Vermont Rail Trails: Detailed Guide
Are you an avid cyclist looking to explore the scenic beauty of Vermont? Look no further than the Vermont Rail Trails. These converted railway lines offer a unique and picturesque way to experience the stunning landscapes of the Green Mountain State. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Vermont Rail Trails, the best trails to explore, and tips for making the most of your cycling adventure.
Vermont has four official state rail trails, offering some of the best easy biking, walking, running, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in New England. Built on former railroad corridors, they feature gentle grades, scenic countryside, historic villages, rivers, forests, and mountain views.
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Length: 94 miles
Route: St. Johnsbury to Swanton
Route and scenery
Traversing the Lamoille River Valley, the trail links small towns such as Danville, Morrisville, and Jeffersonville. It passes through farmland, forest, wetlands, and mountain views within the Green Mountain region. Numerous restored bridges and rail features remain visible, creating a continuous scenic route across the northern part of the state.
Highlights:
- Longest rail trail in New England
- Connects 18 Vermont communities
- Follows rivers, farms, forests, and historic downtowns
- Excellent for cycling, walking, horseback riding, and winter recreation
- Surface is primarily compacted gravel with grades under 3%
Best sections:
St. Johnsbury to Danville
Hardwick to Morrisville
Cambridge to Swanton
What You’ll See
- Historic villages and downtowns
- The Lamoille River and numerous streams
- Covered bridges and restored railroad bridges
- Farms, forests, wetlands, and mountain views
- Wildlife including deer, foxes, eagles, and black bears
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
Length: 26.4 miles (42.5 km)
Route: St. Albans City to Richford, Vermont
The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a 26.4-mile multi-use recreational path in northwestern Vermont, running through Franklin County from St. Albans City to Richford near the Canadian border. Following the former Central Vermont Railway bed, it offers scenic views of farms, forests, and the Missisquoi River while linking small rural communities.
Route and scenery
The trail parallels the Missisquoi River for much of its course, crossing it multiple times on repurposed railroad bridges. It passes through towns such as Sheldon, Enosburg Falls, and East Berkshire, offering pastoral landscapes with views of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks on clear days. Wildlife viewing—particularly waterfowl and songbirds—is common along wetland stretches.
Highlights:
- Beautiful farmland scenery
- Views of the Missisquoi River Valley
- Connects directly with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail system
- Popular for family cycling and birdwatching
What You’ll See
- Historic villages and downtowns
- The Lamoille River and numerous streams
- Covered bridges and restored railroad bridges
- Farms, forests, wetlands, and mountain views
- Wildlife including deer, foxes, eagles, and black bears
Island Line Trail
Length: About 13.4 miles (21.6 km)
Route: Burlington to South Hero, Vermont
The Island Line Trail is a scenic rail-trail following the former Rutland Railroad corridor along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Stretching across Burlington, Colchester, and the Colchester Causeway, it connects mainland Vermont to the Lake Champlain Islands via a dramatic marble-dust path with panoramic lake and mountain views. The trail is popular for cycling, walking, and running, offering one of New England’s most striking waterfront experiences.
The trail begins near Waterfront Park and follows the Burlington Bike Path before continuing north through parks, wetlands, and open lake views. The Colchester Causeway segment extends directly over Lake Champlain on a raised marble-block bed. In summer, the Local Motion Bike Ferry carries trail users across a short navigation gap to reach South Hero Island.
Highlights
- Panoramic Lake Champlain views
- Adirondack Mountains to the west
- Green Mountains to the east
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset photography
- Mostly flat and family-friendly
Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail
Length: About 19 miles (30 kilometers)
Route: Rupert, VT to Castleton, VT
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail is a multi-use recreational path in southwestern Vermont and eastern New York, following the former Delaware & Hudson Railway corridor. It provides scenic walking, cycling, and horseback-riding routes through rural countryside, connecting small towns and natural landscapes along the historic railbed.
The trail runs north–south through the Slate Valley region, paralleling the New York–Vermont border. It consists of two disconnected segments—southern and northern—separated by a short on-road gap. Travelers encounter farmland, forest, and historic villages such as Poultney and West Rupert, with occasional views of the Taconic Mountains.
Trailheads provide parking and signage, with access points near state roads and village centers. The gentle grade makes it suitable for families and casual cyclists. In winter, certain sections open for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Local organizations coordinate maintenance and promote eco-tourism throughout the Slate Valley region.
Highlights
- Wetlands and wildlife habitat
- Historic railroad remnants
- Quiet countryside
- Ideal for casual family rides
- Less crowded than northern Vermont trails
Newport Bike Path (Newport Recreation Path)
Length: Approximately 3 miles
Route: Newport Waterfront
The southern section of the Newport Bike Path is a paved path adjacent to the railroad parallel to Main Street in Newport. It then turns north to parallel US-5 to Park Avenue. The path follows roads between Park Avenue and Prouty Beach where it picks up as a paved path through the woods and along Freeman Road to Bluff Street. From Bluff Street to the hospital, the path again follows roads. Please use caution and pay attention to traffic.
Highlights
Lake Memphremagog Views
The trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Memphremagog, a 27-mile-long lake that extends into Quebec.
Highlights include:
- Open-water vistas
- Mountain views in both Vermont and Canada
- Marinas and sailboats
- Excellent sunrise photography
Waterfront Access
- Public parks
- Fishing access
- Picnic areas
- Benches overlooking the lake
- Public docks and marina areas
The Stowe Recreation Path is a scenic, multi-use trail in Stowe, extending 5.3 miles (8.5 km) through the town and countryside. Open year-round for walking, running, cycling, and cross-country skiing, it is one of Vermont’s most popular recreational corridors, showcasing mountain views and easy access to shops and lodgings.
The path follows the West Branch of the Little River between historic Stowe Village and the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. It crosses several wooden bridges and passes meadows, inns, cafés, and local art galleries. The route’s gentle grade and smooth surface make it suitable for families and casual riders.
Visitors use the path for biking, jogging, in-line skating, and dog walking in warm months; in winter, it becomes a groomed cross-country ski route. Numerous access points connect to restaurants, lodges, and scenic rest areas, encouraging car-free exploration of the village and valley.
Highlights
- Mount Mansfield Views
- Bridges and Rivers
- Wildlife
- Picnic areas
Best Rail-Trail Destinations by Region
Northern Vermont
Central Vermont
Chittenden County
Hidden Gems
Local cyclists frequently mention these less-crowded experiences:
- Johnson to Cambridge on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail for Green Mountain views.
- West Pawlet to Rupert on the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail for rural scenery and very light traffic.
- Beebe Spur Rail Trail for lake views and access to the Canadian border region.
- Newport Bike Path + Beebe Spur combination for a scenic 6-mile waterfront ride.
For sheer mileage and scenery, the combination of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, and Island Line Trail creates one of the best multi-day bicycle adventures in New England, with well over 130 miles of mostly car-free riding.
Tips for Cycling Vermont Rail Trails
- Bring Plenty of Water: While Vermont Rail Trails offer a serene and peaceful setting, make sure to stay hydrated as you pedal through the scenic countryside.
- Pack a Picnic: Take advantage of the many picnic spots along the trails and enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Check Trail Conditions: Before embarking on your cycling adventure, check the trail conditions and any closures or detours that may affect your route.