Once a wild, remote corner of Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom has transformed over the last several decades into a world-renowned mountain biking destination.
Perhaps nowhere in the Northeast is mountain biking ingrained in the fabric of the local culture quite like the Northeast Kingdom. The region’s communities have embraced the sport, and the area is home to hundreds of miles of diverse, hand-built singletrack.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable mountain bike experience, the Northeast Kingdom delivers. Here are five prime spots for mountain biking in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Kingdom Trails
This world-class trail network in East Burke features more than 100 miles of pristine mountain bike trails for riders of all levels. The Kingdom Trails system is made up of flowy handbuilt and excavated trails, plus skills parks and pumptracks, all surrounded by the beauty of quintessential Vermont scenery. And the riding doesn’t stop come winter, when they offer more than 30 miles of snowmobile-groomed singletrack for fat bikes. Learn more about Kingdom Trails.
Burke Mountain Resort
While technically part of the larger Kingdom Trails system, the dedicated lift-served downhill mountain biking at Burke Mountain Resort deserves its own shoutout. Smooth, wide trails with meticulously sculpted berms and jumps are ideal for catching air and high speeds. Burke’s bike park features everything from technical rock gardens for experienced riders to beginner-friendly areas where rookies can comfortably get their first taste of downhills. Learn more about Burke Mountain Resort.
Craftsbury Outdoor Center
While the biking at Craftsbury Outdoor Center is phenomenal, it’s only part of the experience. You can make a full-blown adventure vacation out of a trip to Craftsbury. It has excellent lodging options, with modern hillside cabins, rustic lakeside cabins, and dorms that provide options for every budget. On top of that, the price of your lodging also gets you three wholesome, all-you-can-eat meals each day. And we haven’t even hit the biking yet, which features 60 miles of cross-country ski trails that convert to bike trails in the summer, including 13 miles of flowy, rooty singletrack. Learn more about Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
Groton State Forest
This sprawling state forest in Groton offers mountain bikers a rugged wilderness experience. The network of multi-use trails are not as manicured as those found elsewhere, but that’s half the fun. Old logging road and doubletrack take you into deep wilderness areas, while the technical singletrack will put your skills to the test. While riding, the area’s stunning scenery of pristine lakes and forests will leave you speechless. Learn more about Groton State Forest.
Memphremagog Trails
The Memphremagog Trails in Newport offer 16 miles of single- and doubletrack riding, and more trails are being built all the time. Trails range from classic Vermont cross country to machine-built flow trails and feature views of Lake Memphremagog. The network has multiple loops and the difficulty of the trails varies, making it a great experience for any member of the family. It’s also a great place for fat biking come winter. Learn more about Memphremagog Trails.
