7 Days: Camp, Ride, Repeat

Ride more miles than you drive in Central Vermont.

7 Riding Days • 10 Trail Networks • Riding-Focused • All Skill Levels

Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Central VT:

Mckayla Crump / Unsplash

This Vermont shred fest serves up a perfect blend of grassroots trail networks, machine-buffed loam, and lift-accessed gnar, all while keeping things decidedly van-life or car-camping friendly.

Hit 10 riding areas and drive less than 100 miles in seven days to maximize your time on the trails that Vermont locals love.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Itinerary

Hit the trails directly from the TrailHouse, bookable on HipCamp. (Courtesy Photo)

ARRIVAL DAY

Set Up Camp in the Slate Valley

Enjoy the simpler pleasures of camping in rural Vermont with rider-oriented amenities. The TrailHouse, hosts van and tent sites as well as a number of cute glamping options. Lake St. Catherine State Park is a great option for those seeking a lakeside vista and a convenient place to take a dip. Both feature direct access to Slate Valley Trails.

The Slate Valley is a historic mining area that straddles the border between New York and Vermont and retains a number of active quarries today. If you have time and are interested in this history, check out the Slate Valley Museum in nearby Granville, NY. 

VIDEO: The view from “Carnie” at Slate Valley. (YouTube: Rocco Pietrofesa)

DAY ONE

Ride on 60 miles of Slate Valley Trails

Slate Valley Trails is one of Vermont’s newest riding areas with options to put together some small loops or seriously epic day-long adventures. Consider the 11-mile Endless Brook Adventure Loop, which starts and finishes from the state park, which is convenient for an after-ride swim in Lake St. Catherine.

If campsite cooking seems like one too many things to add to your day, treat yourself to dinner at the Poultney Pub, a rustic and rider-friendly spot for hearty food, craft brews, and—if you come on the right night—live tunes. 

The Birdseye Diner in Castleton is as classic as they come. (Courtesy photo)

DAY TWO

Ride the Pine and Reprovision

Take an early morning lap on the Slate Valley Trails before you hit the road. Set your GPS to Brown’s Orchard Farmstand, where you can fill your cooler with local goodies.

Grab lunch at the throwback Birdseye Diner then carry on to Rutland to ride Pine Hill Park. Sixteen miles of trail welcome a year-round rotation of recreationalists—including you.

Stock up at one of the many grocery stores before heading to Gifford Woods State Park. If you’re too tired to cook, a number of dinner options await you on the Killington Road. 

VIDEO: Go with the flow on Sherburner. (YouTube: Toogy Howser)

DAY THREE

Huff it on Some Hilly Terrain

Eighteen miles of Sherburne Trails are accessible right from your campsite. Sherburner is a signature one-way trail with a long climb that’s peppered with steep sections but then rewards you with a super-fun feature-filled descent.

In the afternoon, give your saddle a break by taking a quick hike up to the Deer Leap Overlook. A punchy ascent delivers expansive views of Killington and Pico Peaks. McGrath’s Irish Pub is conveniently located right by the trailhead. Stop in for a pint and a hearty plate before returning to Gifford Woods for a second night under the stars.

“What sets this tour apart is how it threads together Vermont's local trails with legit camping options and beta on local resupply spots, making it an all-inclusive guide for the dirtbag who still appreciates a good croissant. Best part? Every day ends with options for either lake dips or taproom hangs—or both, if you're doing it right.”

A day of lift-served downhill at Killington is always a blast. (YouTube: Pinkbike)

DAY FOUR

Let Loose on Lift-served DH

Grab some breakfast at Sunup Bakery (a local favorite) on your way to the Killington Bike Park. Treat yourself to some extra squish by renting a downhill bike (plus a full-face helmet and pads) for the day.

Mid-day, hop on the Gondola and ride it to the Peak Lodge for a bite, then cruise down “Off the Top”, a three-mile descent trail that ends at the resort base more than 1,700 feet below.

