The best traffic-free bike rides in Mount Mansfield State Forest

This is a highly walkable town (population about 5,300) that caters to foodies and outdoors enthusiasts. High points include the local shops, restaurants, mountain biking trails and the nearby Waterbury Reservoir, a few miles north of the road.

Beautiful Gorge along the route. As tempting as it may be to go in for a swim, don’t, many people have met their end swimming in this gorge.

The Cross Vermont Trail is a multi-use path that spans the state, connecting communities, crossing rivers, and passing through forests and open fields. It features a mix of gravel and paved sections, making it ideal for bike touring and exploring Vermont’s scenic landscapes. You can start in Burlington and choose your own final destination.

Lintilhac Park is a lovely little park behind the Stowe Community Church and is a common access point for the southern end of the Stowe Recreation Path, just north of Main Street, Stowe. The Stowe Recreation Path is a popular, scenic, 5.3-mile paved trail that is open for bikers and walkers, and is groomed in the winter for cross-country skiers. This fantastic trail crosses Little River several times via wooden bridges, has multiple spots for swimming, and offers direct access to many restaurants and shops in Stowe. There is a bike repair station at Lintilhac Park for those who might need it, in addition to parking for the Recreation Path.

The Catamount Trail Network is the intertwining system of paths at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. The trails are open to a number of different trail users (no pets), and some are even groomed in the winter for fat biking and Nordic skiing. With a bunch of different trail options, these summer mountain bike trails are perfect for beginners, experts, and everyone in between!

The trees clear out near the top of 1207-foot Barnes Hill, giving you some nice views of the landscape around you. It's a nice climb to get up here, but no so bad that you need quads of steel to make it.

Gillett Pond is a true gem with serene waters and picturesque scenery attracting skaters and skiers during the winter, while canoers, kayakers, and anglers enjoy it throughout the warmer seasons. A good deal of wildlife call it home, from birds and bullfrogs to beavers and bobcats. As the only publicly accessible body of water in the area, it holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. In fact, it's not uncommon for residents to shovel off a section during the winter to skate or play pond hockey.

Lintilhac Park is a lovely little park behind the Stowe Community Church and is a common access point for the southern end of the Stowe Recreation Path. The Stowe Recreation Path is a popular, scenic, 5.3-mile paved trail that is open for bikers and walkers, and is groomed in the winter for cross-country skiiers. This fantastic trail crosses Little River several times via wooden bridges, has multiple spots for swimming, and offers direct access to many restaurants and shops in Stowe. There is a bike repair station at Lintilhac Park for those who might need it, in addition to parking for the Recreation Path.