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4.6/5 (16 reviews)

3-Day Vermont Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour

Embark on an unforgettable bike tour on the longest rail trail in New England and enjoy three days of crushed-gravel cycling bliss for up to 93 miles. The trip connects small towns with rural Vermont riding; and offers farm-fresh foods and craft beer.

Start - End: Burlington - Burlington

Total trip: 3 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 1,999/pp including taxes and fees

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Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Scenic Trail view
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Bridge
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Rider on Trail
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Path
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Riding in fall colors
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Scenic Trail view
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Bridge
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Rider on Trail
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Path
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Riding in fall colors
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Jersey Cows VT
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Fall Foliage
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Vermont River in Fall
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Pond Views Along trail
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour track with cyclist
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour Flowers in Vermont
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour cheese assortment VT
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Bike Tour mushrooms along trail

Escape to Vermont for an easygoing 3-day ride on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Car-free paths, small towns, local cuisine, and relaxed daily mileage.

Embark on an unforgettable bike tour along the longest rail trail in New England – the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail – and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Vermont. Spanning 93 miles and connecting 18 towns from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, the trail offers a delightful ride for all. If you're looking for a peaceful three-day getaway, head to the Green Mountains, where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, farm-fresh foods and craft beer.


These trail sections have a rich history and natural beauty. The railroad was developed in June of 1877, serving various industries such as granite, limestone, gravel, grain feed, lumber, and Christmas trees. During your tour in the Green Mountain State, you have the chance to experience farm-to-table restaurants, picturesque B&Bs, scenic covered bridges, historic general stores, and much more.


Start with a shuttle from Burlington to the headwaters of the Lamoille River. Then cycle down the railroad grade to the Connecticut River on Day 1. Day 2 starts with a shuttle back to the elevation highpoint of the trail, then spend the entire day biking the railroad grade downriver. Day 3 starts with more pedaling along the Lamoille River, then you follow the gentle railroad grade to Swanton near the shores of Lake Champlain. The trip ends with a shuttle back to Burlington by 4 p.m.


Surfaces for this tour: 29% Paved and 71% Gravel.


Trip Highlights

From start to finish, check out the route.

After brief introductions, shuttle to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Walden. Stop in Hardwick for lunch along the way. Then have a bike fitting and start riding in Walden at the headwaters of the Lamoille River. Today’s ride is down the railroad grade to St. Johnsbury. You stay at a casual inn very close to the trailhead and have a chance to explore the historic downtown, including a brewery and dinner. Informally known as “Saint J.,” the town of St. Johnsbury is the largest town in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and was one of the original New Hampshire Grants towns in 1760.
Accommodation: Comfort Inn & Suites St. Johnsbury, St Johnsbury
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 18.3 miles (29.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 740 feet (226 meters) ascent, 1021 feet (311 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Your ride today starts with a 30-minute shuttle back near the highpoint of the trail in Walden. You then travel along a picturesque route from Walden to Jeffersonville, covering more than half the width of beautiful Vermont. Today’s entire ride is downhill again, frequently crossing the Lamoille River. One highpoint of the day is riding through the Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge. It was one of the last operating covered railroad bridges in the U.S. Lunch is on your own. Our recommended lunch stop is at Lost Nation Brewery in Morrisville, which is right on the trail. You can opt to stop riding at this point and shuttle to the end of the day's ride.

Along the way, you pass working farms that produce maple syrup and dairy products. Many sell these delicious fresh treats at the farm. At the end of the ride, shuttle into iconic Stowe, Vermont, where you stay within walking distance of the famous Alchemist Brewery. Walk to dinner from the inn.
Accommodation: Stoweflake Mountain Resort, Stowe
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 37.4 miles (60.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 845 feet (258 meters) ascent, 1,544 feet (471 meters) descent 
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

Begin your morning with breakfast in Stowe, then shuttle back to Jeffersonville. Today’s ride is away from the Lamoille River along a gentle railroad grade to the Missisquoi River Valley and downriver to Swanton. The day still has just 677 feet of climbing and continues to roll through Vermont’s farms and forests. Have lunch together after finishing the ride in Swanton, and then shuttle back to downtown Burlington where you started, arriving by about 4 p.m.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 32.6 miles (52.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 721 feet (220 meters) ascent, 1,034 feet (315 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

Inns

Comfort Inn St. Johnsbury on our Lamoille bike tour

Comfort Inn & Suites St. Johnsbury

This Comfort Inn & Suites® near Burke Mountain is an ideal getaway for families or solo travelers who want to enjoy year-round recreational activities. The hotel is in St. Johnsbury, allowing guests the chance to explore the best that New England has to offer, from ski slopes to cultural attractions to the natural beauty of the region.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort on our Lamoille bike tour

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

This hotel was voted the no. 2 best resort in the Northeast in the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Readers Choice Awards! Founded in 1963, Stoweflake has grown from a modest motel into one of Vermont’s premiere resort and spa destinations.Today guests can enjoy a decades-long tradition of Vermont hospitality that encompasses 120 upscale guest rooms and suites, family-friendly townhouses, a 50,000 sq. ft. nationally acclaimed spa and fitness center, dining venues and more!

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Frequently Asked Questions

We know you might have a few questions before you book. Our frequently asked questions cover everything you need to know to feel ready for the ride.

On the first morning of the tour, our two pick-up locations are the Park & Ride in Colchester at 9:15am, or the Hotel Vermont at 10am. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Burlington, though you must make your own way to one of the pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Your tour ends with a drop-off back at the Park & Ride in Colchester at 3pm, or the Hotel Vermont at 4pm.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Burlington at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from Burlington after 7pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

If you plan to drive to the tour’s pick-up location, please ensure you arrange parking for the duration of your tour. If the pick-up point is a hotel, we recommend contacting them directly to inquire about parking availability. Keep in mind some hotels do not permit non-guests to park on-site, so you may need to find alternative parking options.

This Comfort Inn & Suites near Burke Mountain is an ideal getaway for families or solo travelers who want to enjoy year-round recreational activities. The hotel is in St. Johnsbury, allowing guests the chance to explore the best that New England has to offer, from ski slopes to cultural attractions to the natural beauty of the region.

At Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa you can enjoy a decades-long tradition of Vermont hospitality that encompasses 120 upscale guest rooms and suites, family-friendly townhouses, a 50,000 sq. ft. nationally acclaimed spa and fitness center, dining venues and more!

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What's included

  • 2 nights’ accommodation
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced trip leaders, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

What Our Guests Say