Vermont Northeast Kingdom Bike Tour

We begin near the sophisticated village of Stowe and then cycle through Smuggler's Notch into the meandering Lamoille River Valley. We then explore Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, the least settled and most rural, untouched corner of the state. We parallel the Missisquoi River as we cycle part of a rail trail, and enjoy a wonderful mix of sunny farmland, shaded forest and quiet wetlands. We bike through international customs as we wend our way into Canada (must bring your passport!). Here we have lunch in the historic village of Frelighsbugh and then pass along the foothills of Mount Pinnacle, through beautiful apple orchards and farms, and then back into the United States.We also include visits to some quintessential Vermont villages such as Montgomery, Greensboro, and Irasburg; stop at some wonderful old-fashioned stores; have a beautiful, optional ride to lake Willoughby; and include a tour of the Cabot Creamery, 'makers of the best cheddar in the world'.

All this superb cycling is enjoyed while staying at three lovely inns. The Green Mountain Inn has a warm, country feel and the Phineas Swann Inn in Montgomery is a fully restored romantic inn that recently earned acclaim as Vermonts B&B of the year. We also stay two nights at the Highland Lodge, a family-owned country inn nestled in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom and overlooking Caspian Lake.

You will surely find that the somewhat longer and more energetic days on this tour are delightful, and well worth the effort.