Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Vermont Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour
Trip Overview
Embark on an unforgettable bike tour along the longest rail trail in New England – the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail – and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Vermont. Spanning 93 miles and connecting 18 towns from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, the trail offers a delightful ride for all. If you're looking for a peaceful three-day getaway, head 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.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
The trip begins at 10:30 a.m. when you meet your leaders at the Hotel Vermont in Burlington, VT. For those driving, a pick up is also offered at the Park and Ride in Colchester, VT at 9:30 a.m. After brief introductions, shuttle to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Walden. 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.
Your ride today starts with a 30-minute shuttle back near the highpoint of the trail in Walden. You then travel along a picturesque route from Walden 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. Our recommended lunch stop is at Lost Nation Brewery in Morrisville, which is right on the trail. You can opt to stop riding at this point and shuttle to the end of the day's ride.
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.
Begin your morning with breakfast in Stowe, then shuttle back to Jeffersonville. Today’s ride is away from the Lamoille River along a gentle railroad grade to the Missisquoi River Valley and downriver to Swanton. The day still has just 677 feet of climbing and continues to roll through Vermont’s farms and forests. Have lunch together after finishing the ride in Swanton, and then shuttle back to downtown Burlington where you started, arriving by about 4 p.m.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Shuttle from and to Burlington at one time each. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
2 nights' lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners. Shuttle from and to Burlington at one time each. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Today 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!
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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