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Vermont Biking

Vermont Biking

With pastoral landscapes and seasonal showcases of color, this pocket of the Northeast is perfectly set to the speed of bicycle touring especially if you love to ride hills! Backroads takes you along quiet undulating roads, where miles of uninterrupted cycling unfold past the classic red barns, historic towns, covered bridges and peaceful lakes that dot quintessential New England countryside. Experience archetypal fall pleasures like feeling fallen leaves under your feet, seeing wagons full of pumpkins and squash, and tasting maple syrup and Vermont cheddar. Watch renowned glassblowers in action and learn the art of pressing cider. Come evening, relax in exquisite country inns with gracious hosts and savor remarkable cuisine inspired by the simple fresh flavors of autumn.

Day 1 chittenden

Meet in Burlington and shuttle to Brandon  In the shadow of Vermont's Green Mountains, spin through a postcard-perfect landscape  Stop at the New England Maple Museum and sample some of Vermont's sweetest products Challenge yourself on a ride to the aptly named Mountain Top Inn and be rewarded with stunning views.

Days 2-3 woodstock

Historic covered bridges and peaceful farmland highlight the invigorating route  to picturesque Woodstock  Spin along country roads, bright with fall colors and light on traffic  Dine at the acclaimed Prince and the Pauper restaurant  Ride through woods of birch, pine and maple across the Appalachian Trail to the village of Quechee Watch local glass artisans ply their trade at the Simon Pearce factory Follow the Ottaquechee River on a quiet dirt road Explore Woodstock's galleries and shops at your leisure.

Days 4-6 west townshend

Follow babbling Knapp Brook to the ski town of Ludlow  Pedal the hill to the quaint town of Weston, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the renowned Vermont Country Store Relax at our inn or ride to Grafton, a tranquil hamlet that embodies the New England spirit in its stately historic buildings, numerous art galleries and wonderful shops  Sample incredible cheddar at the Grafton Cheese Factory  Bike past orchards and family-owned maple syrup farms that tempt a visit  Cycle along rural paved and dirt roads to Manchester and the historic Hildene Mansion, where we feast on a gourmet Backroads picnic.

big map Vermont Biking

INVITING ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort (1 night): This understatedly elegant and aptly named inn, nestled in 350 peaceful acres, welcomes you with splendid views, a massage service and cozy guest rooms with antiques and exposed-beam ceilings.

Woodstock Inn & Resort (2 nights): Located in the "prettiest small town in America," this inn exudes country sophistication and offers a full-service spa and fine dining.

Windham Hill Inn (2 nights): With beckoning fireplaces, comfy chairs and a brick-terraced heated pool, it's easy to relax at this tranquil retreat, built in 1823 amid 160 acres of forest and meadows.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Please note that routes on this trip feel more challenging than the mileage might suggest.

Vermont Biking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

Backroads provides the total package in every respect but the principal reason our family never considers any other outfit is because of the Backroads leaders. I marvel at your company's ability to have such consistency of superb staff. We started with you in 1998 and have taken now eight trips. Every one was great and every group leader was huge in making the trips memorable.
Bruce Kiessling - Anchorage, AK

Our leaders made this trip fantastic. Their incredible personalities really nurtured us to form a group of friends. Even bad weather did not keep us from having fun. The food and wine were outstanding, and the biking was challenging yet we were ready to go the next day. This is our idea of a perfect vacation.
Viki Rivkin - Wilmette, IL

This was truly a great vacation and one I will cherish forever.
Sharon Koorda - Montague, CA