The best road cycling routes around Burlington

Burlington offers a diverse selection of road cycling routes. Our guide features 9 highly-rated routes, but the region boasts over 15 routes in total, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Burlington has several easy and family-friendly options. The Island Line Trail is a popular choice, offering a 7.6-mile paved route with extensive views of Lake Champlain and the unique Colchester Causeway. This trail is mostly flat and accessible for various fitness levels, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.

Burlington's road cycling routes are renowned for their stunning natural beauty. You can expect breathtaking vistas of Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondack Mountains, especially along routes like the Winooski River and Champlain Bikeway Loop. Many paths also follow the picturesque Winooski River Valley, and you'll encounter diverse landscapes ranging from urban waterfronts to rolling hills and rural Vermont countryside.

Absolutely. For those seeking more demanding rides, segments of the broader Champlain Bikeway can be quite challenging, with significant elevation gain. Routes like the Burlington Greenway to Hinesburg loop offer a moderate 27.2-mile ride through rural Vermont scenery, providing a good balance of distance and varied terrain.

Yes, many of Burlington's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Winooski River and Champlain Bikeway Loop, which provides a moderate 15.6-mile circuit, and the Burlington Greenway to Hinesburg loop for a longer, 27.2-mile ride.

The best time for road biking in Burlington is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural scenery, from lush greenery to vibrant autumn foliage, is at its peak. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While cycling, you'll pass by several notable landmarks and natural features. The Colchester Causeway on the Island Line Trail is a unique highlight, surrounded by water. You might also catch glimpses of the historic Ethan Allen Tower in Ethan Allen Park, or the Winooski Falls in the nearby town of Winooski, depending on your chosen route.

Many of Burlington's parks and trailheads offer convenient parking for cyclists. Popular starting points like Oakledge Park, Waterfront Park, and North Beach Park, which provide access to the Burlington Bike Path and other routes, typically have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information and any potential fees.

Given Burlington's vibrant urban and accessible rural areas, you'll find opportunities for refreshments. Routes that pass through the city center or near small villages often have cafes, restaurants, or local shops where you can stop for a break. The Burlington Bike Path, for instance, is well-integrated with the city's amenities.

Burlington's unique appeal for road cyclists stems from its prime location on Lake Champlain, offering unparalleled lakeside views combined with diverse terrain that includes rolling hills and the Winooski River Valley. The extensive network of trails, from paved paths to more challenging routes, integrated into the larger Lake Champlain Bikeways, provides a rich variety of experiences for all skill levels, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty and geological significance.

Burlington's urban bike paths, such as sections of the Burlington Bike Path, are generally accessible from various points within the city, which are served by local public transport. For routes extending further into rural areas, public transport options might be more limited, so planning your starting and ending points accordingly is recommended.