The best gravel rides around East Hardwick

The East Hardwick area, nestled in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, offers a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find rolling farmlands, dense maple groves, and forests. The Lamoille River valley is a prominent feature, and the region is known for its extensive network of gravel roads. This includes mostly flat rail trails like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, as well as more challenging routes with significant elevation changes and Class 4 roads.

Yes, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is an excellent option for families. This 93-mile multi-purpose trail, which runs directly through Hardwick, has a compacted crushed stone surface and mostly flat terrain, making it suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to experience the scenic landscapes of Northern Vermont together.

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is generally dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs. It's always a good idea to check local regulations for specific sections or other trails, but the LVRT is a popular choice for riders with canine companions due to its wide, flat surface.

While riding, you'll encounter rural charm, riverine scenery along the Lamoille River, and picturesque views of the Green Mountains, especially from routes like Bridgman Hill Road. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve or Castleford Millennium Bridge, which are nearby attractions.

East Hardwick offers gravel biking opportunities across multiple seasons. Spring and fall provide beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a four-season corridor, accommodating activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, but for gravel biking, late spring through early fall generally offers the most favorable conditions.

East Hardwick and the surrounding towns offer local establishments where you can refuel. The Yellow Barn, for example, serves as a hub for 'agripreneurs' and features a retail store. While specific cafes directly on every trail aren't guaranteed, you'll find options in the villages along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and in Hardwick itself.

There are at least 10 gravel bike trails available around East Hardwick, offering a variety of distances and difficulties. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 14 reviews.

Yes, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is an excellent choice for beginners due to its mostly flat terrain and compacted crushed stone surface. For a moderate introduction, you could try the Fairies Hill Moorings – Lemonroyd Marina loop from Normanton, which is 33.6 miles long and takes about 4 hours.

For advanced riders seeking a challenge, the broader Northeast Kingdom offers an extensive network of gravel roads beyond the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, including routes with significant climbs and Class 4 roads. The Cold Hiendley Reservoir – River Dearne Footbridge loop from Pontefract Monkhill is a more difficult option, spanning 72.7 miles and taking nearly 8 hours to complete.

Parking is generally available at various access points along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and in the towns it passes through, including Hardwick. Specific parking details for individual routes can often be found on their respective komoot tour pages.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in East Hardwick are designed as loops. For example, the popular Haw Park Woods – Cold Hiendley Reservoir loop from Streethouse is a moderate 25.4-mile circular path, offering a mix of woodland and reservoir views.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling farmlands to dense maple groves, and the variety of terrain that caters to different skill levels, including the well-maintained Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.