Spring 2008

Rejuvenating Rides: Ease into spring with these 10 out-of-the-ordinary routes

By Sky Barsch

The simple pleasure of riding a bicycle may be sweetest in spring, when a little sunshine, a warm breeze and an unhurried pace can be remarkably rejuvenating after a hard winter.

The 10 rides suggested in the following pages offer easy, fairly flat rides that are suitable for most ages and abilities, and can be done in a half day or less. Dirt roads in Vermont offer some of the finest views and lightest traffic, so the routes described here are best ridden on a mountain bike or hybrid bicycle unless otherwise specified.

Ages 10 and up likely will be able to do all of these rides. If you have young children and are unsure about their abilities, start out with a paved ride, like the Burlington Bike Path, and work up from there.

Bring your own bike or rent one at any of Vermont's numerous shops, fill a backpack full of snacks, take along some binoculars or your camera, and pedal on to enjoy the natural beauty of our state.

1. Step it up:

Willoughby in Westmore

Think of the sights on this ride as the reward for the hard work of the hills. Lake Willoughby and its surrounding mountains, Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, could arguably be the most breathtaking sight in Vermont. The sparkling lake was carved out by a glacier, leaving steep, rising mountains framing the body of water. The mountain rises so tall and so steeply from the road, it's like riding next to a wall. And water trickles down the rock face in mesmerizing patterns. Adults should try this ride on their own before taking children along.

Park and ride: Park in the lot across from the public beach, on North Beach Road in Westmore (facilities in the parking lot). Take a left out of the parking lot, and you soon come to a fork in the road. Take a right, going south on Vermont 5A. Continue until you've gone about 5.3 miles, to the fishing access parking area on your right (an RV and tent shop is on your left). Turn around at the fishing access area.

Distance: 10.6 miles

Terrain: Hilly, entirely paved. Suitable for a road bike.

Treasure: As you head south on 5A, you'll come to a flat patch in the road, when you have a clear view of Willoughby on your right. Look on your left; there is a pretty waterfall. Also, you will pass trailheads for Pisgah and Hor; they're well-marked. If you're hot enough, try the chilly lake water.

2. High riding:

Ball Mountain Dam

The West River Trail is a converted railroad bed. It may be Vermont's oldest transportation path, according to the Friends of the West River, making the important connection of the West River Valley and Fort Dummer in Brattleboro. The path was converted into the West River Railroad in 1879, according to the Friends, but its narrow and winding path meant dangerous service and an eventual decommissioning. This ride takes you on a flat, curved path following the West River through Jamaica State Park. For an easy ride, turn around at the dam; adventurous riders can follow the whole trail for more challenging terrain totaling 12 miles.

Park and ride: Parking available at Jamaica State Park (end of Depot Street, Jamaica) from late April – Columbus Day; parking at the junction of Depot Street and the West River at other times. Start on the well-marked trail, follow the West River and curve back west around Ball Mountain. In 3.5 miles, you'll reach the Ball Mountain Dam, a dramatic sight, with Shatterack Mountain to your north.

Distance: Seven miles

Terrain: Flat with a gravel surface.

Treasure: Want to see a 125-foot waterfall? Lock up your bikes and walk up the steep but short Hamilton Falls Trail, about 2.5 miles into your ride, on the right. If you're riding on April 26 or 27, check out the release of the West River and watch the thrill-seeking canoeists and kayakers have at it.

3. Pictorial pedaling:

Woodstock River Road

Woodstock and Quechee are popular Vermont destinations – maybe you've driven around town. But seeing the area slowly from a dirt road will give you a whole new appreciation for the scenery. Sarah Nichols, manager of The Start House Ski and Bike shop in Woodstock, loves the ride. "River Road is one of the most beautiful roads, and has the most beautiful homes in Woodstock," she says. This ride gives you everything: a view of the Ottauquechee River, scenic vistas and shopping. The best part? It's flat.

Park and ride: Parking is available at Billings Farm (Vermont 12 and River Road, Woodstock). Head east, and follow River Road along the Ottauquechee River. River Road becomes Main Street in Quechee. Ride until you reach the Simon Pearce glassblowing attraction.

Distance: Eight miles

Terrain: Flat, with paved and dirt portions.

Treasure: A picturesque covered bridge about three miles into the ride. Consider casual upscale lunch or dinner at Simon Pearce, where you can dine above a waterfall.

