The best road cycling routes around Montpelier

Based on komoot data, there are over 15 road cycling routes around Montpelier, catering to various skill levels. These include 2 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 4 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

Montpelier's road cycling routes feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, dense forested lands, and river valleys. You'll find quiet two-lane roads, historic covered bridges, and varied elevation changes, from gentle gradients along river paths to more sustained climbs through the hillsides, all set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains.

Yes, Montpelier offers several routes suitable for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. The Red Hen Bakery loop from Montpelier is an easy 15.1-mile (24.3 km) trail leading through local farmlands and quiet roads. Additionally, the Montpelier Recreation Path and sections of the Cross Vermont Trail provide accessible, often paved, and relatively flat options.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Montpelier offers routes with more significant climbs. The Winooski West Path – Lake Elmore loop from Montpelier is a 58.4-mile (93.9 km) moderate route with over 800 meters of elevation gain. For even more demanding terrain, areas like the North Branch River Park Trails and Hubbard Park Loop feature steeper climbs and more rugged sections.

Absolutely! Montpelier's routes are known for their picturesque New England scenery. You'll encounter historic covered bridges, dense forested lands, beautiful vistas of farms and fields, and the majestic Green Mountains. The Winooski River flows through the city, offering tranquil riverside paths, and the 52-mile Waitsfield & Waterfalls Ride features several waterfalls.

Many of Montpelier's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Winooski West Path – Lake Elmore loop from Montpelier, the Great Eddy Covered Bridge loop from Montpelier, and the Red Hen Bakery loop from Montpelier.

The best time for road cycling in Montpelier is typically from spring through fall. The region experiences beautiful foliage in autumn, making for stunning rides. While winter cycling is possible, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice. Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures and lush green landscapes.

Yes, Montpelier is considered a 'gravel biker's dream' with thousands of miles of unpaved roads. It serves as an excellent base for exploring these gravel roads, which offer less traffic and a more relaxed cycling experience through beautiful landscapes, often passing maple sugaring operations. Iconic gravel routes like the 'Super 8' and the 'Muddy Onion' start from the Montpelier area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from 3 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's quiet two-lane roads, historic covered bridges, and the diverse scenery that ranges from rolling hills and dense forests to tranquil river valleys, all with the majestic Green Mountains as a backdrop.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, the Montpelier Loop is a notable 76-mile ride that showcases classic New England scenery, guiding cyclists through several charming towns. The Winooski West Path – Lake Elmore loop from Montpelier is also a substantial 58.4-mile (93.9 km) route.

Montpelier's road cycling routes frequently feature historic covered bridges, which are a quintessential part of the New England landscape. The Great Eddy Covered Bridge loop from Montpelier is specifically highlighted for its inclusion of these scenic structures.