Summer 2025
Vermont Gravel Ride
Spend six days cycling through scenic towns as you traverse the state
About the Ride
Join us as we return to the Green Mountain state and see what all the gravel hype is about in one of the meccas of dirt roads
Join the interest list for next time!
Burlington, VT
We’ll pedal 250 beautiful miles over 6 days and climb nearly 22,000 feet. Nearly 70% of the route is off-road — ranging from well-maintained gravel roadways, to barely maintained Class IV dirt lanes, to super fun single-track. If you appreciate the challenge of gritty off-road riding, then this route is for you! There are hundreds of miles of amazing dirt roads in this small state and we’ll pedal the best of them.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Climate Ride Vermont Gravel is arguably one of the best adventure routes in the Northeast. It’s based on a legendary route created by Joe Cruz and Logan Watts from bikepacking.com.
We’ll pedal 250 beautiful miles over 6 days and climb nearly 22,000 feet. Nearly 70% of the route is off-road — ranging from well-maintained gravel roadways, to barely maintained Class IV dirt lanes, to super fun single-track. If you appreciate the challenge of gritty off-road riding, then this route is for you! There are hundreds of miles of amazing dirt roads in this small state and we’ll pedal the best of them.
We’ll start and end in vibrant Burlington, on the shore of Lake Champlain, and pass through quaint New England villages, rolling farmland, and forested trails — including scenic red barns and covered bridges. And if you like brews, you are in for a treat! As Vermont proudly holds the title of “Craft Beer Capital of the U.S.,” there will be ample opportunities along the route to relish your favorite liquids.
Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no Beneficiary selection for this event).
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Waterbury Village Historic District
Distance: 38 miles | Climbing: 1,800 ft | Growler Opportunities: 2 | Terrain: Intermediate | Little River State Park
Meet at 9am ready to ride in downtown Burlington VT. Your first mile and a half will be beside beautiful Lake Champlain. As you pedal along the Island Line Trail, take note of the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains across the way. When you leave the bustle of Burlington behind, you won’t see a city this large until your return to town at the end of your journey. Fourteen miles into the route, you have your first encounter with the Winooski River, which you parallel for the remainder of today’s ride. Savor a late lunch in the Waterbury Village Historic District and a local Vermont beverage at Prohibition Pig. For Ben & Jerry’s fanatics, pedal three miles off-route to visit the famous ice cream factory for a tour, a sample, and a viewing of the Flavor Graveyard. Cycle the final few miles to Little River State Park, where you can explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in the adjacent Mt. Mansfield State Forest or take a refreshing dip in the Waterbury Reservoir.
Vermont Peaks
Distance: 46 miles | Climbing: 4,100 ft | Growler Opportunities: 4 | Terrain: Intermediate | Elmore State Park
The climbing begins today! That should come as no surprise, as you are pedaling in the vicinity of Stowe, better known as “The Ski Capital of the East.” You spend the day in the presence of Mount Mansfield, which at 4,395 ft. is the highest mountain in Vermont. Pass by the lodge of the von Trapp Family, whose well-known story is fictionalized in the film “The Sound of Music.” Enjoy a hearty German pretzel at the Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall. Just a few miles later, stop by The Alchemist for a tour of a beautiful facility known for the best beers in the country. Grab some grub in Morrisville before cycling the final miles to Elmore State Park. If you still have some energy to burn, hike to the fire tower at the top of Elmore Mountain or rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore Lake Elmore.
Northeast Kingdom
Distance: 50 miles | Climbing: 5,000 ft | Growler Opportunities: 1 | Terrain: Advanced | Woodbury Meadows Campground
Gear up for even more climbing, as today’s elevation profile is very bumpy. As you cycle through rural Vermont, you feel as though you have the whole state to yourself! Bikepacking legends Joe Cruz and Logan Watts describe today’s ride as “epic terrain leading to an epic brewery.” Sure enough, halfway into today’s ride you are rewarded with a shining jewel — the Hill Farmstead Brewery. Have a picnic lunch on the grounds of the brewery. But we still have lots of epic riding ahead of you! Forge ahead for the last miles of the day before arriving at camp at Woodbury Meadows.
