The best gravel rides around Shelburne

The Island Line Bike Ferry at Colchester Causeway www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry During Summer service, Bike Ferry Hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat & Sun. The Bike Ferry runs continuously throughout the day. Reservations are not required, and the boat runs by passenger's donations (cash or Venmo). The 2025 Bike Ferry season begins Memorial Day weekend, Friday May 23 - Monday May 26. Spring service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday June 15th. Summer daily (7 days a week) service begins Monday June 16th and ends on Labor Day September 1st. Fall weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays begins Sept 5th. Last day of 2025 service is Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday October 13th.

Built around 1870, Holmes Creek Covered Bridge spans over a quiet inlet near Lake Champlain. This 41-foot wooden bridge—one of the shortest and lowest in the state—features a rare king post truss with a tied arch. Once vital for local orchards and hay wagons, it now stands as a charming relic just steps from the lakeshore.

Built in 1849, Quinlan’s Covered Bridge spans Lewis Creek, with a classic Burr arch truss design and weathered wooden siding. Also known as the Lower or Sherman Covered Bridge, it once served local mills and farms and now stands as a quiet historic landmark. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains one of Vermont’s few surviving 19th-century covered bridges.

From this section of the Burlington Greenway you can enjoy views of the North Beach, right off the path. If you want to stop for a break, it's a good spot for a swim or picnic. It has a sandy shoreline, restrooms, and a snack bar in summer. It can get crowded on weekends, but the lake views make it a worthwhile stop.

The Burlington Greenway is an 8-mile paved path that hugs the Lake Champlain shoreline, offering stunning water and mountain views. It links downtown Burlington with parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. Don’t miss the northern stretch along the causeway and the seasonal bike ferry to the Champlain Islands. This section includes a boardwalk with signs advising cyclists not to ride, due to the narrow space and high pedestrian traffic.

Sequin Covered Bridge, built in 1850, spans Lewis Creek and is one of Vermont’s historic wooden bridges. It is 70 feet long and features the traditional Town lattice design. The bridge, combined with the surrounding landscape, creates a scenic and enjoyable route for cycling.

The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path is a jewel of our parks system and popular attraction all year round. Featuring eight miles of paved path, with aggregate shoulders for runners and walkers. Situated on the Lake Champlain shoreline, the path starts south of Oakledge park and runs north to the Winooski River. Along the way, the Greenway connects many major parks and facilities with residential neighborhoods and downtown Burlington commercial districts. The path is part of the Island Line Trail. The northern end of the Greenway features a few miles of packed gravel on a narrow causeway over western Lake Champlain, making for a spectacular view. Take the seasonal Bike Ferry to continue riding into the Champlain Islands. If you’re planning a bike trip, be sure to check out the helpful information on Local Motion’s website Restrooms (seasonal) are available at several points along the path: List of Public Restrooms Want to ride the path, but don’t have a bike? Check out these places for bike rentals. Be aware of ongoing construction on the Greenway, including engineering upgrades, updates for increased capacity, new “pause places”, and connections with recreation facilities. View the interactive map At certain times, the section of Path in Waterfront Park may be closed during events. Please read our official Path Closure Policy. Make sure to follow our guidelines for safe use:

I finally figured out why the signs say no biking in thr boardwalk.