The best MTB trails around West Burke
4.6
(12)
1,340
riders
25
rides
Mountain biking around West Burke, Vermont, offers routes through varied terrain characterized by significant elevation changes and forested areas. The region features a network of trails, including those around Darling Hill and Bemis Hill, providing challenging rides. These mountain bike trails in West Burke are primarily designed for experienced riders, with all listed routes rated as difficult. The landscape provides a mix of climbs and descents suitable for advanced mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around West Burke
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Fox Run, Violet's, Old Web's, Bearback, West Bench, and Sidewinder Loop, a 6.3 miles (10.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This route combines multiple named sections, offering a dynamic ride through the local trail network.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Darling Hill – Bemis Hill loop from East Burke, a difficult 23.2 miles (37.4 km) path. This extensive loop navigates the prominent hills of the area, providing sustained climbs and descents.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Viewpoint Café loop from The Wildflower Inn, a 7.4 miles (11.8 km) trail leading through hilly terrain with scenic overlooks, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Mountain biking around West Burke is defined by challenging climbs, forested singletrack, and varied terrain around local hills. The network offers options primarily for advanced riders seeking demanding routes.
- The routes in West Burke are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 1000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore West Burke's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
28
riders
19.9km
01:50
330m
330m
This difficult 12.4-mile (19.9 km) mountain bike loop, with 1097 feet (334 metres) of climbing, offers a challenging ride through Vermont's renowned Kingdom Trails network. You'll navigate varied forested singletrack, experiencing sustained climbs and descents that demand good fitness and advanced skills. The route rewards your effort with beautiful scenery, including open vistas from the Darling Hill ridge and a unique animal sanctuary along the way. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 50 minutes pushing your limits on this demanding trail.
Starting from East Burke, this loop is part of a vast network, so plan your visit accordingly. While specific parking for this exact route isn't detailed, East Burke serves as a primary access point for the Kingdom Trails. Always check for any required passes or permits for the network before you go. Given the trail's difficulty, ensure you have appropriate gear, plenty of water, and are prepared for technical sections that might require dismounting.
The Bemis Hill loop is a key component of the larger Kingdom Trails, often called the "Moab of the East" for its extensive and diverse singletrack. This area is celebrated for its vibrant mountain biking community and offers everything from flowy trails to rocky, steep challenges. The Darling Hill area, which this loop traverses, is particularly known for its picturesque landscape, making it a highlight within the broader network.
4.5
(2)
18
riders
14.5km
01:23
250m
250m
If you're seeking a challenging ride that showcases the best of Vermont's mountain biking, the Mountainbike loop from East Burke delivers. This difficult 9.0-mile (14.5 km) route winds through varied terrain, from dense forests to rolling hills, with 810 feet (247 metres) of elevation gain. You'll encounter a mix of flowy singletrack and technical sections, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Green Mountains, making for an engaging ride that takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes.
To ride the Kingdom Trails, you'll need a permit, which helps support the extensive network. Parking is available in East Burke, but it's a popular destination, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, to find a good spot. The prime season for East Burke mountain biking is from late spring to fall, when the trails are dry and open, offering the best conditions for this kind of adventure.
East Burke is often called the "Moab of the East" due to its vast and well-maintained singletrack system, boasting over 100 miles of trails. This particular loop is a great example of the diverse riding experience available, blending cross-country elements with technical challenges. The strong community culture ensures the trails remain in top condition, drawing riders from across the region to experience its unique natural topography.
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19
riders
20.3km
01:48
270m
270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
14
riders
20.9km
02:19
790m
790m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
13
riders
15.1km
01:35
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
This climb is short but brutal, covering around 3.3 miles with an intense average gradient of about 12.2%, hitting pitches over 20% and gaining over 2,000 feet. As you grind your way up through the dense Vermont forest, be sure to catch your breath at the overlooks; midway up, you might see the striking Willoughby Gap, and from the summit, climbing the fire tower rewards you with incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the rolling Green Mountains and White Mountains stretching out into the distance – especially stunning when the fall foliage is peaking.