Mad River
Distance: 55 miles | Climbing: 5,800 ft | Growler Opportunities: 3 | Terrain: Advanced | Warren Falls Inn
If you thought yesterday was a challenge, tack on five more miles and 800 more feet of climbing! Nah, your biggest challenge today is pacing your calorie intake so you can enjoy three great snack stops. Fortunately, each stop is spaced with about 15 miles of spectacular riding in between! Day #5 presents you with a bit of a steep stretch, but you conquer that challenge like a champ! Tonight we have the entire Warren Falls Inn to ourselves. After a hard day of riding, sit outside on the deck overlooking the forest and the Mad River. Or sit in the living room and marvel at the four-sided fireplace while challenging your cycling buddies to a game of cards. Or simply take solace in knowing that tonight you are sleeping indoors … in beds. Wahoo!
Lincoln Gap
Distance: 42 or 51 miles | Climbing:3,300 or 3,600 ft | Growler Opportunities: 3 | Terrain: Advanced | Green Mountain Family Campground
It’s all downhill from here! (Well, sorta, but not really.) With significantly less mileage and climbing, today’s ride should be easy-peasy. But, there is a catch, and that catch is called Lincoln Gap. Just a few miles into today’s ride, get your climbing legs ready, as you get nearly all of today’s elevation out of the way in one single push. This climb has some steep sections — and some 18% grades — that may require you to dismount your bike and walk. Your efforts up Lincoln Gap are well rewarded, because after a generous downhill, your remaining miles of the day seem to be as flat as pancakes! Have a scrumptious lunch and liquid accompaniment at Otter Brewing Company in the quaint town of Middlebury. Before arriving at Green Mountain Family Campground, take an optional ride to the Bristol/Bartlett Falls, where you can swim below a 14-foot waterfall. Celebrate our last dinner together at American Flatbread.
Departure Day
Distance: 45 miles | Climbing: 2,600 ft | Growler Opportunities: 3 | Terrain: Intermediate
You are in the home-stretch! The start of today’s ride follows the New Haven River northward. After pedaling through the countryside, stop at Fiddlehead Brewing in Shelburne and visit Folino’s Pizza next door to experience a not-to-be-missed pie. You end the ride at Zero Gravity Brewery, share your favorite memories from the last week, and say goodbye to your adventure amigos.
Ready to get started?
FAQ’s and More Info
Travel Info
This trip will meet up in Burlington, VT at 9:00 AM on the first day of the ride. We recommend arriving a day prior to our trip and staying in Burlington. If you are driving, we can help you arrange a place to park for the week
If you plan on flying, we recommend flying into Burlington Airport (BTV).
Cell Phone Service and Wifi
There is very limited cell phone access. Enjoy this digital detox!
What do I need to bring on the ride?
All riders need to have a gravel bike (see below for bike rental info), helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. The Ride Guide will contain a more detailed suggested packing list. The Ride Guide will be distributed to participants several months before the event. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring some along!
Gravel bikes are required for this trip as we’ll be riding mostly on dirt and gravel roads. The most important factor in choosing a bike and pedals is your comfort. You want to be riding a bike and using pedals that you will be comfortable riding with for multiple hours a day, for several days in a row. If you need to rent a bike, we’ll partner with a local bike shop to help yo do so.
IF BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Have your bike tuned up before the tour and have any worn-out parts replaced. You may want to ship your bike ahead of time to our bike shop partner in Burlington. There will be an assembly fee, and they can also disassemble and box it up at the end of the trip as well.
What kind of support can I expect while on the road?
Climate Ride has partnered with an outfitter to provide the most experienced and friendliest professional guides. We have rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support that carries luggage, and also functions as a mobile mechanic and first aid station. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, the guides, and your fellow riders!
What are the lunch options?
This trip is slightly different than other Climate Rides as lunches will be on your own. We’ll make stops each day in areas with plenty of local delicious lunch options for you to choose from. All other meals, ride snacks, and accommodations will be included in your fundraising.
What does my fundraising support and why is it so important?
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on Climate Ride Vermont Gravel will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot select from the beneficiary list. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising Deadlines
Fundraising Deadlines:
TBD
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
What kind of bike do I need for a gravel ride?
It’s important to have a good bike for this ride. Your tire width must be 700x35c at a minimum.
We recommend 700x40c.
A hardtail mountain bike with 2-inch width tires would work as well.