Vermont Middlebury Biking 7 Days

Burlington

Arrive to Burlington, the thriving, cosmopolitan cultural capital of Vermont that has long embodied the earthy free-thinking and independence that define the state’s spirit. Stay at Hotel Vermont where its interior and guest rooms combine clean Scandinavian lines with a hip decor. Take a warm-up ride on the Burlington Bikeway north of town and then wander over to the Church Street Marketplace or one of the many craft breweries that has recently opened. Dine at renowned Hen of the Wood, arguably the jewel in Burlington’s foodie crown.

Burlington

Today ride south out of Burlington along bike paths that have made this a cyclist’s city. Stop in at Shelburne Farms, a National Historic Landmark encompassing 1,400 verdant, rolling acres along Lake Champlain. At Charlotte Beach, enjoy the waterfront park and then admire the Holmes covered bridge circa 1870, where the Holmes family once operated the largest apple orchard in New England. Stop for lunch at an historic general store that has been a community hub since the 1850’s. Continue to Vergennes, Vermont’s smallest city, which dates back to post-Revolutionary War era and also has lunch options including Vergennes Laundry for farm-to-table dining. Visit the Opera House, Stevens House (which dates to 1793) and peak into the Bixby library, which boasts a spectacular stained glass dome in its lobby before continuing to Basin Harbor.

Distance: 35 mi (60 km); elevation gain: 1,350 ft (465 m)

West Addison

There are several rides to choose between on this day on gently rolling terrain. Visit West Addison or on a longer option, Chimney Point Historic Site, which explores the history of the area’s three earliest cultures—the Native American, French Colonial, and early American by showcasing the artifacts each left behind. The tavern was built in 1785 and has welcomed visitors ever since. From Lake Champlain bridge, you can see His Majesty’s Fort at Crown Point in NY State.

Distance: 18 mi (30 km); elevation gain: 675 ft (225 m) or 25 mi (40 km; elevation gain: 800 ft (265 m) or 34 mi (54 km); elevation gain: 1,050 ft (350 m)

Lake Champlain

Should you wish to relax at the Basin Harbor Club and take a day off the bikes, this is an option; there is swimming, tennis, golf and a wellness center here. Or go kayaking onto Lake Champlain. Ride options include a loop along Otter Creek and north to Kingsland State Park, where you can rent a canoe or kayak for a paddle around protected Kingsland Bay. The park is 264 acres with hiking trails also. We recommend lunch back in Vergennes, after which you might want to visit the Maritime Museum, whose mission is to preserve and share the history and archaeology of Lake Champlain. Or pop into Northern Daughters, a gallery that merges the aesthetic of blue chip galleries with the familiarity and authenticity of a Vermont general store.

Middlebury

Choose from several scenic routes as you ride south through rural Vermont. Stop in the historic village of Bristol for lunch. Arrive to Middlebury, chartered in 1761 and on the National Register of Historic Places. The city is everything you’d expect in a quaint Vermont town – a white-steepled church, a Main Street lined with unique shops and a pretty town green. Otter Creek tumbles over a twenty-foot waterfall in the center of town. There are casual and fine dining options to choose from and several tasting rooms where you can sample many of the fine beers, spirits and ciders that are locally produced.

Distance: 21 mi (34 km); elevation gain: 1,000 ft (345 m) or 30 mi (47 km); elevation gain: 1,335 ft (445 m)

Salisbury

Today, ride south to the village of Salisbury, Lake Dunmore and Branbury State Park. Historically, the 69-acre park operated as a farm at the turn of the century, then as a guest house, summer camp and then in 1945, it became Branbury (Brandon-Salisbury) State Park. The 1,000 foot natural sandy beach, clean, clear Lake Dunmore, and the large open grassy areas make the area very popular for swimming and picnicking. If you prefer a restaurant meal, we can recommend just the place. Back in Middlebury, enjoy an afternoon coffee at Monarch Café in the Stone Mill Public Market. Visit Sheldon Museum or stroll Main Street shops and galleries before dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants a stroll from your hotel.

Distance: 25 mi (40 km); elevation gain: 1,200 ft (400 m) or 31 mi (50 km); elevation gain: 1,500 ft (520 m)

Depart

After breakfast, depart at your leisure.