Downtown Recreation Path Cross VT Trail
For an easy to navigate, flat (by Vermont standards) path suitable for walking, jogging, going by wheelchair, biking, inline skating, or pushing a stroller, check out Montpelier’s Siboinebi Recreation Path. At 4.5 miles and constantly being expanded and improved upon, the bike path offers an option to recreate away from car traffic (there are some road crossings but motorized vehicles are prohibited on the path itself). Plus, the path takes you right to Barr Hill’s Distillery & Cocktail Bar, where you can get the most delicious, creative, and beautiful cocktails right along the Winooski River. It’s a nice stroll to the distillery from downtown.
The bike path generally runs west to east. On the western end, you can park at the Montpelier Park & Ride or at the public State of Vermont parking at 5 Green Mountain Drive, and access the path. On the eastern end of town, there is public parking on Stonecutters Way near the Hunger Mountain Co-op. Or, go even further east, and park at the Route 14 trailhead in East Montpelier, and head west, and check out the new 5 mile section of the Cross Vermont Trail that connects East Montpelier and Montpelier. The nonprofit organization that is building a recreation path across the state following the Winooski and Wells river valley recently installed a 200-foot bridge over the Winooski River in Montpelier. It’s really cool and worth checking out!
In warmer months, the ice cream stand Dairy Creme serves a variety of treats, it’s located at 320 State Street Montpelier. While it’s not on the bike path, you could easily add on this reward-worthy destination by continuing from the western terminus of the path and taking a slight right onto Junction Road (heads up for vehicular traffic!). Take the next right at Three Mile Bridge Road, and the next right onto Vermont Route 2. Follow Route 2 east and the Dairy Creme will be on your right (Route 2 and State Street are the same road for a portion of distance). You can go back the way you came, or continue on Route 2 heading east to return to the heart of Montpelier. Route 2 is heavily trafficked at times, so not suitable for young children on bikes.
Just outside town
Luckily Vermont is full of amazing, accessible trails. For some trails outside Montpelier of a similar character, check out the North Branch Cascades Trail in Worcester or the Stowe Bike Path
Day tripping
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the Burlington Rec Paths, or the Colchester Causeway and Bike Ferry
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