Vermont is known internationally as one of the best mountain biking locations you can find. In recent years, the Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA) has put in countless hours to build new and exciting trails — everything from a pump track for kids to adrenaline-fueling flow trails, all just minutes from downtown. Incredibly, these trails are free to access thanks to a partnership between Montpelier Parks, MAMBA, East Montpelier Trails Association, and private landowners. Maps (links below) and signage make them easy to navigate and welcoming to all. 

Whether you’re looking for the cardio challenge of a technical climb, or a carvy, swoopy downhill where you can air it out, the mountain biking trails in Montpelier deliver. All summer long, MAMBA and ORO organize weekly group rides at area trail networks within striking distance of Montpelier. Check their Facebook pages or sign up for the MAMBA newsletter at bikemamba.org. 

Please always check Trailforks or the respective bike club’s website for trail conditions before riding—not every trail system has open/closed signage on site.

The local spots 

North Branch Park, Irish Hill, East Montpelier Trails 

Just outside town

Blueberry Lake in Warren and Little River State Park in Waterbury are both great for beginners and little ones. Cady Hill in Stowe, Perry Hill in Waterbury, Shaw Outdoor Center/Paine Mountain in Northfield all have great flow trails and a variety of terrain. Head to the Millstone Trails in Barre Town for endless miles of technical riding through old granite quarries

Day tripping

Kingdom Trails, Ascutney Outdoors, Saxon Hill, Catamount Outdoor Family Center 

There’s so much more, Vermont Mountain Bike Association is an excellent resource for getting oriented to mountain biking in Vermont.