Summer in Vermont's Mad River Valley is defined by swimming holes, maple creemees, farmer’s markets, and winding forest trails. No matter where you are going in the valley, it’s a sure bet that you are no more than a few minutes from a swoopy ribbon of singletrack or an old carriage road waiting to be explored. In fact, there are close to as many miles of trail for walking and riding in the valley as there are miles of road (and potentially many more depending on who you ask). The trails in the Mad River Valley offer something for everyone!

Getting started: Blueberry Lake

Blueberry Lake sits above Warren Village at the south end of the Mad River Valley. In the summer it is home to sublime swimming and paddling, along with six miles of mountain bike trails. The community-centered Mad River Riders chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Associations (VMBA) stewards this network in one of the first collaborations with the Green Mountain National Forest for bike-specific trails. The Blueberry Lake trails are also a designated “Model Trail-Gateway” for the rest of the world via the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). They are especially excellent for introducing new mountain bikers to trail riding!

Riding at Blueberry Lake showcases the work of some of Vermont’s most talented trail builders. It is characterized by flowy, fun and moderate climbing. The Mad River Riders host their youth/family rides here in the summer. The local branch of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports also brings some of their adaptive mountain bike lessons here. The Tootsie Roll Trail is the classic beginner loop with field and forest views, just under one mile and starting just past the entrance to the network. As you explore Blueberry lake further, look out for a spectacular view of the wild Granville Gulf past the valley, and stop for a swim and treat at the Warren Store.

Trails Evolving

Camel’s Hump State Forest sits at the corner of Waitsfield, Warren, and Fayston. It is the centerpiece of the Mad River Riders trail system in the valley. This long-time project is continually growing and connects multiple local businesses, places to eat, and swimming holes. Close to 20 miles of interconnected trails give you world-class flow (you feel like you’re flying) and classic rugged “East Coast” riding, full of interesting features to play with on your bike. These trails are also popular with local trail runners. There is enough variety here that even on a busy summer weekend, it’s possible to seek out some solitude, and tour various facets of the Mad River Valley, from peaceful stream crossings and sunlight filtering through green leaves to bright and pastoral fields. 

One of our favorite rides is from the front door of premiere vacation rental Wilder Farm Inn on the Mountain. It begins with a 30-second ride east on Route 17 to a quiet climb on Tucker Hill Road (a few minutes to spin, chat with a close friend, or soak in spectacular views of Lincoln Peak and Slide Brook). Turn left at a trailhead parking area to enjoy the aptly-named Enchanted Forest trail to the top of a 5+ mile descent to American Flatbread at Lareau Farm! This ride gives plenty of options for trails with varying difficulty. And if you time it right, dinner at one of the Valley’s prime spots for delicious local food and atmosphere (along with the Austin Walk on the Mad River Path and swimming hole). Look out for the newly-constructed Evolution and Evolution II trails (for moderate difficulty and fast, flowy fun). Lareau Farm also hosts trailhead parking before 4:00pm.

What to Bring, and where to find it:

  • Stark Mountain Bike Works is a fixture of the local riding community, and offers quick, professional service located centrally to most of our trail heads.
  • The Mad River Riders steward mountain bike trails throughout the Valley and offer other tips on fun trail loops, maps, and updates to riding conditions over social media, trailhead kiosks, and through their website. You can find free maps at the Blueberry Lake, American Flatbread, and Tucker Hill Road Trailheads, or on Trailforks and Trailfinder. 
  • Sugarbush Resort offers daily trail bike rentals for kids and adults, and also hosts a lift-served bike park at Lincoln Peak.