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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Vermont
Chittenden County
Burlington

Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Burlington High School

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Vermont
Chittenden County
Burlington

Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Burlington High School

Easy

4.8

(8690)

19,673

riders

Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Burlington High School

01:45

28.7km

90m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

3.84 km

Burlington Greenway

Highlight • Cycleway

You don't have to explain that in more detail

Translated by Google •

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2

5.93 km

Colchester/Burlington bridge

Highlight • Bridge

We were looking for a access to the water abs a place to rest. Just before the bridge on the side to Burlington there is a little park, kayak drop, fishing area. Doesn't face the lake but is still very peaceful and pretty.

Tip by

3

9.43 km

Porter Natural Area

Highlight • Forest

The Porter Natural Area is a 56-acre nature preserve that is made up of wetlands and forests. The Colchester Causeway Trail passes through the preserve and brings you up close with the beautiful landscape.

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4

11.3 km

Colchester Causeway (Mainland to Ferry)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Also known as the Island Line Trail, the Colchester Causeway is a 13.4-mile gravel path that follows the old Island Line Railroad. It is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

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5

14.2 km

Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing

Highlight • Rest Area

Here the track is interrupted. But in summer a ferry helps out.

Translated by Google •

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6

16.5 km

Colchester Causeway

Highlight • Cycleway

Check ferry schedule in advance. Our ride back against the wind was pretty hard.

Tip by

7

22.3 km

Delta Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Delta Park is a pretty, unique park that is right on the water and accessible via the Island Line Trail (Burlington Bike Path), a popular multi-use trail. There are picnic tables where you can relax and explore the entire peninsula and delta.

Tip by

8

22.7 km

Winooski River Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This cool bridge on the Island Line Trail passes over the Winooski River and offers great views up and down the waterway. This is a pretty wide bridge and is pretty popular for picture taking.

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B

28.7 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.4 km

13.2 km

1.54 km

460 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.6 km

12.9 km

1.71 km

400 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Wednesday 8 July

30°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for an accessible and incredibly scenic touring cycling route, the Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Burlington High School delivers. This easy 17.8-mile (28.7 km) ride, with a minimal 303 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 44 minutes, making it a perfect high-payoff outing for casual cyclists, families, and beginners.

What to expect on Colchester/Burlington bridge – Colchester Causeway loop from Burlington High School

This route offers a truly unique experience, making you feel as though you're cycling directly on the water of Lake Champlain. As you pedal along the narrow causeway, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Adirondack Mountains in New York to the west and Vermont's Green Mountains to the east. The trail itself is a mix of paved sections closer to Burlington and a primarily gravel surface on the Colchester Causeway, which was originally part of the historic Rutland Railroad. While mostly flat, a gravel bike with wider tires would offer optimal comfort on the unpaved parts, though road bikes can manage. The highlight for many is "the Cut," a 200-foot gap in the causeway that requires a seasonal bike ferry to cross, adding an adventurous touch to your journey.

Planning your visit

The Colchester Causeway loop is considered family-friendly and multi-use, welcoming bikers, walkers, and runners, with dogs allowed on leash. The seasonal bike ferry, operated by Local Motion, is essential for completing the full loop across "the Cut"; check its operating schedule before you go. The scenery is particularly stunning during the fall foliage season and at sunset, offering fantastic photography opportunities. Parking is available near Burlington High School, which serves as a convenient starting point for this popular trail.

Trail details

  • Distance: 17.8 miles (28.7 km)
  • Elevation gain: 303 feet (92 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 44 minutes

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