The best road cycling routes around Burlington

Burlington offers a diverse selection of road cycling routes. Our guide features 12 curated routes, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Road cycling around Burlington offers a mix of terrain. You'll find relatively flat lakeside paths, particularly along Lake Champlain, as well as more challenging rides with rolling hills and elevation gains as you venture towards the Green Mountains. The region provides a beautiful blend of scenic waterfronts and rural Vermont landscapes.

Yes, Burlington has options for easier rides. While most routes in our guide are moderate, there is at least one easy route, such as the Cabell County Courthouse loop from Huntington. Additionally, the Burlington Greenway (Island Line Trail) is a well-known paved multi-use path that is excellent for all skill levels and families, offering stunning lakefront views.

Burlington's road cycling routes are incredibly scenic. You'll frequently encounter breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. Many routes also pass through the picturesque Intervale, with its historic structures and active farms, or along the Winooski River. The backdrop of the Green Mountains provides a constant natural spectacle.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Burlington is part of the extensive Lake Champlain Bikeways network. Within our guide, you can find routes like the Next to the Memorial Park – Cabell County Courthouse loop from Spring Valley High School, which covers over 67 kilometers. The wider region offers numerous loops and tours, including the 363-mile principal route around Lake Champlain itself.

The best time for road cycling in Burlington is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. Fall offers spectacular foliage. While the Burlington Greenway is plowed in winter, dedicated road cycling on open roads is most enjoyable outside of the snowy season.

Many of the road cycling routes around Burlington are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples from our guide include the Next to the Memorial Park loop from Huntington and the Cabell County Courthouse – Next to the Memorial Park loop from Huntington, providing convenient options for your ride.

Burlington has a public bus system, Green Mountain Transit (GMT), which serves the city and surrounding areas. While specific routes may vary in their proximity to bus stops, many parts of the Burlington Greenway and urban cycling paths are accessible within the city. For longer routes, it's advisable to check bus schedules and bike-on-bus policies directly with GMT.

Parking is generally available at various points along popular cycling routes and in Burlington. For routes starting near the waterfront, there are parking lots close to the Burlington Greenway. For routes venturing further out, you might find parking in town centers or designated trailheads. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.

Burlington is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Beyond road cycling, you can enjoy hiking on extensive trail networks like Arms Forest or Centennial Woods, or engage in water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on Lake Champlain. The city's numerous parks, like Oakledge Park and Leddy Park, offer additional recreational opportunities and scenic viewpoints.

Yes, Burlington is very bike-friendly and offers several bike rental shops. A prominent option is Local Motion, conveniently located on the Burlington Greenway near Waterfront Park, making it easy to rent a bike and immediately hit the trails or roads.