The best gravel rides around Lake Champlain

There are over 20 gravel biking routes available around Lake Champlain on komoot, catering to various skill levels. These routes have been explored by more than 140 gravel bikers.

Gravel biking around Lake Champlain offers diverse terrain, blending unpaved and paved surfaces. You'll encounter climbs, descents, forests, open fields, and scenic sections along the lake shorelines. The region is set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, providing continually changing scenery.

Yes, Lake Champlain offers several easy and relatively flat routes suitable for families or those seeking a relaxed ride. The Island Line Trail, for example, is an approximately 14-mile out-and-back gravel trail that extends directly onto Lake Champlain, offering spectacular views with little elevation gain. During warmer months, a scenic bike ferry shuttles cyclists across a gap in the causeway, making it an uninterrupted journey.

For more experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Three Covered Bridges loop offer significant elevation gain, traversing rolling farmland and more rugged terrain. The region also features routes with punchy climbs and rewarding descents, often with low car traffic.

Many routes offer scenic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains. Along the Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Lakeside, you can experience the Colchester/Burlington bridge and the Colchester Causeway. The Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing is also a unique highlight. You might also encounter charming towns, historical sites like the Penfield Homestead Museum, and natural features such as the Boquet River.

The Lake Champlain region is beautiful for gravel biking from spring through fall. Spring offers lush greenery, while summer provides warm weather for combining rides with lake activities. Fall is particularly stunning, with vibrant fall foliage painting the landscape, making it an ideal time for scenic rides.

Yes, many gravel routes around Lake Champlain are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Colchester Causeway loop from Colchester Bog Natural Area and the Colchester Causeway – Colchester/Burlington bridge loop from Landon Farm, which offer varied distances and experiences.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 5 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains, the diverse terrain that keeps rides interesting, and the unique experience of riding directly over the lake on the causeway sections.

While specific public transport connections to trailheads can vary, the Burlington Greenway provides excellent cycling access and views of the lake, connecting to parts of the causeway system. For routes further afield, personal transport is generally recommended.

Many popular trailheads, especially those connecting to the Colchester Causeway and other well-known routes, offer designated parking areas. For example, routes starting from Lakeside or Colchester Bog Natural Area typically have parking facilities nearby. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information at your chosen starting point.

While popular routes like the Colchester Causeway can see more traffic, many other routes, particularly those venturing into the more rural areas and smaller towns, offer a quieter experience. Exploring routes like the Lewis Gravel Route or the Willsboro Loop can provide more solitude with equally stunning scenery of forests, fields, and mountainous views.