The best MTB trails in Breadloaf Wilderness

No, mountain biking is strictly prohibited within the federally designated Breadloaf Wilderness area. This protection status bans all forms of mechanical transportation, including bicycles, to preserve its primitive and undisturbed natural character. The mountain bike routes listed in this guide are located in areas adjacent to the wilderness.

While mountain biking is not permitted within the wilderness itself, there are several excellent routes in the surrounding areas. For example, you can explore the Pine Brook Covered Bridge – Roxbury Gap loop from East Warren Cemetery, which offers a challenging ride, or the Dana Hill loop from Madbush Fall Restaurant for a moderate option.

The trails in the vicinity of Breadloaf Wilderness offer a range of difficulties. You'll find everything from easier routes like the Dana Hill loop from Kew Hill, which covers 8.8 km with 265 meters of elevation gain, to more challenging rides such as the Pine Brook Covered Bridge – Roxbury Gap loop, spanning over 45 km with nearly 1000 meters of ascent.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes near Breadloaf Wilderness are designed as loops. Examples include the Dana Hill loop from Madbush Fall Restaurant and the Rochester loop from Lions Club Picnic Area, offering convenient starting and ending points.

While riding trails adjacent to the wilderness, you'll experience the characteristic dense forests of the Green Mountains, with northern hardwoods at lower elevations and spruce and fir at higher altitudes. You might also catch glimpses of the mountainous terrain that defines the Breadloaf Wilderness, including peaks like Breadloaf Mountain. The Pine Brook Covered Bridge – Roxbury Gap loop, for instance, offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

For families or those seeking a less strenuous ride, the Dana Hill loop from Kew Hill is an excellent option. It's classified as an easy route, making it suitable for a more relaxed outing.

The best time for mountain biking in this region is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October), when trails are free of snow and ice, and the weather is generally mild. Fall offers spectacular foliage, making it a particularly scenic time to ride.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For example, the Pine Brook Covered Bridge – Roxbury Gap loop starts near East Warren Cemetery, and the Rochester loop begins from the Lions Club Picnic Area, both of which typically offer parking facilities.

The undisturbed nature of the Breadloaf Wilderness and its surroundings provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. While riding, you might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Keep an eye out for signs of larger animals like moose and black bears, especially in more remote sections.

While the wilderness itself is remote, the towns and villages surrounding the Breadloaf Wilderness, such as those near the starting points of routes like the Dana Hill loop from Madbush Fall Restaurant, offer various amenities including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options for visitors.

The Breadloaf Wilderness is renowned for hiking, backpacking, and fishing. It features a 17.3-mile section of Vermont's Long Trail, numerous side trails, and water features like Skylight Pond and the New Haven and White Rivers. These activities allow visitors to experience the wilderness's rugged beauty and solitude.