3-Day Vermont Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour

Duration
3 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Easier to Intermediate
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable bike tour on the longest rail trail in New England and enjoy three days of crushed-gravel cycling bliss for up to 93 miles. The trip connects small towns with rural Vermont riding … and offers farm-fresh foods and craft beer. The tour starts and ends in Burlington and is 3 days long with an average group size of 12 people. The level is rated 3, and the price starts from USD 1,999 /pp including taxes and fees. The surfaces for this tour are 4% Paved and 96% Gravel. Escape to Vermont for an easygoing 3-day ride on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Car-free paths, small towns, local cuisine, and relaxed daily mileage. Spanning 93 miles and connecting 18 towns from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, the trail offers a delightful ride for all. The trip offers a peaceful three-day getaway to the Green Mountains, where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, farm-fresh foods and craft beer. These trail sections have a rich history and natural beauty. The railroad was developed in June of 1877, serving various industries such as granite, limestone, gravel, grain feed, lumber, and Christmas trees. During your tour in the Green Mountain State, you have the chance to experience farm-to-table restaurants, picturesque B&Bs, scenic covered bridges, historic general stores, and much more. Start with a shuttle from Burlington to the headwaters of the Lamoille River. Then cycle down the railroad grade to the Connecticut River on Day 1. Day 2 starts with a shuttle back to the elevation highpoint of the trail, then spend the entire day biking the railroad grade downriver. Day 3 starts with more pedaling along the Lamoille River, then you follow the gentle railroad grade to Swanton near the shores of Lake Champlain. The trip ends with a shuttle back to Burlington by 4 p.m. Day 1: Arrival Day. After brief introductions, shuttle to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Greensboro Bend. Stop in Hardwick for lunch along the way. Then have a bike fitting and start riding in Walden at the headwaters of the Lamoille River. Today's ride is down the railroad grade to St. Johnsbury. You stay at a casual inn very close to the trailhead and have a chance to explore the historic downtown, including a brewery and dinner. Informally known as 'Saint J.,' the town of St. Johnsbury is the largest town in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and was one of the original New Hampshire Grants towns in 1760. Accommodation: Comfort Inn & Suites St. Johnsbury, St Johnsbury. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Biking: 28.2 miles (45.4 kilometers). Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,146 feet (349 meters) ascent, 1,725 feet (526 meters) descent. Terrain: Easier. Day 2: Greensboro Bend to Jeffersonville. Your ride today starts with a 30-minute shuttle back near the highpoint of the trail in Greensboro Bend. You then travel along a picturesque route from Greensboro Bend to Jeffersonville, covering more than half the width of beautiful Vermont. Today's entire ride is downhill again, frequently crossing the Lamoille River. One highpoint of the day is riding through the Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge. It was one of the last operating covered railroad bridges in the U.S. Lunch is on your own in Morrisville or at one of the lunch options along the route. Along the way, you pass working farms that produce maple syrup and dairy products. Many sell these delicious fresh treats at the farm. At the end of the ride, shuttle into iconic Stowe, Vermont, where you stay within walking distance of the famous Alchemist Brewery. Walk to dinner from the inn. Accommodation: Stoweflake Mountain Resort, Stowe. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Biking: 37.9 miles (61 kilometers). Elevation Gain/Loss: 862 feet (263 meters) ascent, 1,563 feet (476 meters) descent. Terrain: Easier to Intermediate. Day 3: Jeffersonville to Swanton. Begin your morning with breakfast in Stowe, then shuttle back to Jeffersonville. Today's ride leaves the Lamoille River and follows a gentle railroad grade into the Missisquoi River Valley before tracing the river downstream to Swanton. With its relatively easy terrain, the route offers a relaxing ride through Vermont's picturesque farms and forests. Enjoy lunch together after finishing the ride in Swanton, then shuttle back to downtown Burlington, arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m. Accommodation: Not applicable. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Biking: 31.8 miles (51.2 kilometers). Elevation Gain/Loss: 689 feet (210 meters) ascent, 1,043 feet (318 meters) descent. Terrain: Easier to Intermediate. The tour starts with shuttle pick-up locations in Colchester at 9:15am, or the Hotel Vermont at 10am. The tour ends with a drop-off back at the Park & Ride in Colchester at 3pm, or the Hotel Vermont at 4pm. Recommended arrival in Burlington is at least the day before the tour starts. Recommended departure from Burlington is after 7pm on the last day. Included in the tour: 2 nights' accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, highly experienced trip leaders, industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio, all activities outlined in the itinerary, delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, all necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe), branded t-shirt and bag, choice of Gravel bikes, Hybrid bikes, or E-Bikes, Ride with GPS for navigation, transportation in air-conditioned vans, customer care support, and 'My Account' online space. The Comfort Inn & Suites near Burke Mountain is an ideal getaway for families or solo travelers who want to enjoy year-round recreational activities. The hotel is in St. Johnsbury, allowing guests the chance to explore the best that New England has to offer, from ski slopes to cultural attractions to the natural beauty of the region. Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa was voted the no. 2 best resort in the Northeast in the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers Choice Awards! Founded in 1963, Stoweflake has grown from a modest motel into one of Vermont’s premiere resort and spa destinations. Guests can enjoy a decades-long tradition of Vermont hospitality that encompasses 120 upscale guest rooms and suites, family-friendly townhouses, a 50,000 sq. ft. nationally acclaimed spa and fitness center, dining venues and more!

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Inn

What's Included

Airport transfers
Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Vermont

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.