Find the top rated running trails in Middlebury, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I have been watching the completion of this trail for some time and couldn’t wait to ride it, which I did this July. Worth the wait and spectacular in so many ways. The surface is pristine gravel (some paving around Saranac, with new guardrails and places for viewing the lakes and marshes. I was not prepared for the absolute beauty and remoteness at times. From Saranac through Floodwater to Tupper Lake there are not many signs of human habitation. A mother deer and her two babies crossed in front of us, as did a weasel. Even though I have an E Bike, I did the trail in two days: Lake Placid to Charlie’s Inn and Charlie’s to Tupper Lake. Gave me time to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature. Obviously care and planning has gone into this project. So glad I did it.
Beautiful scenery from Tupper Lake to Lake Clear. Last couple of miles if going east towards Lake Placid is a deceiving uphill with not much shade. Overall a great trail.
I did the entire trail, excepting the on-road portion in New York. Each section (the two in Vermont and the central part in New York) was quite different from the others, so I've broken my review into 3 parts.
The northern Vermont section (Poultney to Castleton) was in good shape and appears to get a lot of use, maybe 3 to 1 walkers to bikers. The surface of quarter inch gravel was not ideal, but enough has been brushed aside over the years that the ride was smooth and comfortable. It is well-maintained, mowed with no washouts or potholes, and just the right number of historical signs. It is generally well-shaded but probably the least scenic of the three sections.
The southern Vermont section (West Pawlet to West Rupert) was much more open and scenic, especially near Rupert, but Vermont's choice of quarter inch gravel surface is still generally in place so slows down the ride. A short detour to the general store in West Rupert for ice cream was a treat, as was a trail-side stream at the southern end to cool off in. The gentle slope made the northbound ride here more enjoyable than the southbound one. The trail was as well maintained as the northern portion. Ratio probably 4 to 1 bikers over walkers/joggers but fewer of both than the northern section.
The middle section in New York (West Pawlet to Middle Granville) was completely different. Parts of the surface were cinder (perfect for riding) while other parts were completely grass covered (and mowed) and as a result felt much like riding on someone's lawn - soft and slow. The scenery was less interesting, but the section in Granville was nice, with a park and B&B right on the trail. I didn't have time to explore the town, though. Despite the sunny Sunday, I saw few others using this part of the trail.
All in all, the trail was OK and has a lot of potential. With a better stone dust surface, I would have given it a 5-star. If the 4-mile break in New York between sections were completed, this would become a destination ride. With fall colors, it would be exceptional.
Top trail for us in our travels so far. Diversity of scenery, activity, and terrain complete this adventure. We started and finished at a midway point, Leddy Park, to avoid potential congestion on the Burlington side, proved to be a good strategy. The Causeway is unique, not too often do you encounter a bike ferry. This is a destination ride to be sure.
The part between Saranac and about 3 miles south of Floodwood (where the lakes begin/end) is the best. I thought Saranac to Placid was comparatively boring, although Placid is a must-see tourist town if in the area. The climb up to Placid at the end is worth noting. I did out and back, for reference.
A group of biking friends and I biked the length of the LVRT from Swanton to Saint Johnsbury (June 29-July 1, 2026). We had been hoping to ride the trail for the past several years but put it off due to the severe damage to it from several years of flooding rains. The LVRT experience was well worth the wait. The trail was in great shape. The scenery was spectacular and the communities along the trail seem to fully embrace the trail and the riders it attracts. There are quality lodging and eating options within a few miles of the trail. Organizations like the Lamoille Valley Bike Tours and Vermont's various governmental agencies have done themselves proud in creating, maintaining and promoting this trail. Even the black flies and mosquitos seemed to encourage riders by ignoring us.
My friends and I have ridden quite a few trails over the past 20 years in both Europe and the US and this little 100 mile gem ranks right up there with the best. Thank you to all the private and public individuals and agencies who made this trail a reality. And, a special acknowledgement of the many property abutters who may have been skeptical when this trail was just a proposal but seem to wholeheartedly seem to support the LVRT now!
My wife and I rode this trail between the Echo all the way to the ferry and back, and we would have ridden the ferry if we didn't need to get back to return our bikes to the rental shop. Clear skies, temperatures in the low 80s, and we had a great time, even forgetting that we were lacking sleep after issues with flights. We hope to try it again some day when we wont feel so rushed.
Biked this well kept trail start to finish. Well marked. There are a couple of challenging uphill climbs but doable by most people. Historical plaques along the route are very informative. There are some rest areas with benches. Highly recommend this trail. Looking forward to riding it again.
A great ride through boreal forest of the Canadian Shield geological formation! I did an out-and -back from Tupper Lake (the largest trailhead parking lot I’ve ever seen!) to Lake Placid. The trail is in great condition- packed crushed gravel except for a short paved section east of Saranac Lake. The trailheads all have portable toilets. There is a temporary trailhead at Lake Placid as a new one is under construction.
A good portion of the trail runs through deep forest but there are plenty of areas where the views open up, usually associated with the many ponds and lakes.
This one is a gem!
There is a new trailhead with parking for about 20 cars near the west end of the trail (Swanton end) where the trail crosses Robin Hood Dr. better option than the Park & Ride a few blocks away which has fewer parking spots and several trailers stored in the lot.
Trail has enough Snow to Ski and Snowshoe. Must remove Skis and Snowshoe to go through Tunnels and Cross Roads.
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