Top Motorcycle Roads in Vermont
Vermont’s winding roads, picturesque landscapes, and charming towns make it a motorcyclist’s paradise. Before we dive into the Green Mountain State’s best rides, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York also offer fantastic riding opportunities that complement Vermont’s routes.
1. Scenic Route 100 Byway
- Location: Runs north/south through the entire state
- Distance: 200 miles
- Key features: Green Mountains, rolling farmland, flowered fields, quaint towns
- Best time to ride: April to November
- Notable attractions: Ben & Jerry’s factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Route 100 is Vermont’s quintessential motorcycle road, offering a comprehensive tour of the state’s diverse landscapes. The road winds through the heart of the Green Mountains, providing riders with breathtaking views and access to charming Vermont towns.
2. The Scenic Route 100 Byway
- Location: Runs north/south through the entire state
- Distance: 200 miles
- Key features: Green Mountains, rolling farmland, flowered fields, quaint towns
- Best time to ride: April to November
- Notable attractions: Ben & Jerry’s factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Route 100 is Vermont’s quintessential motorcycle road, offering a comprehensive tour of the state’s diverse landscapes. The road winds through the heart of the Green Mountains, providing riders with breathtaking views and access to charming Vermont towns.
3.Vermont Route 17
- Location: From New York border to Appalachian Gap
- Distance: 40 miles
- Key features: 53 turns in 7 miles near Appalachian Gap, extreme elevation changes
- Difficulty level: Challenging, technical
- Notable attractions: Lake Champlain Bridge, Camel’s Hump State Forest
Route 17 is a thrill-seeker’s dream, particularly the section near Appalachian Gap. The technical riding and stunning vistas make this a must-ride for experienced motorcyclists.
5.Vermont Route 108
- Location: Jeffersonville to Stowe
- Distance: 17 miles
- Key features: Runs through Smuggler’s Notch State Park
- Difficulty level: Technical with steep inclines and sharp turns
- Best time to ride: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid tourism traffic
Known as the Smuggler’s Notch Road, Route 108 offers a challenging ride through one of Vermont’s most scenic areas. The road’s tight turns and narrow passages demand full attention but reward riders with unparalleled mountain views.
5. Vermont Route 15
- Location: Jeffersonville to St. Johnsbury
- Distance: 53 miles
- Key features: Long sweeping curves, views of Mount Mansfield and Green Mountains
- Notable attractions: Lamoille River, historic main streets, covered bridges
Route 15 provides a more relaxed riding experience with its sweeping curves and stunning mountain vistas. The route passes through several historic towns, offering opportunities to explore Vermont’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Vermont Route 8
- Location: Southern Green Mountains
- Distance: 17 miles
- Key features: Corners through the southern tip of the Green Mountains
- Notable attractions: Woodford State Park
Route 8 offers a compact but satisfying ride through the southern Green Mountains. The twisting road and surrounding forests create an immersive riding experience.
7. Southern Vermont’s Molly Stark Byway
- Location: Southwestern Vermont (VT Rt. 9)
- Distance: 40 miles
- Key features: Charming villages, views of Green Mountains, historical monuments
- Best time to ride: Autumn for foliage views
- Notable attractions: Woodford (highest village in Vermont)
Named after the wife of New Hampshire’s General John Stark, this byway is a favorite among riders seeking a blend of history and natural beauty. The autumn colors along this route are particularly spectacular.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Vermont
1. The Green Mountain Byway
- Location: Central Vermont, north to south
- Distance: 200 miles
- Key features: Rolling hills, mountain backdrop, famous villages
- Best time to ride: Allow at least 4 hours or plan an overnight stay
- Notable attractions: Villages of Stowe and Waterbury, Ben & Jerry’s factory
This iconic Vermont ride showcases the best of the state’s natural beauty and charming communities. The Green Mountain Byway is perfect for riders looking to experience Vermont’s diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.
2. Lake Champlain Byway
- Location: Along Lake Champlain’s central islands and coast
- Distance: 81 miles
- Key features: Lake views, fresh pine-scented breeze, views of Green Mountains and Adirondacks
- Best time to ride: Summer, allow 3 hours or take a few days to explore
The Lake Champlain Byway offers a unique riding experience with its combination of lakeside vistas and mountain views. This ride is particularly refreshing during the warm summer months.
3.Dirt Road Highway
- Location: Between Pittsford and Huntington
- Distance: 64 miles
- Key features: Mostly Class 3 dirt roads with some mild Class 4
- Difficulty level: Suitable for larger adventure touring bikes
- Notable attractions: Moosalamoo National Recreation area, Vermont National Forest
For riders looking to venture off the pavement, the Dirt Road Highway offers an exciting adventure through Vermont’s backcountry. This route is ideal for dual-sport and adventure bikes.
4. The Killington Twist
- Location: Diverges from most-traveled tourist paths
- Distance: 117 miles
- Key features: Twisting roads, switchbacks, high altitudes, scenic overlooks
- Best time to ride: Allow about 3 hours
- Notable attractions: Old Stone Church, Hawks Mountain Wildlife Management Area, ski resorts
The Killington Twist takes riders off the beaten path, offering a more secluded riding experience with challenging roads and rewarding views.
5. Mad River Loop
- Location: Includes VT-17, 116, 100, and 125
- Distance: 66 miles
- Key features: Scenic beauty of Vermont, technical riding
- Difficulty level: Challenging, especially on VT-17
- Notable attractions: Southern tip of Camel’s Hump State Forest
The Mad River Loop combines some of Vermont’s best riding roads into a single, thrilling circuit. This ride offers a perfect mix of technical challenges and scenic beauty.
Vermont’s motorcycle-friendly roads extend beyond its borders, connecting riders to equally exciting routes in neighboring states. To the east, New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer dramatic alpine scenery, while Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail to the south provides a historic ride through the Berkshires. For those venturing west, New York’s Adirondack Park presents vast wilderness areas and winding mountain roads that complement Vermont’s Green Mountain rides.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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