A day at Killington is not complete without a little après at the Snowshed Umbrella Bar. Camp at Gifford Woods again.

Snag a (rare) night at the Chittenden Brook Hut if it’s available. (Courtesy photo)

DAY FIVE

Turn and Burn on 100 Berms

Pack up camp and stop for a farmhouse frittata at the Original General Store. Load up on water and snacks and head for the longest flow trail in Vermont: the Tunnel Ridge trail.

Stop for lunch (and maybe grab a paperback) at the darling Sandy’s Books and Bakery, and if you’ve still got some left in the tank, go for an afternoon rip on the Rochester Valley Trails. Enjoy a non-camping night at the Stable Inn. They are pet-friendly and rider-centric. Walk across the road for a local twist on southern soul food at Maple Soul. 

How do you misspell a three-letter word? Go in and ask. (Photo Courtesy Velocio)

DAY SIX

BC Ride and Then Cool Down with IEC

Fuel up at the Rochester Cafe with a short stack. If the day’s plans call for easy riding, pedal some gentle doubletrack over at the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center. If you’d rather add some more challenge, opt for a loop that links the Moosalamoo and Oak Ridge trails, a raw and rugged backcountry-style route with some surprisingly sweet surfaces in the middle of the woods.

After your ride, peel in to the Ripton Country Store, a local favorite. Make yourself some dinner and camp for the night at Branbury State Park on the shores of Lake Dunmore

Grab a bun and coffee to enjoy on Haymaker’s riverside deck. (Courtesy photo)

DAY SEVEN

One Last Loop then Head for the Barn

You can ride right from your campsite to access the Chandler Ridge and Leicester Hollow loop. On the way back down, stop and admire the Falls of Lana or take a dip in one of the many pools in this cool stream.

Save time for one last gastronomic indulgence. Detour into the village of Middlebury for brunch/lunch at Haymaker Bun Co. Founded by James Beard-nominee Caroline Corrente, you can’t go wrong. If you’re in a rush and have to head south from the campground, the Morningside Bakery in Brandon is a perfect stop for a croissant on your way back home. Either way, you deserve it.

Stay, Eat, Shop

WHERE TO STAY, EAT & SHOP

  • POULTNEY / WELLS:

    • The TrailHouse is situated on a pastoral farmstead outfitted with communal fire pits, WiFi, electricity, and outdoor showers.

    • Lake St. Catherine State Park hosts a 61-site campground (including lean-tos and spots for tents/RVs). Situated lakeside, the park has two sandy beaches, a concession stand, and rental opportunities for rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. 

    • Endless Brook AirBnB** is located in Wells, VT about 10 minutes south of Lake St. Catherine and the Slate Valley Trails.

    • Ferncliff Cottages offers six lakefront cottages on Lake St. Catherine.

    CASTLETON AREA:

    KILLINGTON:

    ROCHESTER:

    • Stable Inn** is a community- and sustainability- minded lodge offering abundant common space (including two kitchens) and a variety of room types to fit your party’s needs. 

    • Chittenden Brook Hut** is one of the trailside standouts in the Vermont Hut system. Book a night or two if it’s available.

    • Chittenden Brook Campground is tucked way back in the National Forest, offering primitive sites and access to trails.

    • Liberty Hill Farm & Inn** offers an agritourism experience, complete with savory meals and cozy rooms.

    SALISBURY:

    • Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore is home to a large sandy beach, clear water, and beautiful views—plus 36 tent sites and seven lean-to sites. 

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • POULTNEY/CASTLETON:

    • The Poultney Pub** in Poultney (of course) is a rustic spot for hearty food, craft brews, and—if you come on the right night—live tunes. 

    • Brown’s Orchard Farmstand in Castleton is a one-stop shop for local produce, fresh baked goods, and hand-made decorations. 

    • Birdseye Diner in Castleton serves a classic diner menu out of a restored 1940s Silk City Dining Car.

    KILLINGTON:

    • Sunup Bakery in Killington is a local favorite serving locally-sourced espresso, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches from a cute A-frame. 

