Spring is a glorious time of renewal in Vermont's mountains and valleys, kicking off Vermont's world-renowned maple sugaring season. While the spring melt at higher elevations keeps mountain bikers, hikers and other outdoor ethusiasts off many trails in Northern New England during the early spring “Mud Season”, it is the perfect time to bicycle on the local country roads, Vermont Rail Trails and bike paths that wind throughout Vermont's spectacular backcountry.
The Missisquoi Rail Trail, a well-maintained crushed limestone rail trail located in the heart of Northern Vermont’s dairy country is perfect for a family or beginner’s mountain bike ride. This spring, enjoy a relaxing ride through the picture-postcard scenery and quaint villages of northwestern Vermont, with views of farmland, forest, open fields and wetlands.
The Burlington Waterfront Bike Path is a 7.6 mile paved recreational path that runs along the Burlington waterfront to the Winooski River, where The Burlington-Colchester Trail Bridge provides a connection to the 5 mile Colchester Bike Path on the other side of the river. It is perfect for an early spring bike ride along the Lake Champlain shoreline, offering views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains to the west. The 5 miles of unpaved trail in Colchester are best suited for mountain bikes.
The 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Trail begins in Stowe Village and winds through forests and meadows. It crosses the West Branch River 11 times on arched wooden bridges. This is the perfect bicycle ride to do with with your significant other this spring.
It is recommended to stay off the trails during "Mud Season" in The Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas. The best time to ride here is later in the season or stick to the Green Mountain Forest Service roads when conditions allow. You'll find a wide range of unpaved terrain -- singletrack, old logging roads, dirt and gravel roads, and multi-use trails to explore by mountain bike.
The Mad River Valley Tour is a refreshing bike ride along the Mad River, through National Historic Register sites, classic New England villages and covered bridges. You'll get views of some of Vermont's highest peaks, ride past hillside farms and over dirt roads lined with stately sugar maples.
The trail network at Groton State Forest (pictured above right) in the Northeast Kingdom is a great place to experience spring, summer or fall in Vermont on a mountain bike. The Montpelier to Wells Rail Trail also runs through the forest. There are six state parks within the forest, hosting year round recreation facilities.
Best Spring Mountain Bike Trails in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is one of the most bike friendly states in the northeast and welcomes mountain bikers toit's parks, forests and extensive network of mountain bike trails. Early spring “Mud Season” and lingering winter weather makes mountain biking improbable in in the White Mountains and in many state parks. Unpaved Forest Service roads are a better bet, but be prepared for sudden changes. Head for the southern part of the state and cycle the miles of rural roads through the Merrimack Valley of southern New Hampshire or try some of the rail trails.
The 23 mile Northern Rail Trail (pictured right) runs through the scenic Mascona Valley of central New Hampshire. It is mostly flat with a well-maintained crushed stone and cinder surface, perfect for a springtime family ride. You will pass through historic villages, past lakes and streams and through stretches of forest.
The Wolfeboro/Sanbornville Recreational Trail, also known as the Cotton Valley Trail, stretches from the eastern shores of beautiful Lake Winnepesaukee to a restored railroad turntable at Sanbornville. Cross lakes via a causeway, a trestle and wind through scenic woods and fields.
Ride the old woods roads of Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest. The forest is small so combine your ride with some non-bike activities. This is the perfect time for an off-season visit to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Squam Lakes (location for the movie “On Golden Pond”) and all the area has to offer. Spring brings the ritual of tapping Maple trees and boiling the sap into dark maple syrup.
Best Spring Mountain Bike Trails in Maine
Spring comes to Maine later than any other state in the northeast. Snow may still blanket the trails in the far reaches of northern Maine. While this may be pure joy for snowmobilers and cross country skiers, bicyclists are patiently waiting for the snow to melt and the end of mud season.
Some of the best opportunities for early spring cycling can be found in the coastal areas. Bicycling at Acadia National Park in Southern Maine is great after the Spring thaw (mid April) and before the summer crowds arrive. Over 45 miles of tree-lined carriage roads wind over hillsides and skirt glassy lakes. The trees burst into bloom with their short lived flowers and songbirds break the long winter silence when they arrive in the spring. Twenty-one species of wood warblers nest in the park!
Tucked along the edge of the wide Kennebec River, the Solon to Bingham Trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The flat and scenic rail trail is ideal for a family mountain bike ride and provides access to any number of beautiful rest areas all along the river. Be prepared. The weather in Maine’s Kennebec and Moose River Valley region in early Spring can be unpredicatable.
There are many ways to experience the wildness of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (pictured above: right). Over 50 miles of dirt roads and trails are available for walking, biking, and skiing. These roads are a great way to observe wildlife. Mid-may brings migrating birds along the Atlantic Flyway. These include waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, upland game birds, songbirds and birds of prey. Black Bears are often seen foraging along the refuge roads in the spring. White-tailed deer and the elusive moose feed in the clearings.
