Are you ready to feel the rush of wind against your face as you conquer Vermont’s most exhilarating trails? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, mountain biking in the Mad River Valley offers something for everyone. From lush forests and scenic views to adrenaline-pumping descents, this is your gateway to adventure.
Your Perfect Base for Adventure
Nestled in the heart of Vermont, our Mad River Valley lodging offer the ideal starting point for your mountain biking journey. Picture yourself waking up to the fresh mountain air, gearing up, and heading out to explore trails that cater to every skill level. This guide will help you choose the perfect trail for your visit—so let’s dive in!
Beginner Trails
New to mountain biking? No problem! The Mad River Valley offers several trails that are perfect for building your skills and boosting your confidence.
Moretown Skills Park
Before you hit the trails, why not warm up at Moretown Skills Park? Located just 15 minutes from Mad River Lodge, this park is designed with beginners in mind. With features like hills, bumps, and logs, it’s the perfect place to practice and refine your skills. The park’s manageable obstacles are ideal for gaining confidence before tackling more challenging terrain.
Leonard’s Loop Trail
When you have your confidence up and are ready to venture out, Leonard’s Loop Trail is your go-to for a gentle introduction to mountain biking. Just 12 minutes from Warren Lodge, this 2.4-mile trail winds through the picturesque Green Mountain National Forest. With wide paths and mild elevation changes, it’s an easy ride that offers stunning views of Vermont’s natural beauty, whether you’re cruising through vibrant spring blooms or admiring the autumn leaves.
Blueberry Lake Trail Network
For a fun and beginner-friendly ride, head over to the Blueberry Lake trail network in the Green Mountain National Forest. Located on Plunkton Road in Warren, this spot offers a great mix of trails perfect for getting more practice mountain biking or enjoying a laid-back adventure. You’ll find the trailhead and parking about a third of a mile south of the Blueberry Lake Recreation Area entrance. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the scenic beauty of Vermont while having a blast on your bike!
Intermediate Trails
Looking to up the ante? These intermediate trails offer a bit more challenge without sacrificing the scenic beauty that the Mad River Valley is known for.
Enchanted Forest
Just a stone’s throw from Waitsfield and the White Horse Lodge, the Enchanted Forest Trail lives up to its name. This 1.4-mile trail takes you through lush, shaded paths that add a touch of magic to your ride. With a moderate 268-foot climb and some muddy spots for extra excitement, it’s perfect for riders ready to push their skills a bit further. Note that at the time of writing this blog, this trail was closed due to storm damage, so just check before heading out to make sure it is open.
Thresher Hill/Pine Brook Loop
For a trail that truly immerses you in Vermont’s natural splendor, the Thresher Hill/Pine Brook Loop is a must-ride. Located about 30 minutes from Warren Lodge, this 5-mile trail challenges you with rugged terrain, steep descents, and a 500-foot elevation change. As you navigate through old-growth hemlock forests and past serene mountain streams, you’ll feel a deep connection to the wild beauty of the Green Mountains with an average ride time of 2 to 3 hours.
Advanced Trails
For those who crave a serious challenge, these advanced trails in the Mad River Valley will test your limits and reward you with unforgettable experiences.
Chatfield Loop
A true adventure awaits you on the Chatfield Loop in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Spanning 12.5 miles with a 400-foot elevation change, this trail offers a mix of forested paths and open meadows, making for a ride that’s as beautiful as it is demanding. With a recommended completion time of three to four hours, it’s a perfect way to spend a day exploring the deeper reaches of Vermont’s wilderness. It’s one of the five mountain bike-friendly trails in the NRA.
Ancient Apple
Don’t let the name fool you—the Ancient Apple Trail is not for the faint-hearted. Just 15 minutes from Mad River Lodge, this trail challenges even the most experienced riders with its steep climbs and technical descents. Starting with a 245-foot climb after a quick drop, this trail will keep you on your toes from start to finish.
Widow’s Clearing
For a trail that combines raw, rugged beauty with a thrilling challenge, head to Widow’s Clearing in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. This 3-mile trail offers a tough 377-foot descent and a steep return climb that will leave you breathless—in more ways than one. And be warned: navigating the sharp V-turn where it intersects with the Water Tower Sundown Trail is not for the faint of heart.
Multi-Use Trails
If you’re looking for a trail that offers more than just biking, the multi-use trails in Mad River Valley are perfect for a leisurely ride with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Kingsbury Bridge Greenway – Easy access from Warren Lodge!
Located right by Warren Lodge, this 2.8-mile round-trip trail is a gem for riders of all levels. With a gentle climb and descent, the Kingsbury Bridge Greenway takes you through the woods, around Sugarbush’s snowmaking pond, and along the Mad River, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the serene surroundings.
Spaulding Loop Trail
For a ride that’s as relaxing as it is scenic, the Spaulding Loop Trail is a fantastic choice. With only a 19-foot climb and a 22-foot descent over its one-mile stretch, this trail offers breathtaking views of farmland and a 70-acre meadow conservation area, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful ride.
Sugar Bush Resort
Explore the Mad River Valley’s extensive mountain biking network starting right from the Lincoln Peak base area at Sugar Bush Resort, where you’ll find trails for all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy the smooth single-track of the Lower Woods Trail, with flowy sections and machine-groomed berms, while more advanced riders can test their skills on optional jumps or head over to the Eurich Pond Network for classic New England tech riding. Maintained by the Mad River Riders, this area offers forested single-track and challenging terrain. After a day on the trails, unwind with a meal at Lincoln Peak Village and make a long weekend of it by staying at a Mad River Lodge property.
Wrap Up Your Day in Comfort
After a day of conquering the trails, there’s nothing better than kicking back in the comfort of our Vermont lodges. Cozy, affordable, and perfectly situated to enjoy everything the Mad River Valley has to offer, our accommodations provide the perfect end to an unforgettable day of mountain biking. We can’t wait to welcome you and help make your biking adventure truly epic.
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