    • Sushi Yoshi in Killington runs a dual Chinese and Japanese kitchen that serves traditional favorites as well as new fusion cuisine and craft beers.

    • Stop by Lookout Tavern** near the Killington Bike Park to warm up to some chili or cool down with a craft brew. 

    • McGrath’s Irish Pub in Killington is a cozy spot for Irish eats, draft beer, and—if four leaf clovers are in your favor—live music. 

    • The Kent Bistro and Bar serves a local, seasonal menu with both indoor and outdoor dining options right from the Mountain Meadows Lodge next to Sherburne Trails.

    PITTSFIELD / ROCHESTER:

    • Go to The Original General Store in Pittsfield for locally-sourced prepared foods (from breakfast sandwiches in the morning to pizza at night), as well as a wide variety of Vermont-made products and an assortment of grocery essentials,

    • Sandy’s Books and Bakery in Rochester specializes in the two best things. All the baked goods are fresh, and the books are variously new, used, or collectible. 

    • Maple Soul in Rochester serves farm-to-table cuisine with a soul food twist. Stop here for a seasonal salad, a pork chop grilled to perfection, and some cheese grits. 

    • Rochester Cafe in (you guessed it) Rochester serves breakfast classics in the morning plus burgers and sandwiches in the afternoon. Stop by for pizza night on Thursdays and Fridays. 

    MIDDLEBURY / BRANDON:

    • Haymaker Buns is a must-stop in Middlebury. Their creative sweet and savory brioche buns will make you wonder where these baked goods have been all of your life. Plus, they have a full lunch and breakfast menu and outstanding coffee.

    • Morningside Bakery in Brandon is a great spot to grab a pastry or stock up on local craft beer, cheeses, and smoked meats.

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • A BYOB approach is recommended for this itinerary. Bring something versatile, reliable, and ready to pedal. There are a number of great shops along the way if you need repairs, supplies, or local intel.

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • You can save a lot of money by becoming a VMBA member before your trip! 

    Becoming a VMBA member supports mountain biking and trails throughout Vermont, as well as our local Chapters. 

    Everyone is welcome. Individual memberships are $60, with discounts available for families and those under 25. 

    Join VMBA today for immediate access to the member benefits in this region, through our App**.

    STAY

    EAT & DRINK

    BIKE SHOPS

    • Alpine  Bike Works - Killington
      15% Off regular price apparel and accessories
      10% Off Service labor 
      50% Off a weekday bike rental (1 per member) 
      15% Off a new bike (limit 1 per member some exclusions apply)

    • Base Camp
      25% Off one bike rental
      25% Off one AT or telemark rental
      20% Off Sweet Protection products

    • Basin Ski, Bike and Ride
      50% Off one weekday or 10% off weekend demo
      10% Off non-sale clothing, accessories, and service

    • DownValley
      10% Off Service and in-stock products (Excluding Sale Items)

    • Frog Hollow Bike Works
      10% Off parts, clothing, and accessories

    • Green Mountain Bikes
      10% Off parts, clothing, labor, demos and accessories
      Free E-Bike battery charging
      One free palm reading

    • Johnson and Sons Bike Works
      Free one-day bike rental
      First repair class free

    • Porcupine Bikes
      20% Off non-sale apparel & accessories

    ACTIVITIES

    BIKE PARKS

    Local VMBA Chapters:

    **Please note that restrictions may apply to the above offers. Please consult the VMBA Member App for terms and conditions for each of these offers.

Trail Networks

ROUTES & RIDE TIPS

“One major tip for this area: download your maps for offline use. There’s no cell service on some of these trails.”

Slate Valley Trails

Slate Valley Trails

Trailforks Routes

Slate Valley Trails Website

Slate Valley Trails VMBA Chapter

This expansive system includes over 63 miles of trails across three primary areas: Endless Brook, Fairgrounds, and Delaney Woods. With green trails down low, blue trails in the middle, and black trails up high, there is plenty of riding for everyone.

