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Biking

The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests have nearly 150 miles of trail managed for mountain biking. Forest roads are also open for mountain biking, unless otherwise signed.

 

Fat Biking

In the right conditions, a fat bike can be the ultimate winter backcountry travel tool. Frozen conditions and minimal snow coverage (1-5 inches) means these off-road bikes with oversize tires can access areas that are impassible during the warmer months.

Just because you can ride somewhere doesn't mean you always should. Be aware and be prepared.

Maps and Guides

Areas on the Green Mountain Great for Fat Bikes

E-Biking

E-Bikes (with full electric motor power or pedal assist) are not allowed on non-motorized FS trails, but are allowed on motorized trails and roads on the national forest. More information on FS policy can be found here.

The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests have nearly 150 miles of trail managed for mountain biking. Forest roads are also open for mountain biking, unless otherwise signed.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking on Green Mountain National Forest

Bicycle use is prohibited on the Appalachian and Long Trails, their side trails, and in Wilderness Areas.

The Green Mountain National Forest works in partnership with Vermont Mountain Bike Association and it's local chapters to provide, manage, and maintain mountain biking opportunities on the forest.

Mountain Biking on Finger Lakes National Forest

Non-motorized off-road vehicles, such as mountain bikes, are limited to trails specifically signed open to mountain bikes and Forest Service Roads open to vehicular travel.

Bicycle use is specifically prohibited on the Finger Lakes Trail (North Country National Scenic Trail), Gorge Trail, Potomac Trail, Ravine Trail, Southslope Trail and the southern portion of the Interloken Trail.

Mountain Biking Rules and Best Practices

In order to prevent trail damage please avoid riding on muddy trails. Riding on wet trails causes rutting, widening and accelerates trail erosion.

Lift-served mountain biking

Lift-served mountain biking occurs at developed ski areas and allows riders and their bikes to take a chairlift to the top of downhill only trails. Trails vary from mellow flow trails to steep, rocky trails with wooden features and jumps. These areas charge a fee and typically provide amenities like rental bikes, bathrooms, and food opportunities. Lift-served biking is available in the following ski areas:

Search for Biking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 6 of 6 results

Backbone Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Biking
The Backbone Trail begins at the Backbone Horse Campground.  The trail traverses the Forest through shrub-lands, pastures, old roads, and many old homestead sites.  It intersects the Interloken and…

Chatfield Loop

Biking
The trail begins on FR 67 (Brooks Road) at the Chatfield Parking Area. The trail is wide with gradual ascents and descents through various timber communities. Total loop distance is 12.5 miles and…

Forest Road 341

Biking
This road, also known as the International Paper or I.P. Road, can be accessed from the Stratton-Arlington Road to the south in Stratton or the Kendall Farm Road in Winhall to the north. This road is…

Lefferts Pond Area

Biking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping
 Lefferts Pond Area provides a wide variety of activities for Forest visitors, which includes mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, cross country, skiing, snowmobiling,…

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking Picnicking
 The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, encompassing 15,857 acres, is a premier recreation destination that includes hiking trails, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, snowmobile…

Silver Lake Campground

Horse Riding and Camping Biking Hiking Picnicking Winter Sports
Silver Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground located on Silver Lake. Silver Lake is only accessible by hiking 0.6 miles down the Goshen Trail or on the Service Road. Please note: drinking…

Last updated March 18th, 2025