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.
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
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 30 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 41, 59, 61 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 30, 49 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 25, 36, 53 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 31, 56 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 31 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Please note that routes on this trip feel more challenging than the mileage might suggest.
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
- 9/13-18Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/27-10/2Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1160 for sgl. occ.)
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.- 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.- Wilmette, IL
This was truly a great vacation and one I will cherish forever.- Montague, CA