biking are popular here in the summer, and in the winter, this area is popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For cross-country skiers, this area of Darling Hill is said to be the “prettiest mile in Vermont.”
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Burke Mountain serves as the high point at Burke Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont. There is a 37-foot tall lookout tower at the top of the mountain, and you get unobstructed panoramic views from the summit.
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Bemis Hill is a peak within Burke Mountain Bike Area that tops out at 1,213 feet in elevation.
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Essex County, Vermont, offers a diverse network of over 20 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, though many are designed for experienced riders.
You can expect a dynamic environment characterized by rolling hills, dense forested paths, and significant elevation changes. Trails often feature challenging climbs and descents, winding through wooded areas with a mix of natural surfaces.
While many routes in Essex County, Vermont, are geared towards experienced riders, there are a few easier options available. Out of the 23 listed trails, 2 are classified as easy and 2 as moderate, providing some choices for those new to mountain biking or looking for a less strenuous ride.
Essex County, Vermont, is known for its challenging routes. For instance, the Bemis Hill loop from Center Pond is a difficult 45.5-mile path with extensive climbs and descents. Another demanding option is the Darling Hill – Bemis Hill loop from East Burke, which covers 23.2 miles with substantial elevation gain.
Yes, many trails in Essex County, Vermont, provide scenic mountain views, particularly those around Burke Mountain. The forested paths and varied terrain offer picturesque backdrops throughout your ride.
The trails vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the Mountainbike loop from White School is about 7.6 miles (12.3 km) and takes around 1 hour 8 minutes, while the Darling Hill – Newark Pond loop from East Burke spans over 41 miles (66.8 km) and can take nearly 6 hours to complete.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Essex County, Vermont, are designed as loops. Examples include the Bemis Hill loop from East Burke and the Darling Hill loop from East Burke, offering circular routes to start and end at the same point.
The mountain bike trails in Essex County, Vermont, are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 14 reviews. Over 1200 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the region, often praising the challenging terrain and scenic forested routes.
The best time for mountain biking in Essex County, Vermont, is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and trails are free of snow and ice. Fall offers particularly stunning foliage views. Winter conditions can make many trails impassable or require specialized equipment.
Information regarding specific dog policies for all mountain bike trails in Essex County, Vermont, is not universally available. It is always recommended to check local regulations or specific trail signage before bringing your dog, as rules can vary by park or land management area.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, most popular mountain biking areas and trail networks typically offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for any specific parking instructions or recommendations.
Essex County, Vermont, is nestled in a region known for its natural beauty. While specific attractions directly adjacent to the trails are not listed, the area's focus on outdoor activities means you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural landscape, including Burke Mountain and various forested areas.


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