Vermont has always been a place for outdoor adventure, but a new project is about to take it to another level. The Velomont Trail Network, a massive 780-kilometer system, will eventually connect 27 communities across the state. Think of it as a long-distance mountain biking route with a roof over your head at the end of each day.
The project is a collaboration between Vermont Huts & Trails and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. It weaves together new singletrack with existing trails, linking them with quiet back roads and small-town main streets. The vision is bold: a trail system that lets you ride for days through the Green Mountains, then roll into a village for a hot meal and a bed. It's not just about the riding, though. The network is designed for hikers and trail runners too, though mountain bikers will feel most at home.
First Section Open Now
The Heart of the Greens Loop opened in 2024, and it's a proper introduction to what's coming. This 61-kilometer loop connects Rochester and Pittsfield in central Vermont, winding through the Green Mountain National Forest. It's a mix of narrow singletrack and quiet dirt roads, with plenty of climbing to get your heart rate up. You'll pass swimming holes, ridge-line views, and the White River Valley below. This is not a casual spin. Expect significant elevation gain, so bring your climbing legs.
Fit riders can push through in a day, but the loop is best savored over two or three days. The organizers suggest overnight stops at a forest hut and a yurt, which breaks the ride into manageable chunks. You can also extend your trip by linking to neighboring trail networks. It's a perfect way to try bikepacking, where you carry your gear on the bike and sleep in the backcountry. For a similar long-distance adventure, check out the 3,500-kilometer coast-to-coast trail in Europe.
Sleep Under the Stars, or in a Cozy Hut
Chittenden Brook Hut sits deep in the Green Mountain National Forest, about halfway around the loop if you start in Rochester. It's open year-round and sleeps up to 10 people. You'll find mattresses, a wood stove, and cooking gear, but you need to bring your own food and sleeping bag. There's no running water, so plan to treat water from the nearby stream. For a more rustic option, Spikehorn Yurt is just 4 kilometers from downtown Rochester. This round, fabric-covered structure sleeps six and has a small kitchen with a two-burner cooktop. It's available in summer and early autumn, and you must bring your own drinking water.
If you prefer four walls and a proper bed, the Stable Inn in Rochester is a restored 1840s timber building with private or shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen, and easy access to village restaurants. It's a great base for a multi-day ride.
Connecting Communities, One Trail at a Time
The full Velomont plan will link 36 existing trail networks and bring riders directly into town centers. That means you can stock up on supplies, grab a local beer, and sleep in a real bed between stretches of forest riding. The huts are designed to lighten your load, so you don't need to carry a tent and cooking gear. The organizers want to make remote-area trips easier to plan, with multiple access points so you can choose shorter sections. But don't think the huts make it easy. Mountain biking in Vermont is physically demanding, and you'll need to be in decent shape.
This approach isn't unique. The Trans Dinarica cycling route through the Balkans connects rural landscapes with food and lodging, and it's been a hit with riders. It's another example of how long-distance trails can bring travelers into communities beyond the tourist hotspots.
What's Still to Come
The Velomont project is ambitious. Plans include 30 new huts and five new hostels in town centers. Construction will also provide jobs and training for young adults. The organizers estimate the network could help protect up to 86,600 hectares of currently unprotected land. When complete, they say it could be the largest hut-supported trail system in the United States. Completion is expected between 2031 and 2036, depending on funding. So there's plenty of time to plan your trip, and the first section is already open for business.
If you're looking for other trail adventures, consider the new 120-mile trail in England's north country or the ancient forest in Portugal that just earned a wellness badge. For a different kind of mountain experience, check out the return of steam trains in Switzerland.
