Best Road Biking in Vermont

Trying to find the best road biking in Vermont? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

New Hampshire, Woodstock

05 :48 hrs
58.9 mi
620.0215 ft
Expert

This ride climbs steeply out of Lincoln into Warren on the Sawyer Highway and then cruises along the Moosilauke Highway into Plymouth. From Plymouth the ride parallels the Pemigewasset River north to return to Lincoln. The route passes through dense woodlands in the western White Mountains and explores scenic New England countryside.

2

New Hampshire, Peterborough

04 :27 hrs
45.9 mi
273.3216 ft
Expert

This loop takes a wandering route through scenic countryside east of Peterborough. Located in the Monadnock area, this ride offers views of Mt Monadnock and passes the occasional pond or marsh. Climbs on this route are generally mild excepting one stout grade beginning at mile thirty-two. There are a couple of miles of dirt road on this outing, but they are generally in good condition.

3

Vermont, Burlington

00 :28 hrs
2.4 mi
10.982191 ft
Easy

Also known as the Burlington Bikeway, the Island Line rail-trail is very popular and one of the best trails in the area. It is flat and follows along Lake Champlain offering unique scenery and access to parks through the town of Burlington. This section begins at Oakledge Park and travels closely along the lake and ends at Burlington Waterfront Park. There is parking at both beginning and end point.

4

New Hampshire, Lebanon

04 :24 hrs
45 mi
333.7626 ft
Expert

This loop takes you from Lebanon Green north along woodland lined roadway past Dartmouth College. You’ll have an opportunity to grab a snack as you pass through Hanover and then you’ll cross the Connecticut River into Vermont. You’ll ride through New England farmlands continuing to climb. The route reaches a summit at about the twenty-three mile mark and then trends quickly downward for over ten miles. The ride parallels the White River before crossing over the Connecticut into New Hampshire and the final five miles of the spin.

5

Vermont, Washington County

01 :34 hrs
16 mi
208.0765 ft
Moderate

The Mad River carves a narrow valley through the Northfield and Green Mountain ranges. This tour explores the Mad River Valley riding through farmlands and classic New England villages. Begin in Waitsfield at the public library. You’ll ride past art galleries, old charming shops and along the clear Mad River. The entire route is on paved roads. There are some good climbs which require some stamina.

6

New Hampshire, Cornish

02 :60 hrs
30.5 mi
204.54376 ft
Hard

This loop begins in the village of Cornish Flat and wanders through picturesque New England countryside. At about mile 5.6 look for the Blacksmith Covered Bridge on the left side of the road, this is a rustic bridge over a creek. Headed west, the route reaches the Connecticut River and parallels it heading north to the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, a length record holder for covered bridges. The route continues to climb in a northerly direction before bending southeast, taking you across the wooded countryside. At about the 25.5-mile mark you’ll reach Mill Covered Bridge just outside of Meriden. The final five miles take you over rolling roadway back to your car.

7

New Hampshire, Peterborough

01 :38 hrs
16.6 mi
104.990295 ft
Moderate

This ride begins in historic Peterborough and follows the Contoocook River north into the New Hampshire countryside. The route covers rolling, mild climbs and descents until you reach the edge of Hancock (a good spot to stop for lunch). The longest sustained climb of the ride begins as you leave Hancock and continues for a mile and a half. The route hooks onto a dirt road for a bit that takes you past Dinsmore and Halfmoon Ponds. After a mile and a half you return to asphalt and run out the last five miles to your car with views of Mount Monadnock.

8

New Hampshire, Henniker

03 :27 hrs
35.1 mi
145.01474 ft
Hard

This tour of historic covered bridges begins in Henniker and makes a roughly thirty-five-mile circuit through New England towns and countryside. There are a few sections of dirt road on this route and rough pavement too, so it may be best enjoyed on a cyclocross bike. This route experiences rolling changes in elevation but none of the climbs are particularly long. This area is particularly attractive in October when foliage colors are vibrant; adding to the aesthetic of these old bridges, remember your camera.

9

New Hampshire, Columbia

08 :14 hrs
82.6 mi
311.5808 ft
Extreme

This long road ride offers a tour of the wooded New England countryside. The route passes through Dixville Notch, parallels the Androscoggin River, crosses the northern White Mountains and then hugs the Connecticut River. Many good mountain and river views are enjoyed on this ride. Bring enough food and water for your ride, check weather reports and bring appropriate clothing for conditions.

10

New Hampshire, Alstead

01 :55 hrs
19.9 mi
281.35748 ft
Moderate

Climbing out of Alstead, this ride takes you along quiet woodland lined country roads and past farmlands. Almost nine hundred feet are gained in the first five miles followed by a couple of miles of fast downhill before another short climb. After about mile nine the rest of the ride enjoys easy coasting or mild rolling terrain on the return to Alstead.

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