The best gravel rides around East Montpelier

East Montpelier offers a diverse selection of 12 gravel biking routes. These range from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

You'll encounter a mix of scenic rural landscapes, including rolling hills, active farmlands, and extensive woodlands. Many routes utilize maintained and unmaintained dirt roads, including Vermont's adventurous 'class 4 roads', providing varied surfaces from smooth to challenging.

While many routes are moderate to difficult, the region's extensive multi-use trail networks and less technical dirt roads can offer suitable sections for families. For a moderate option, consider the Junction Road – Winooski West Path loop from Montpelier, which is 26.0 km long.

Riders can enjoy views of the Winooski River valley, distant low hills, and even glimpses of Camel's Hump. Along the way, you might encounter highlights such as the Winooski West Path, the historic Martin Covered Bridge, or the serene Small Falls.

Yes, many of East Montpelier's gravel routes are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Winooski West Path – Sodom Pond loop from Montpelier covers 69.9 km, and the Adamant Co-op General Store – Mirror Lake loop from Adamant is a 33.3 km difficult ride.

The region is beautiful for gravel biking from spring through fall, when the weather is generally mild and the landscapes are vibrant. Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and stunning foliage, while summer provides lush green scenery. Be mindful of 'mud season' in early spring when some unmaintained roads can be very soft.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the quiet woodlands, the picturesque farmlands, and the varied terrain that makes for an engaging gravel biking experience.

Yes, several routes incorporate local water features. The Adamant Co-op General Store – Mirror Lake loop from Adamant, for instance, leads through woodlands and directly past Mirror Lake.

The longest gravel bike route in the area is the Winooski West Path – Sodom Pond loop from Montpelier, which spans 69.9 kilometers and is considered a difficult ride.

Absolutely. The Sodom Pond – Curtis Pond Dock loop from Montpelier is a difficult 61.2 km route that provides extensive views of rolling hills and passes through beautiful forested areas.

While specific parking areas for each trail vary, many routes start from or pass through Montpelier, which offers various public parking options. For routes originating in smaller communities like Adamant, local co-ops or designated trailheads often provide parking.

The routes in East Montpelier cater to a range of abilities, with 6 moderate and 4 difficult routes. The terrain often includes rolling hills and a mix of maintained and unmaintained dirt roads, offering a good challenge for experienced riders while still providing accessible options.