Northern Vermont Rail Trails
Burlington, Vermont, our starting point for this fun bike tour, is a gorgeous city on the banks of Lake Champlain. We'll be staying right in the heart of Burlington's vibrant downtown, just a couple of blocks from Church Street and its many restaurants and shops. After 2 nights in Burlington we relocate to the small town of St. Albans, Vermont for the duration of the tour. St. Albans makes a great location for us to explore the local bike trails - the Mississquoi Rail Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. You'll find plenty of dining options near our hotel in downtown St. Albans.
This tour features excellent riding on 3 different rail trails, plus some quiet back roads along beautiful Lake Champlain. Mileage ranges from 26 to 52 miles per day, depending on your legs! The cycling is generally easy, with a few moderate hills, but no mountains to climb.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Meet at our opening hotel in downtown Burlington. An introductory meeting at 5:00pm will begin our tour with beverages, snacks, maps and details, followed by dinner (included).
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Day 2
26 miles - We begin our tour with a morning ride using local paths in South Burlington. The ride takes us along the lake shore then winds through forested tracts, up some moderate hills to a scenic overlook of Lake Champlain. Lunch is in downtown Burlington (on your own). Our afternoon ride is on the Burlington Greenway to the Island Line Trail with its stunning views of the lake and mountains on either side of the path.
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Day 3
26/35/52 miles - Shuttle to St. Albans City to bike the Missisquoi Rail Trail. You’ll have options for up to 52 miles today on this excellent rail trail. We will provide a picnic lunch. Tonight we will be in St. Albans, a quaint small town with plenty of good dining options near our downtown hotel.
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Day 4
35 miles - Shuttle to bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail from Morrisville to Cambridge Out and back ride, 17.5 each way, 35 miles total. Lunch in Cambridge is on your own.
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Day 5
36 miles - Bike from our St. Albans hotel on a loop ride. We will be on quiet back roads to Swanton, then hop on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail until connecting with the Mississquoi Rail Trail which will take us back to St. Albans. We will provide a picnic lunch today. Tonight we will celebrate our tour with a dinner out (included).
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Day 6
No planned cycling - Mid-morning we will pack up and drive back to our opening hotel in Burlington.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Riding surface: This tour’s routes are a mix of paved trails, paved back roads and unpaved trails. The surfaces are generally smooth and are appropriate for all bicycles.
Suggested bicycle: Touring bikes, road bikes, hybrids
Suggested tire size for this tour: 28mm – 45mm
Pricing
$2350 per person (based on double occupancy)
$600 – Single Supplement (extra price to have your own room)
$150 – Bike Rental (helmet and bike bag included)
Included
- 5 nights lodging
- 2 dinners, 2 lunches and 5 breakfasts
- sag support and sweep rider
- luggage transfer
- post-ride social hour
- cue sheets
Your Travel Plans
This trip starts on Sunday, June 18, 2023 and ends on Friday, June 23.
For this tour we meet at our hotel in Burlington. You can leave your car parked at our opening hotel during our tour. There is a per day fee for parking, so check with hotel staff for additional details.
Your Lodging Plans
For this trip, 5 nights of lodging for June 18-22 is included. Lodging is not included for day the tour ends, Friday, June 23.
