The best gravel rides around Stowe

Stowe's gravel biking terrain is incredibly diverse, featuring hundreds of miles of back roads. You'll encounter a mix of rolling farmlands, dense forests, and quiet dirt roads, often with significant elevation changes. Many routes combine gravel and paved surfaces, winding through tranquil rural landscapes with views of peaks like Mount Mansfield and Mount Elmore.

Yes, Stowe offers options for various skill levels. For a more relaxed experience, the Randolph Road Loop is approximately 20 miles and provides a gentle ride through farmlands with stunning mountain views, making it suitable for beginners.

For advanced riders seeking a challenge, the Smugglers Notch Loop is an excellent choice. This approximately 45-mile ride includes substantial climbing and descending through the dramatic Smugglers Notch pass and rolling farmlands. Another difficult option is the Tongwell Lake – Grand Union Canal loop from Stony Stratford, which features over 440 meters of elevation gain.

While many gravel routes involve varied terrain, the Stowe Recreation Path is a popular, scenic 5.3-mile paved trail perfect for families. It crosses the Little River multiple times via wooden bridges, offers access to swimming spots, and connects to local shops and restaurants.

Stowe's routes often feature breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield and Mount Elmore. You might also pass historic covered bridges and iconic barns. For specific points of interest, consider exploring highlights like the Rear of the Temple of Friendship or the Temple of Ancient Virtue, which are part of the broader attractions around Stowe.

Yes, Stowe is home to beautiful natural features. Moss Glen Falls is a stunning waterfall accessible via a gentle hike, offering a refreshing spot. Additionally, the Stowe Recreation Path provides access to several swimming holes along the Little River, perfect for a dip during warmer months.

The gravel biking experience around Stowe is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders often praise the region's extensive network of quiet dirt roads, diverse landscapes, and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and farmlands.

Yes, many of Stowe's gravel routes are designed as loops. Examples include the Randolph Road Loop and the Randolph/Stagecoach Loop, both offering circular rides through scenic areas. The Evenley Village Green – Rural Road loop from Brackley is another popular loop option for those looking for varied terrain.

Stowe is an excellent year-round outdoor destination, but for gravel biking, spring through fall offers the most favorable conditions. Vermont's dirt roads are particularly beautiful in the fall with vibrant foliage. Always check local conditions, especially in spring when some roads might be muddy.

Yes, the Stowe Mud City Gravel Route, an intermediate 21-mile route with considerable elevation changes, is noted as being e-bike friendly, allowing more riders to enjoy its challenging yet rewarding terrain.

For longer rides, the Smugglers Notch Loop covers approximately 45 miles. Another substantial option is the Velo Stowe Gravel Ride, a self-guided 34.7-mile route with nearly 3,100 feet of elevation gain, showcasing the scenic dirt roads around Stowe. The Tongwell Lake – Grand Union Canal loop from Stony Stratford is also a significant ride at over 43 miles.