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Burke Mountain is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts during winter. However, during the summer, it transforms into Burke Bike Park, offering singletrack biking and hiking trails. The Burke Mountain bike climb is a challenging and steep climb of 3.3 miles (5.31 km), known for having the steepest 2.5 mile (4.02 km) section in the US. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy several fantastic views of Vermont's famous Willoughby Gap to the north.
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Darling Hill, just off Darling Hill Road, is a popular recreation area for Vermonters. Trail running, hiking, and biking are popular here in the summer, and in the winter, this area is popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For cross-country skiers, this area of Darling Hill is said to be the “prettiest mile in Vermont.”
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Burke Mountain serves as the high point at Burke Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont. There is a 37-foot tall lookout tower at the top of the mountain, and you get unobstructed panoramic views from the summit.
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Bemis Hill is a peak within Burke Mountain Bike Area that tops out at 1,213 feet in elevation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy or beginner mountain bike trails in West Burke?
The mountain bike trails around West Burke are primarily designed for experienced riders. All 17 routes listed in this guide are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and challenging terrain. There are no easy or beginner-friendly mountain bike trails available in this specific guide.
What is the typical length of mountain bike trails in West Burke?
Trail lengths in West Burke vary, offering options for different ride durations. For example, the Fox Run, Violet's, Old Web's, Bearback, West Bench, and Sidewinder Loop is about 6.3 miles (10.1 km), while the extensive Darling Hill – Bemis Hill loop from East Burke covers 23.2 miles (37.4 km).
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in West Burke?
Mountain biking in West Burke is characterized by varied terrain with significant elevation changes. You'll encounter forested singletrack, sustained climbs, and descents across prominent hills like Darling Hill and Bemis Hill. The routes are challenging and suitable for advanced riders.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in West Burke?
The trails in West Burke are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Riders often praise the challenging climbs, dynamic rides through the local trail network, and the scenic overlooks found on routes like the Viewpoint Café loop from The Wildflower Inn.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails in West Burke?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in West Burke are loops. Examples include the Darling Hill – Bemis Hill loop from East Burke, the Bemis Hill – Darling Hill loop from Village Sport Shop Trailside, and the Bemis Hill loop from East Burke.
What are some scenic viewpoints or attractions near the mountain bike trails?
While riding, you can find scenic spots and nearby attractions. Notable highlights include the Burke Mountain Climb, and views of Lake Willoughby from Pulpit Rock or the North Overlook. You might also pass by Bean Pond.
How many mountain bike trails are covered in this guide for West Burke?
This guide features 17 mountain bike trails around West Burke, all of which are rated as difficult, catering to experienced riders.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in West Burke?
The best time for mountain biking in West Burke is typically from late spring through early fall, when trails are free of snow and ice, and weather conditions are favorable. Always check local trail conditions before heading out.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, some routes, like the Viewpoint Café loop from The Wildflower Inn, are named for nearby establishments, suggesting options for refreshments. East Burke, a common starting point for many trails, also offers dining choices.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking trails in West Burke?
Many of the popular trail networks, such as those around Darling Hill and Bemis Hill, have designated parking areas. Specific starting points mentioned in routes, like 'from East Burke' or 'from Village Sport Shop Trailside', often indicate accessible parking nearby.
Can I find detailed maps of the mountain bike trails in West Burke?
Yes, each route listed in this guide, such as the Fox Run, Violet's, Old Web's, Bearback, West Bench, and Sidewinder Loop, includes a detailed map on its komoot tour page, showing the full trail layout, elevation profile, and other essential information.
Are there any advanced mountain bike routes that offer significant challenges?
Absolutely. All routes in this guide are rated as difficult and offer significant challenges. The Darling Hill – Bemis Hill loop from East Burke, at 23.2 miles with over 700 meters of elevation gain, is a prime example of an advanced route providing sustained climbs and descents.
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