4. Urban and ecological:

Burlington Waterfront Bike Path

In this ride, you'll experience the juxtaposition of the city of Burlington, with its cosmopolitan and urban environment, and the stunning vista of sparkling Lake Champlain and the dramatic Adirondack Mountains. This flat, well-paved path brings you from the heart of downtown to a bridge that spans a natural area where the Winooski River empties into Lake Champlain. Along the way, see pieces of Burlington's past, present and future.

Park and ride: Parking is available in the lots at the bottom of College Street near the Burlington Boathouse and on streets near Waterfront Park. The path is well signed – it cuts through the park. Head north, so the lake is on your left. Ride for about five miles, and you will reach the bridge at the end of the Winooski, which is also the northern border of Burlington. Turn around here. This wonderful path is no secret, so you'll be sharing with others.

Distance: 10 miles

Terrain: Flat and paved.

Treasures: About three miles into your ride you'll see signs for Leddy Beach. Lock your bikes there in front of the ice arena, or walk them down a short path through a wooded area. This Lake Champlain beach is great for an up-close view of the lake where large, interesting pieces of driftwood collect. At the bridge at the end of your ride, check for wildlife; many critters make their homes here. If skating is more your thing, public skating is usually available at Leddy Arena Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:15 a.m. and Sunday 1-3 p.m.

5. Escape the masses:

Sodom Pond

Don't let the name scare you – Sodom Pond is a tranquil body of water surrounded by rolling dirt roads and attractive farmhouses and a large, working farm. Located in Adamant, a hamlet straddling the Calais-East Montpelier border, Sodom Pond gets its name from the rowdy quarry days of the late 19th century. According to local historians, during that time the then-churchless hamlet was called Sodom. The name was changed to Adamant in the early 20th century, as homage to the granite that was tough to extract. The pond, however, retains the risqué name.

Park and ride: Start at the Adamant Co-op, (1313 Haggett Road, Adamant), or park off to the side of the road in the village. With the co-op behind you, head south on Center Road, and turn left onto Sibley Road at about 1.3 miles. After another mile or so, take a left onto Sodom Pond Road, which brings you back to the co-op. It's worth mentioning that Adamant is home to the Black Fly Festival for a reason; bring bug repellant.

Distance: Four miles

Terrain: Gradual hills on dirt roads; minimal traffic.

Treasure: There's a strong arts community in this tiny hamlet. The visual art studio of Janet MacLeod is above the Adamant Co-op. Also within biking distance: Adamant Music School, Quarryworks Theater, a sculpture garden and waterfalls. Hungry or curious? Stop in the co-op, where you'll find snacks, great wines, cheeses and crafts.

6. A collegiate cruise:

Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail

Ride from one small college town to another – Castleton, home of Castleton State College, to Poultney, home of Green Mountain College. This rail trail, converted in 1986, offers lots to see for an easy ride. Enjoy streams and old railroad signs. The area is home to some of the most beautiful slate in the world, an industry that saw its heyday in the area around 1900, according to the University of Vermont. The slate industry is still active, and you'll see evidence of past and present slate mining operations in the area. Look for slate roofs on houses, especially on Vermont 30.

Park and ride: Parking is available at Castleton State College (enter campus and park on the east side of South Street, behind campus security). Head south on the trail, and follow for 9.8 miles until you reach the town of Poultney. Turn around, and head back to Castleton.

Distance: 19.6 miles

Terrain: Flat with a ballast surface.

Treasure: Look for apple blossoms along the way, and in late spring, watch for snapping turtles laying eggs. Also, both towns have great diners – the Birdseye in Castleton and Tot's in Poultney. The crowds inside are eclectic: locals, travelers and college students alike.

7. Ride and refresh:

Putney

Though this ride is just a wisp away from Interstate 91, there's nothing highway-like about it. There are two options – a slightly hilly loop with towering old sugar maple and black locust trees, or a less hilly ride, with a pure spring to fill your water bottle about a half-mile up Brook Road.

Park and ride: Parking is available at West Hill Shop (49 Brickyard Lane, Putney) where you can also find rentals, gear and an outdoor shower. Take a left at the end of the shop's drive onto Putney Landing Road. Bear right at the first intersection, merging onto Vermont 5. In about a mile you'll reach the center of Putney. Take a left in the center of Putney onto Westminster West Road. The next 1.8 miles is scenic and rolling. At the farm to the right, take a left onto Hickory Ridge Road. Another gradual, half-mile climb brings you to the choice: Head up the road, or stay on the flats.

