Explore the best rated trails in Middlebury, VT. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cross Vermont Trail and South Burlington Recreation Path. With more than 30 trails covering 331 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
VTRANS missed the Memorial Day target for finishing Fisher bridge - it is still closed as of 6/4 - just like they missed their announced completion of 11/2022. Don't count on VTRANS.
The bridge still looks like it has several weeks to go before opening. They have closed the trail for about a mile. The only way around is to ride along Rt 15, which is a bit dicey.
Also, there used to be access to the rail trail from the Fisher bridge parking lot. VTRANS has eliminated that access. The only way to access the trail from the parking lot is to, yup you guessed it, to go on Rt 15 again to access the trail.
Nice trail, compacted gravel. Parallel to canel and train tracks. Rather exposed (no shade). Cute little town (Fort Ann) with a great brewery.
The Fisher Bridge in Wolcott is closed. The only way to get around it involves a ride on Rt15 for several miles. Traffic can be iffy. Estimated completion of work on the bridge is end of May.
Also, there is a large sink hole in the trail SE of Bayley Hazen Rd in Walden. The trail has been closed while the sink hole is evaluated. No estimate available for the fix.
Overall, the sandy surface from Hardwick to Walden is a bit soft and has quite a few indents from traffic (bikes, walkers, dogs, horses). Hopefully, it will pack better and smooth out with more traffic. LVRT maintenance has said they won't be rolling it again.
The trail is complete with one very minor exception. There is a spot east of Wolcott village were a rockslide has meant additional construction and a delay in opening the entire trail. One note: Someone posted a review about parking and a trailhead in St. Albans. That confused individual was on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, not this one.
We love this trail and have done all of the finished sections many times. Our goal is to bike from end to end ( and back again), staying overnight in Morrisville area. Really looking forward to it!
I rode the whole trail out and back in August 2022. You really need tires with some knobs for this trail. I used a gravel bike with small knobby tires. It's not hilly or technical, just rough in places. VT uses 3/4" gravel which would make it difficult for standard road tires.
The VT portions of the trail are well maintained and have great signage, historical and otherwise.
The NY section is not as well maintained, specifically, the portion from the state line south of Poultney to Middle Granville. Google Maps displays the rideable portions, although once you cross the state line southbound, the trail gets quite narrow - tick spray recommended. There is a spot where you have to carry your bike over a pile of slate. It leads to a farm road, red in color, and leading to a red barn on route 22A. Not sure that is legit. There were no signs saying not to.
I rode south on 22A to Butler Road, then right on Depot. The trail starts again just after the cemetery. You have to maneuver around an active dairy farm to get back on the trail. Wasn't pretty but it works. Once you get south of the dairy farm, it's fine. Going through Granville proper is also confusing. Again, Google Maps is your friend.
I recommend Sherman's Store in West Rupert, near the trail end, for sandwiches and energy drinks. You can get there from the trail via Mill Road. Look for a business called Authentic Designs for the turn.
Stowe is first and foremost a heavy tourist town. We biked on Thursday and the streets, parking - and trail - were loaded with kids, dogs, strollers, scooters, joggers and of course bikes. The trail is in very good shape but the 10 or so bridges crossing the river are very narrow. Scenery is exceptional with great mountain and river views. The western most 3 miles are less crowded. The restaurants and shops along the path are nice - but also add to trail turbulence. A lot of effort for a 10 mile r/t ride.
Rode only 10+ miles. Started at Cambridge Junction covered bridge parking lot. Headed East past Dog Head Falls, a must stop. Very pretty flat trail. River, bridges, cows, falls. Mix of sun and tree cover.
Great ride! Flat, some shade, some sun. Great views and places to stop along the route. Beaches, food, marinas & coves. A must do!
Gorgeous views along the lake as you are smack dab in the middle. The short ferry run is a fun break. Delicious place to eat on the other side to.
I love this bike path. Come often. Nicely paved and kept in excellent condition
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