Directions:

1/2 mile south of Rochester on Route 100 turn right onto route 73 (Brandon Gap Rd.) After about 2 miles, where 73 makes a sharp left, go straight on Forest Road 42. (Bingo Rd.) Park along the road.

General Description:

The Green Mountain National Forest along the backbone of Central Vermont's Northern Green Mountains offers unlimited recreation opportunities any season of the year. Ideal for mountain biking is a network of secluded forest and old logging roads which lead over rolling hills and verdant mountain peaks; along cold mountain streams and beaver ponds; through dense pine forests and lush green valleys.

Non motorized off-road vehicles such as mountain bikes and other bicycles may be ridden on gravel and paved Forest Service Roads when those roads are not gated or posted closed to bikes. (Bicycle use is specifically prohibited from the Long and Appalachian Trail, it's side trails and Wilderness, Primitive and Special Areas).

The following Green Mountain Forest Roads and trails are recommended for mountain bikes.

Forest Roads & Mountain Bike Trails:

Bingo Road: (Rochester) Forest Road 42
Forest Road 42 is located 4.5 miles west of Rochester off Vermont Route 73. This country road meanders along a mountain stream providing very nice riding along a low gradient. You can pedal comfortably as you gently climb and then enjoy the return trip. It's a nice easy ride for anyone and families will enjoy this ride. If you want more and are up to the challenge, head onto Thresher Hill.

Thresher Hill: (Rochester) Forest Road 62
If you climb Thresher Hill (Forest Road 62) (not for the faint of heart) you will be rewarded by great views, a great workout, and a great return trip. You may decide to continue beyond the end of FR 62 onto the Pine Brook Trail. This trail gently, then more sharply, descends back to Bingo Road.

Liberty Hill: (Rochester-Pittsfield) Forest Road 223
Forest Road 223 is located 2.4 miles south of Rochester off Vermont Route 100. Portions of this road (recommended for 4WD vehicles only) not only provide a challenging ride but opportunities for loop travel as well. Cycling Liberty Road through to Pittsfield results in an excellent workout and there are nice views as you descend into Pittsfield Village. The return to Rochester is via Vermont Route 100. An alternate suggestion is Forest Road 223 and Forest Road 228 loop. Abandoned fields in this area provide pleasant resting places. Watch for mountain bike trail signs that will lead you to the Contest Trail on FR 223, and Ash Hill Trail beginning on FR 229.

Michigan Brook Road: (Pittsfield) Forest Road 35
Forest Road 35 is located off Vermont Route 100 in Pittsfield. A small parking lot (passenger cars not recommended beyond this point) is located 2.3 miles from the intersection. This ride takes you through woods along a relatively flat course and then provides a good climbing workout and nice views along the top. Caryl Brook and other streams are available for a quick splash (but don't drink the water).

White River Road: (Granville) Forest Road 55
Forest Road 55 is located 8 miles north of Rochester off Vermont Route 100. This road wanders along the headwaters of the White River, taking you several miles into the surrounding hills via Forest Roads 50, 55 and 101. Many streams and fields offer scenic views and pleasant resting places.

International Paper or I.P. Road: (Stratton) Forest Road 341
This road, can be accessed from the Stratton-Arlington Road (Kelley Stand Road) on the south and the Kendall Farm Road on the north. This road is open to mountain biking when not in use as a snowmobile trail. It is a 10.0-mile ride on a hard, gravel road surface that is rated moderate. Average ride time is 2 – 3 hours.

For more information:

Middlebury Ranger District
USDA - Forest Service
1007 Route 7
Middlebury, VT 05753

Phone: (802) 388-4362
TDD: (802) 388-6688 or 711 (AT&T National Relay)

Rochester Ranger District
USDA - Forest Service
99 Ranger Road
Middlebury, VT 05767

TDD/Voice: (802) 767-4261 or 711 (AT&T National Relay)

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