To head up, bear right at the fork just after the swimming hole up Hickory Ridge Road. (See if you can spot the "no whining" sign just as the hill gets steeper.) At the top of the hill, take a left onto Black Locust Road. At the bottom of Black Locust, take a left onto Tavern Hill Road until Hickory Ridge Road heads you back to town.

To stay flat, bear left at the fork just after the swimming hole, taking Tavern Hill Road, passing Black Locust Road. Turn right onto Brook Road, and follow the road and the brook.

Distance: Hilly loop, 9.3 miles; flat out and back, 8.3 miles

Terrain: Suitable for all bike types – even the dirt roads stay well packed. The beginning of the ride is on a busy road, but it's a short portion.

Treasure: The swimming hole. It might be too cold to jump in during the spring, but a face splashing feels good. Make sure to stop at the Putney Food Co-op on your way in or out of town for a delicious, healthy snack.

8. A Northeast Kingdom jewel:

Caspian Lake

The ride around Caspian in Greensboro showcases stately summer homes and beautiful pastures, but the 789-acre lake remains the star of the show. For a rural town, Greensboro has much to see – Highland Lodge and all of its amenities, the Circus Smirkus headquarters and Willey's Store in the center of town. Willey's has just about everything, literally: fabric by the yard, drinks, work boots, snacks and much more. Take a look at the bulletin board outside of the store to get a sense of what's happening in the community. For a quick detour on your ride, stop at the public beach on Beach Road.

Park and ride: Park in the lot across from and owned by Highland Lodge at 1608 Craftsbury Road. Head north and take your next left onto North Shore Road. Continue on this dirt road, with sweeping views of Caspian to your left. At a four corners, turn left on Lake Shore Road (not to be confused with Lakeview, which is straight ahead) and ride a gradual uphill until you meet the pavement again. Take another left onto Breezy Avenue, which turns into Craftsbury Road. When you reach the top of the second steep hill, you're back at Highland Lodge. For an even easier ride, do this in reverse.

Distance: 7.5 miles

Terrain: Gradual hills with paved and dirt road surfaces.

Treasure: An elegant cemetery on Lake Shore Road features gravestones from the early 1800s. For quiet rides to the east, explore Wheelock.

9. Deep in the woods:

Groton

Groton is the perfect area for those seeking serenity. The town has little development, and the state forest is something of a wonderland. Enormous conifers line the paths of the woods, their needles making soft footing for humans and animals alike. Moose and other large animals are frequently spotted in Groton State Forest, and the lakes are popular with fly fishers. Don't rush this ride – take the time to stop and see Ricker Pond and Lake Groton.

Park and ride: Take U.S. 302 into the village of Groton. Park off 302 at the bike shop lot across from the turn onto Spring Road, (the lot is on the right turn if coming from the east; left turn if from the west). Begin the ride on Spring Road, located across from the parking area. In about 1,000 feet, you will see the Cross Vermont Trail signs. Take a right on the Cross Vermont Trail, a converted rail bed. You'll join up with Coal Kiln Road. Next, turn left onto 302 for a short time, followed by a right onto Vermont 232 for a short distance. Next, look for a left turn where the trail departs the road. Continue following the trail past Ricker Pond on your right, and soon Lake Groton. Once you reach Boulder Beach Road, turn around and head back toward the parking area. Trail signs are small, and detailed maps are available at www.crossvermont.org.

Distance: 17 miles

Terrain: Fairly flat with a gravel surface.

Treasure: Loons make their home on Lake Groton. Watch these majestic birds dive for their food, surfacing many
feet from where they went under. Their cries are the call
of the wild.

10. A birder's bike:

Alburgh Recreational Trail

If you're the type who is willing to trade a little mud on your clothes for some quality nature time, the Alburgh Recreational Trail is for you. You're sure to see birds, frogs and other small animals along the way. This is a rural trail, but well-used by dog walkers, runners and cyclists. Alburgh is a welcoming community and is kind of a no-frills town, so don't feel sheepish about visiting a store or gas station after your ride, even if you're a little muddy.

Park and ride: Park in the Alburg Industrial Park, located across from the town fire station off U.S. 2. You'll see the start of the path ahead of you. Go 3.5 miles until you reach the end of the path in East Alburgh, and turn around.