Vermont is an up-and-coming destination for mountain bike enthusiasts and Waterbury is in the heart of it all! The Route 100 corridor between Waterbury, Stowe, and the Mad River Valley is home to 166 miles of exceptional mountain biking for all ages and abilities. Don't forget to look up and take in the scenery along one of the most scenic drives in America. If you can't make it this summer, the views only get better in the fall since Route 100 is the best drive to view Vermont's legendary foliage. After a long day biking, refuel with a delicious meal and craft beer, and relax with a visit to the area's attractions and shops.

WATERBURY

With accessible trail heads, dynamic terrain, and interconnected riding networks, Waterbury boasts 66 miles of top-notch mountain biking. Whether you’re a first-timer, weekend warrior, or have a growing bucket list of trails, you’ll find rides for every ability ranging from peaceful to adrenaline-pumping. The Waterbury Area Trail Alliance (WATA) maintains the trails and shares maps and information on trail conditions.

Perry Hill

Offering 10 miles of some of the finest trails in the state, Perry Hill is known for classic trails that combine masterfully crafted flow with technical riding to suit bikers of all experience levels. Beginner riders will find plenty of trails at lower elevations for some fun loops. Technical riders will enjoy the significant rise, on-way trails, and rock spines.

Little River State Park

With seven miles of single track trails built by WATA and the Vermont State Parks in partnership with renowned trail builder Knight Ide, this area has it all! Bikers experience a flowing climb and are rewarded at the top with over a mile and half of descent, including fast and flowy berms, step downs, and table tops. Travel on to the adjacent Mount Mansfield State Forest, from which many more miles of shared trails can be accessed.

Waterbury Basin Super Tour

This difficult 66-mile loop starts at Perry Hill and takes bikers along the Waterbury Reservoir and up into Stowe before returning to Perry Hill. With over 8,000 feet of climbing, this route is not for the faint of heart!

Stowe

Named a “mountain biking mecca” by The Boston Globe, Stowe features more than 50 miles of premier mountain biking trails that are suitable for all ability levels and are well maintained by the Stowe Trails Partnership (STP). Explore single-track mountain bike trails through forests with scenic views along the way. Brush up on mountain bike skills with a lesson, or take a private tour with a local professional guide and explore Stowe’s hidden gems. Stowe is also home to mountain bike events including the B3 Fest: Bikes, Brews & Beats.

Cady Hill Forest

Cady Hill Forest is Stowe Trails Partnership’s flagship trail network; its diverse terrain, great views, easy access from town and the Stowe Rec Path, and trails that cater to just about any level of rider make it one of the most ridden trail networks in the northeast. Since 2012, STP has constructed almost five miles of fresh single-track in Cady Hill, and has rerouted and rebuilt many smaller sections of trail to modern standards. Cady Hill’s signature trail Florence, built by Sustainable Trailworks, has been named best flow trail by MTBVT.com readers three years running.

Adams Camp

Located just off the northern end of Stowe’s iconic Mountain Road, this trail pod includes portions of the Catamount Trail and Stowe Derby Trail. Adams Camp provides access to a large trail network in Ranch Valley and Mt. Mansfield State Forest while also serving as an invaluable link to the Trapp Family Lodge trails, a 2,600-acre destination with two skills parks, eight miles of expert and intermediate single track, and more than 20 miles of double track through mountains, fields and forests. Ride Hop Over or Lager Lane to the von Trapp Brewery Bierhall.

Sterling Forest

Sterling Forest is unique among Stowe’s trail pods due to its location and remote, back-country feel. The trails, on property conserved by Stowe Land Trust, are challenging, and the setting offers a sense of isolation that can be hard to find these days. The latest addition is Callagy’s Trail, a technical, hand-built trail that’s as challenging as it is fun. It took more than 400 hours of volunteer time and several generous donations to complete the trail in 2017.

MAD RIVER VALLEY

Further south along Vermont Route 100, the beautiful Mad River Valley is home to more than 50 miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-fun.  The Mad River Valley trail system is a watershed-wide network of lands and trails created through the partnership of trail organizations, generous property owners, local towns, the State of Vermont, the US Forest Service, and many volunteers.  Maintained by the Mad River Riders, these trails traverse local, state, and national lands to bring you “one of Vermont’s sweetest multi-use trail networks.” These trails reflect the Mad River Valley’s love of the outdoors and commitment to stewardship of land and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. These trails are a friendly playground for other outdoor recreation.

Blueberry Lake

The Blueberry Lake trails feature gentle grades, sweeping turns and flowy lines. These six miles of interconnected trails and loops are all at the beginner or intermediate level and the network has been designated as an IMBA Model Trail-Gateway network, so there are plenty of options for family-friendly riding.

Sugarbush

Known for its skiing in the winter, Lincoln Peak transforms into a biker’s playground in the summer. These 37 trails cover 18 miles and have a mixture of challenging descents and high-speed downhill runs, so be aware that even the easiest routes are not for new riders.

Learn about the best of Route 100 in Vermont with more biking in Waterbury, Stowe, and the Mad River Valley. Check with the local mountain bike organizations for current trail conditions and how to support their work.

Photos courtesy of: Heather Glenn, Stowe Mountain Bike Academy, TruckieLoo Photography, and Trapp Family Lodge.