The best traffic-free bike rides around Lake Champlain

The Lake Champlain region offers a diverse selection of no-traffic gravel bike trails. This guide features 18 curated routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels looking for quiet rides.

Lake Champlain provides a unique blend of natural beauty with varied terrain, including lake shorelines, rolling farmland, and stunning views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Many routes utilize quiet, unpaved roads and dedicated paths like the Colchester Causeway, ensuring a peaceful, traffic-free experience away from cars.

Yes, several routes are perfect for beginners and families seeking a relaxed, traffic-free ride. The Island Line Trail, for instance, is a relatively flat path that extends directly onto Lake Champlain, offering expansive views and a unique bike ferry crossing during warmer months. Another great option is the Porter Natural Area – Colchester Causeway loop, which is also rated as moderate but very accessible.

Spring, summer, and fall all offer excellent conditions. Spring brings fresh greenery, while summer provides warm weather for lakeside stops. Fall is particularly spectacular with vibrant foliage, especially on routes winding through forests and fields. Be aware that early spring can bring 'mud season' on some unpaved roads, so checking local conditions is advisable.

Absolutely. For those seeking more elevation and a greater challenge, routes like the Three Covered Bridges loop or the Sequin Covered Bridge – Holmes Creek Covered Bridge loop offer significant climbs and descents through varied terrain, providing a rewarding experience for advanced gravel bikers.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Lake Champlain are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. Examples include the Three Covered Bridges loop and the Colchester Pond – Chapin Orchard loop, which offer diverse scenery and a complete cycling experience.

Yes, the routes often pass by or near notable points of interest. For example, the Colchester Causeway routes offer views of the Colchester/Burlington bridge and the unique Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing. The region is also rich in history, with sites like Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point nearby, offering educational experiences and ruins to explore.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake and mountain views, the peacefulness of the traffic-free routes, and the unique experience of riding over the water on the causeways. The diverse terrain and well-maintained gravel paths are also frequently highlighted.

While direct public transport to all trailheads might be limited, the city of Burlington, Vermont, offers bus services that can connect you to parts of the Burlington Greenway, which in turn links to some of the no-traffic gravel paths. For accessing the Lake Champlain Islands, a scenic ferry service is available, which can be a unique way to start or extend your ride.

Many popular trailheads, especially those for the Colchester Causeway and Island Line Trail, offer designated parking areas. For routes starting in or near towns like Colchester or Shelburne, you can often find public parking lots. It's always recommended to check specific route details for recommended parking locations before you go.

Generally, no specific permits are required for gravel biking on public roads and designated trails in the Lake Champlain region. However, always respect private property, stay on marked trails, and adhere to local regulations, especially in natural areas or state parks. Some sections, like the bike ferry on the Colchester Causeway, may have operational hours and fees.

Yes, especially near routes that pass through or close to towns. Burlington, Vermont, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and services easily accessible from trails like the Burlington Greenway. Smaller towns and villages around the lake, such as Willsboro, also provide options for refreshments and meals, making it easy to refuel during your ride.