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Shred Vermont’s Trails

Words and photos courtesy of Seven Days

Staytripper: A Trail Map to Mountain Biking in Vermont
By Carolyn Fox

Since Seven Days launched Staytripper in mid-2020, the monthly supplement has offered suggestions for safely rediscovering in-state recreation during the pandemic. In this special edition, it's less road map, more trail map. Grab your helmet and go with the flow — it's the mountain biking issue!

Mountain biking has been picking up speed in Vermont over the past decade. Like maple syrup, fall foliage and Ben & Jerry's, the sport has become one more Green Mountain State standout. As Bike magazine puts it, "Vermont is one of the friendliest places in the universe to ride dirt."

It's poised to become even friendlier: This summer, riders will break ground on the new Velomont Trail, which aims to connect existing networks from the bottom of the state to the top.

Of course, you needn't be a long-distance biker to enjoy the state's rugged trails, or the stories in this issue. Read on to meet the teen who helped carve beginner-friendly trails at Cochran's Ski Area in Richmond. Head to Stowe to get a bike — and a burrito — at Ranch Camp, on the edge of Cady Hill Forest. Also trailside: a trio of bike bars where pedal pushers can refuel. And if ritzier R&R is more your jam, try the stunning Inn at Burklyn. Bonus: It connects to Kingdom Trails.

Special thanks to Richmond writer, photographer and mountain-biking adventurer Berne Broudy for consulting on this issue.




Velomont Collective - Mountain Biking

Groundbreaking New Trails

Vermont’s Velomont trail is part of an ambitious plan to connect trails and villages statewide for a cross-Vermont mountain biking adventure. Get stoked about what’s coming.

Sandwich and a beer at Ranch Camp

Get Your Fix at Ranch Camp

Bikes, beers and burritos are an awesome combination. At Stowe’s Ranch Camp, mountain bikers can get their bikes tuned up and enjoy a delicious meal right at a signature area trailhead, and then get back out there.

Mountain Biking at Cochrans Ski Area

Mountain Biking at Cochran’s Ski Area

Vermont teen Dana Cabrera is the trail building brain behind the development of a trail network at Cochran’s Ski Area. Read about his inspiration and make plans to head there for an epic single-track adventure.

Inn at Burklyn

Luxury Awaits at the Inn at Burklyn

Built in 1904 and restored and reopened last year, Lyndonville’s Inn at Burklyn is a retreat for bikers and the uninitiated. With period-correct detailing, an on-site restaurant and a location at Kingdom Trails, it’s a tempting stay.

bar tender at a mountain bike bar

Three Bike Bars in Vermont

What could be better than a refreshing drink and some delicious local Vermont cuisine after a mountain biking adventure? Check out Seven Days’ rundown of three mountain biking bars not to be missed.

About the series

This series, a partnership between Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and Seven Days, will run seasonally, presenting curated excursions in every corner of Vermont. The idea is to highlight the state's restaurants, retailers, attractions and outdoor adventures so Vermonters and visitors alike can plan safe, local trips and discover new corners of the state. Happy traveling, and stay safe.