From the Lake St. Catherine State Park, cross Route 30 and head up Endless Brook Road to begin the Endless Brook Adventure Loop, a fun counter-clockwise loop that allows you to ride Porcupine as a downhill track. Hunker Down is included in this loop but you could ride a different downhill or skip them if you're tired.

For another route with a variety of challenges, park at the Fairgrounds lot to access the rolling Slate Valley 2 loop. The highlight of this loop is Big Top and Scrambler.

Slate Valley Trails Videos

Pine Hill Park

Pine Hill Park

Trailforks Routes

Pine Hill Park Website

Pine Hill Partnership VMBA Add-On

This 325-acre property serves as home to sixteen miles of single track and some of the best riding in central Vermont. It’s a perfect place for families and you’ll see a lot of them out on the trails.

There’s plenty of parking at the Pine Hill Park trailhead. Hop on Escalator for a gentle climb to Pond Road, which is an easy double track that serves as a main artery. Get warmed up with a run down Svelte Tiger and exit out to Pond Road and pedal to the top of Droopy Muffin, everyone’s favorite intermediate flow trail.

The Pine Hill Park partnership is constantly adding and improving trails, so keep an eye out for new features. The short and fun Jump Line is the most serious descent on Pine Hill, but it was built so everything can be rolled and the gap jump has a ridearound.

Pine Hill Park Trails Videos

Sherburne Trails

Sherburne Trails

Trailforks Routes

Sherburne Trails Website

Killington Mountain Bike Club VMBA Chapter

Eighteen miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails make this hilly system a great place to hone your skills—just make sure you bring your cross country riding fitness. Use the Sherburne Trails trailhead on Route 100 to ride the easiest loops, Mind Eraser and Pacas Path.

From Gifford Woods State Park, enjoy the flow of Sherburner, a one-way trail with a long climb and feature-filled descent. The Pesky Cairn loop is a smooth lollipop out and back with gentle climbing in both directions.

Base Camp or the Sherburne Trails trailhead get you to more aggressive terrain. Archie Baker is a one way technical trail with rock features, Convoluted is a challenging but fun zone using the natural rock to incorporate roll overs and wall rides. Always pre-ride before trying any features!

Sherburne Trails Videos

Killington Bike Park

Killington Bike Park

Trailforks Routes

Killington Bike Park Website

Killington Mountain Bike Club VMBA Chapter

This lift-served bike park has over thirty miles of downhill mountain biking trails and more than 1,700 feet of potential descending. There are many terrain choices for riders of all abilities.

There’s lots of progression to be had at Killington, but it’s smart to start by benchmarking your comfort level. Step it Up is a good first run choice for all but novice riders. The Snowshed trails are fairly short for quick laps. Ram’s Head offers longer runs and some big features. Black Magic is a long freeride jump trail that just keeps getting better (and bigger) as you go down.

If you’ve never been to Killington before, taking at least one ride up the Gondola is worth it for the views alone. As a trail, Off the Top isn’t meant to impress, but it’s still a fun three-mile descent.

Killington Bike Park Videos

Green Mountain Trails

Green Mountain Trails

Trailforks Routes

Green Mountain Trails Website

Ridgeline Outdoor Collective VMBA Chapter

Twenty seven miles of singletrack are packed into this dense trail system. A thousand feet of vert give riders plenty of opportunity to put a burn on their quads before coasting around more bermed switchbacks than you can count on the way down.

Park in the upper lot next to Fiona’s and head out on The Green Trail to start the GMT Intermediate Loop. This ride will give you the highlights of Green Mountain Trails, including a stop to admire the views from Shrek’s Stone Hut. If you’re going to do the 14-mile loop, pack water and snacks. There are plenty of bailouts from the loop, but be sure to have a map saved on your device or on paper–it’s a spaghetti bowl of trails! Before you go, download the Trailforks maps for offline use. There’s minimal cell coverage at Green Mountain Trails.

