The best gravel rides around North Hartland

There are 7 gravel bike trails around North Hartland, offering a range of experiences. You'll find one moderate route and six more challenging options to explore the region's diverse terrain.

North Hartland's gravel bike trails feature a compelling mix of unpaved roads, rolling hills, dense woodlands, and scenic river valleys. You'll encounter naturally tacky dirt roads, some paved sections, and even adventurous 'Class 4' roads, which are unmaintained public roads adding a rugged element to your ride.

While many routes are rated difficult, the area does offer a moderate option suitable for a wider range of riders. The Mascoma Lake – Northern Rail Trail loop from Lebanon is a moderate 17.9-mile path that follows a rail trail and provides scenic views of Mascoma Lake, making it a good choice for families or those seeking a less strenuous ride.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, North Hartland offers several difficult routes. The Quechee Covered Bridge loop from Quechee is a 19.4-mile trail with significant elevation gain, including sections near the Quechee Covered Bridge and river valleys. Another demanding option is the Billings Farm & Museum – Quechee Covered Bridge loop from Quechee, a 29.8-mile trail leading through working farms and past covered bridges.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Hartland hillside, working farms, and river valleys. You can ride past the impressive Quechee Gorge Bridge, which spans Vermont's 'Little Grand Canyon,' or visit the historic Taftsville Covered Bridge. The Quechee Covered Bridge – Taftsville Covered Bridge loop from Hartland specifically connects these two iconic landmarks.

Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in North Hartland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Quechee Covered Bridge loop from Quechee and the Mascoma Lake – Northern Rail Trail loop from Lebanon, providing convenient circular journeys through the landscape.

The region is ideal for gravel biking during the warmer months when the unpaved roads are dry and naturally tacky, providing smooth riding surfaces. Fall offers spectacular foliage, while spring can be muddy. Winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular, but gravel biking conditions will depend on snow and ice.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 6 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of quiet gravel roads, the picturesque landscapes featuring rolling hills and dense woodlands, and the scenic views of the Hartland hillside and working farms.

Absolutely. Beyond the famous covered bridges, some routes offer glimpses of other local points of interest. For instance, the Carriage Barn Visitor Center – Taftsville Covered Bridge loop from Quechee starts near the Carriage Barn Visitor Center, providing a different starting point and potentially access to local information before your ride.

Gravel routes around North Hartland often feature significant elevation changes due to the region's rolling hills. For example, the Billings Farm & Museum – Quechee Covered Bridge loop from Quechee involves over 950 meters of ascent, providing a challenging workout with rewarding views. Even shorter routes like the Quechee Covered Bridge loop from Quechee include over 640 meters of climbing.

Yes, the diverse habitats around North Hartland, including woodlands and river valleys, offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. The North Hartland Lake area, in particular, is known for sightings of eagles, hawks, owls, and turtles, so keep an eye out while you ride through the quieter sections of the trails.