Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Vermont, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The Tri-Haul Trail has a big pile of large rocks about 15 feet long at each end. Had to walk our bikes through that. The middle of the trail has large white gravel that is doable if you have wide tires. The Bay Trail was fine and the rest of the Tri-Haul Trail was fine.
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.
We rode the first 16 miles of the trail from St Albans. The trail was in perfect shape and completely lovely
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.
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.
Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.
Trail has enough Snow to Ski and Snowshoe. Must remove Skis and Snowshoe to go through Tunnels and Cross Roads.
We started at the marina restaurant at the south end of the trail and rode 3.5 miles on the rail trail section, with another 2 miles on Rice Farm & Quarries roads. Beautiful vistas of the river, rock formations, changing leaves. Esp impressive was the overhead highway bridge built with long tapering multicolored stone supports, representing tree branches. Under the arched stone supports is a picnic table & patio area. A few protruding stones/tree roots need to be managed but biking is very possible on this trail and should be included in the list of options for use.
This Trail has been all redone we started at Ricker pond and went to Kettle pond was so much fun the views were amazing
Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.
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