Green Mountains Loop Bicycle Route
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The Adventure Cycling Association Green Mountains Loop Bicycle Route is a 374 mile (601 km) loop that explores the Green Mountains of Vermont. While the Green Mountains dominate the views and the geography of Vermont, the pastoral scenery and rural roads of Vermont are leading reasons for its popularity as a cycling destination. Visitors must be sure to enjoy at least one breakfast of pancakes, waffles or french toast to savor the regional delight of locally produced pure maple syrup.
[edit] Green Mountains Loop Bicycle Route
Although much of the route lies within valleys, there are many hills of less than 200 feet. Most of the route uses lightly travelled roads with no shoulder. Paved shoulders prevail where traffic is moderate. When ridden in a clockwise direction, the main route of the Green Mountains Loop Bicycle Route travels from Burlington, Vermont, eastward into New Hampshire along the Connecticut River. It continues back across Vermont then north into New York along the shore of Lake Champlain. If preferred, alternates provide a route that can be ridden entirely in Vermont. The prettier and more rural, but hillier 67-mile East Alternate leaves the Main Route in St. Johnsbury, Vermont and rejoins it in South Royalton, Vermont. A highlight of this alternate is pedalling through picturesque Peacham, Vermont which has appeared in more Vermont Life magazine photographs than any other town. From Middlebury, Vermont, the 55.5-mile West Alternate is a faster return to Burlington that avoids the two ferry crossings of Lake Champlain found on the Main Route.
The Missisquoi Valley Trail, a rail bed conversion, is utilized for a short portion of the route and has a well-packed crushed limestone surface. The parallel SR 105 is suitable for those who prefer pavement. Both offer good views of the Missisquoi River and Jay Peak to the east.
This route can be ridden beginning in late May through the summer months. Generally, the cycling season in the region can be extended into mid October as long as you're prepared for cool, crisp mornings and brisk evenings. Showers are common throughout the spring, summer, and fall in northern Vermont. Thunderstorms account for most of the rain during the summer. Wind is seldom a problem for cyclists on this route. However, strong southerly winds in the Champlain Valley will occasionally affect riding for a day at a time.
