There are many, many options in Vermont for where to ride your MTB, from small in-town trail networks like North Branch Park in Montpelier or Cady Hill in Stowe, to big, expansive networks crossing multiple towns like Kingdom Trails, Ascutney Trails, or SlateValley Trails. A great place to look for where to go and what to expect is our Plan Your Ride platform. Nearly all of the trail networks in VT are free to ride, though a few are maintained by local organizations/businesses and do require a day pass.
Make sure you always check trail conditions and possible closures before you go. You can link to any number of trail network conditions reports from our Trails in VT page, or check Chapter’s social media posts for updated information. Chapters update their networks in various ways, so please take the time to check trail conditions before you go, especially during mud season and after rainy days. And keep in mind that some resources like TrailForks are crowdsourced and do not represent the definitive state of trail conditions and closures. TrailFinder is another great resource for trails on State land.
Be aware of the land you do choose to ride on – over 80% of Vermont’s trail networks are on private land, where the owners have graciously allowed the public to use trails that cross their properties. Be sensitive to this fact by respecting signage, driving cautiously on your way to the trail head, and being generally respectful and appreciative of the land and it’s resources. Check out proper trail head parking areas and make sure you’re parked there legally once you arrive.
Finally, refer back to our Plan Your Ride platform for all kinds of other information to inform your decision
Trail Networks that are Great for Beginners
Vermont has tons of trails that are great for the beginner or novice mountain biker. All of these networks are ALSO great for any level of rider, but those newer to the sport will definitely feel at home at any of the following:
- Sherburne Trails (KMBC)
- Swoops and Loops at Ascutney (ATA)
- Sunny Hollow (FOTW)
- Slate Valley Trails (SVT)
- Saxon Hill (FOTW)
- Cady Hill (STP)
- Kingdom Trails (KTA)
- North Branch Trails (MAMBA)
- Catamount Outdoor Family Center
- Hurricane Hill (UVMBA)
- Craftsbury Outdoor Center
- Jay Community Rec (Grateful Treads)
- Blueberry Lake (MRR)
- Aqueduct (WAMBA)
- SVHC Trail/ “The Hospital Trails” (BATS)
- St. Albans Town Forest (FCMTBC)
Trail Networks that Offer more Technical and Vertical Challenge
Once you feel like you’ve got your skills in order, and want to see what Vermont has to offer the intermediate/advanced/expert rider, these trail networks offer some world class “gnar,” in addition to trails for all-around riders:
- Perry Hill (WATA)
- Richmond Trails (RMT)
- Sleepy Hollow (FOTW)
- Mt. Peg (WAMBA)
- Ascutney Trails (ATA)
- Green Mountain Trails (RASTA)
- Millstone Trails (MTA)
Get Stoked
Wherever you decide to ride, get stoked! Remember to support the trails that you ride by joining VMBA – select one Chapter or select them all – your support is critical to the building and maintenance of our amazing trails.