Look closely at any corner, bridge, or perfectly sculpted berm on the trails around the Mad River Valley, and you’ll see the signs of something bigger than dirt and tire tracks — you’ll see a labor of love.
The Mad River Valley’s mountain biking scene didn’t spring up overnight. It was hand-built, ride-tested, and refined over decades by a passionate crew of volunteers, trail builders, and local riders who care deeply about this land and how we move through it.
Groups like the Mad River Riders, a local chapter of VMBA (Vermont Mountain Bike Association), have been shaping this region’s trails since the early ’90s. What started as a handful of loops has grown into a 60+ mile network that connects forested ridgelines, beaver ponds, quiet dirt roads, and even the slopes of Sugarbush Resort. Every new stretch of trail is thoughtfully laid out to protect the landscape, create flow, and give riders a true taste of the Valley’s terrain.
These trails aren’t just built — they’re maintained year-round through sweat equity: spring drainage clearing, fall leaf blowing, bridge repairs, corridor trimming, and constant fine-tuning. Want to help? Sign up for a trail workday or donate to VMBA or the Riders or just follow good trail etiquette and give your fellow builders a thank-you wave when you pass.
Mountain biking here is a ride through community. Every berm banked and root bridged tells a story. So next time you’re out pedaling the Valley, take a moment to appreciate the hands that made your ride possible.
VMBA is the statewide nonprofit that supports sustainable trail building, rider education, and mountain bike access across Vermont. With 29 chapters (including the Mad River Riders) VMBA helps keep our trails open, maintained, and growing. Joining VMBA means you’re directly supporting the trails you ride.
The Mad River Riders are the local VMBA chapter responsible for building and maintaining over 60 miles of trails throughout the Mad River Valley. From family-friendly loops to classic Vermont tech, their work fuels the riding community and keeps the stoke high year-round.