Vermont Biking
Autumn Jewels of the North Country
Take it all in slowly. The quiet capital of Montpelier. Rolling hills that feel like Tuscany. Golds, burgundies and oranges. White steeples and red covered bridges. A crisp air that hints at the coming season. The Greens. The Adirondacks. Champlain. Take in the character of Stowe, the collegiate atmosphere of Middlebury. Take in a local winery and an ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. The days are short. Nights are cool. This is Northern Vermont. Savor it all. Get immersed in it. Even pour it on your pancakes.
- Bike quiet roads past classic New England farms, maple syrup stands and covered bridges
- Stowe's idyllic surroundings and historic architecture
- Incredible vistas and an exhilarating descent from Appalachian Gap
- Stop at a local winery to sample premier vintages and hard cider
- Views of Lake Champlain and the Green and Adirondack Mountains
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Views of Lake Champlain and the Green and Adirondack Mountains 
Spin through Kinglands Bay State Park from Vergennes, Vermont's tiniest town, where shops reside in riverside mills.
Day 2 Bike quiet roads past classic New England farms, maple syrup stands and covered bridges Visit Morgan Horse Farm, where most Morgan horses are bred In charming Middlebury, the fresh gingersnaps at Otter Creek Bakery may coax you out of the unique stores and galleries - you won't be alone.
Day 3 Incredible vistas and an exhilarating descent from Appalachian Gap A sugarhouse en route to Montpelier, the nation's smallest capital, serves up samples of that famous Vermont maple syrup.
Days 4-5 Stowe's idyllic surroundings and historic architecture Pedal past perfectly manicured farms, wooded mountains and pastures dotted with black-and-white Holstein cows Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey? Try 'em both at Ben & Jerry's famous ice creamery En route, check out the superb pieces at Little River Hot Glass Studio Explore Stowe Village, or opt to golf, horseback ride or indulge in a massage.
Day 6 Stop at a local winery to taste premiere vintages and hard cider As you ride through rolling farmland, feast your eyes on endless forests and the winding Lamoille River.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Maine Biking Martha's Vineyard Biking San Juan Islands BikingOther Eastern US Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I have looked forward to bicycling in Vermont in the fall for many years. This trip was everything I had hoped for! We had great leaders, fun fellow travelers, good weather, beautiful scenery and lots of cycling. I had a wonderful time.- Milliken, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Vermont Biking
Casual Inns
Strong House Inn
Vergennes (2 nights) Built in the 1830s and perched on a ridge with views of both the Green and Adirondack Mountains.
Inn at Montpelier
Montpelier (1 night) Once home to founders of Montpelier, this 1800s inn features classic Federal architecture with an extravagant wraparound porch.
Green Mountain Inn
Stowe (2 nights) A private residence in 1833 and now tastefully restored, this historic inn was once a stagecoach stop.
Vermont Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 30, 39, 52 miles
- 1000 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 39, 52 miles
- 1550 - 3600 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 46, 69 miles
- 1700 - 3700 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 10, 23 miles
- 800 - 1650 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 33, 40 miles
- 1200 feet elevation gain