Green Mountain Trails Videos

Tunnel Ridge Trail

Tunnel Ridge Trail (Velomont)

Trailforks Route

Velomont Trail Website

Ridgeline Outdoor Collective VMBA Chapter

Tunnel Ridge is popularly known as the longest flow trail in Vermont, beckoning to riders with over one hundred expert-built berms. You have to earn your turns here–climbers will love it.

If you’re staying at the Stable Inn, you can start and end your ride from there–ask them for details. Otherwise, park at Bingo and climb Swan Dive toward Tunnel Ridge.

After experiencing Tunnel Ridge, you’ll want more, so plan to come back again to ride the full Heart of the Greens Loop.

Tunnel Ridge Trail Videos

Rochester Valley Trails

Rochester Valley Trails

Trailforks Routes

Rochester Valley Trails Website

Ridgeline Outdoor Collective VMBA Chapter

Nicknamed “RAWchester” by locals, this growing trail system traverses mountainous terrain and includes about twenty miles of mostly multi-use trail. Notable for its rake-and-ride steeps, you’ll also find machine-built flow trails here, as well as a family friendly loop and a pump track.

You can ride some of the more rugged trails right from the village, but we recommend driving to the USFS Rochester Ranger Station for a more organized experience. There’s plenty of parking and a cool little pump track at the trailhead. Hop on a section of the Velomont trail by easing out on Sap Boiler and then riding up Old Gents to the Sugar Tree Knob summit. From there, Old Gents becomes one way, and it’s the fun way: downhill. Keep left to stay on Old Gents and by the time you get to the bottom, you’ll probably want to take another lap!

Rochester Valley Trails Videos

Blueberry Hill Trails

Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center

Trailforks Routes

Blueberry Hill Trails Website

Addison County Bike Club VMBA Chapter

This non-profit outdoor center offers a number of beginner- and intermediate-friendly options. You can get some friendly guidance at the Outdoor Center for loops to meet your skill level.

The Hogback Loop is a favorite, especially when the blueberries are in, since the trail goes right through the USFS Blueberry Management Area. To extend your ride, take Stewart all the way to the Goshen Dam road. Hang a right to check out the dam. Return to the Outdoor Center via Stewart or follow the smooth forest road back.

Blueberry Hill Trails Videos Unavailable

Moosalamoo & Oak Ridge

Moosalamoo & Oak Ridge Trail

Trailforks Routes

Moosalamoo Website

Addison County Bike Club VMBA Chapter

The Moosalamoo and Oak Ridge trails offer a raw and rugged backcountry experience that’s recommended for confident riders. Park at the Widow’s Clearing parking area and ride south on Goshen Road to the Moosalamoo Campground. The Moosalamoo trail is a long climb that turns into the Oak Ridge Trail at the top of the mountain. At the bottom of the Oak Ridge descent, the trail intersects with Forest Road 92, hang a right to exit back to Goshen Road and your vehicle. If you miss the exit and find yourself on Route 125, you can hang a right and ride back to Widow’s Clearing on the road, or simply turn around and head back up Oak Ridge.

Oak Ridge/Moosalamoo Trails Videos

Chandler Ridge & Leicester Hollow

Chandler Ridge & Leicester Hollow

Trailforks Route

Moosalamoo Website

Addison County Bike Club VMBA Chapter

If you are staying at Branbury State Park, you can ride from your campsite. If you’re checking out or staying elsewhere, park at the Silver Lake trailhead. Ride up Silver Lake Road (gated) for 1.5 miles to the terminal of both trails.

Ride this loop counter-clockwise for a fun descent down Chandler Ridge with a gentle climb up Leicester Hollow (recommended) or clockwise for a steeper climb up the ridge and gentle descent on Leicester Hollow. Either way, you’ll finish the loop where you started.

On the way back down Silver Lake Road, check out the Falls of Lana or take a dip in one of the many pools in the cool trailside stream. Or save it for the lake, if you’re still hanging at the campsite.

Chandler Ridge/Leicester Hollow Trails Videos