The Mad River Valley is more than a scenic stop; it’s the heart of Vermont’s riding scene. Tucked between forested peaks and threaded with miles of carefully built singletrack, the Mad River Valley offers everything from family-friendly loops to advanced rocky and root descents. It’s the perfect basecamp to explore other top-tier trail networks, each within an easy drive. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or plotting a full Vermont road trip, this guide lays out the best rides close to home, and the ones worth the short detour.
Mountain Biking in the Mad River Valley
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Mad River Riders, this region continues to grow as one of the most rider-supported zones in the state. The trails span multiple riding areas, each with its own character, difficulty, and vibe.
Green Mountain National Forest: Blueberry Lake
Ideal for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a mellow warm-up, Blueberry Lake is one of the Valley’s most accessible zones. Its stacked loops wind gently through the woods, offering smooth tread, subtle elevation changes, and a real sense of rhythm. It’s a great intro to Vermont riding: flowy, scenic, and just plain fun.
Blueberry Lake – Green Mountain National Forest on Trailforks.comEurich & The Snowmaking Pond Area
If you like your trails with a side of roots, rocks, and tech, Eurich delivers. Located near Lincoln Peak, these are advanced-level trails built into natural terrain with minimal smoothing and maximum challenge. Expect quick transitions, narrow lines, and terrain that keeps you sharp. It’s the kind of zone where every turn is earned and remembered.
Eurich Pond on Trailforks.comCamels Hump State Park: Dana Hill/Howe Block
One of the Valley’s most dynamic trail areas, Dana Hill offers something for just about everyone. Classic trails like Evolution and Revolution reward riders with fast descents and punchy climbs, while more advanced options like Cyclone and Clinic push the pace with steeper sections, optional features, and creative line choices. It’s a great zone for both progression and challenge.
Howe Block – Camel’s Hump State Forest on Trailforks.comChase Brook Town Forest
Chase Brook trails run technical cross-country style through deeper woods along sections of the Catamount Trail. They’re less about flow and more about rhythm and movement, rolling terrain, technical corners, and a true backcountry feel. This is the place to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in a longer ride through remote Vermont forest.
Chase Brook Town Forest / Marble Hill Farm on Trailforks.comLower Woods
This single trail punches well above its weight in terms of excitement. Lower Woods is a high-speed, machine-built flow trail with sizable jumps and tabletops. It drops right from the Sugarbush base area, making it a no-brainer for post-work laps or warm-up runs before a bigger day. If airtime is your love language, Lower Woods speaks it fluently.
Local Tips Before You Ride
- Check trail conditions: The Mad River Riders update their website regularly with open/closed status and current trail conditions.
- Respect the land: Many trails pass through private property. Stick to open trails, avoid riding in wet conditions, and always leave no trace.
- Park thoughtfully: Use designated parking when available and never block driveways or access roads.
Need a tube, tune, shuttle or full rental setup? Stark Mountain Bike Works and Madbush Falls both offer rentals, repairs, and riding advice.
More Rides, Just Down the Road
One of the best parts of riding in the Mad River Valley is how central it is to a number of other iconic Vermont trail zones. These spots are all within easy striking distance, giving you even more options without needing to repack your bags.
Ridgeline Trails – Approx. 40 minutes
Located in the greater Rochester area, the Ridgeline network is known for long ridge-top traverses, fast descents, and a loamy forest floor that grips like a dream. It’s a popular destination for riders looking for backcountry-style riding with a mix of hand-built and machine-finished sections. Trail access is often remote, so plan accordingly and pack snacks.
Rochester on Trailforks.comWaterbury Area Trails: Perry Hill – Approx. 25 minutes
Waterbury Area Trail Alliance’s Perry Hill is a powerhouse of elevation and intensity. Expect technical climbs, narrow switchbacks, and fast, rewarding descents with big features and natural flow. Combine it with nearby zones like Little River State Park or Cotton Brook for a full-day adventure. It’s a must-ride for experienced riders looking for a vertical challenge.
Perry Hill on Trailforks.comDriving Range – Approx. 35 minutes
The Driving Range is an Adaptive Mountain Bike (aMTB) network designed in partnership with the Kelly Brush Foundation for all users to enjoy. Every trail is rated for aMTB accessibility and fully rideable on adaptive bikes, while still offering progressive features like gap jumps, ladder bridges, drops, and rollers for traditional riders. The network was developed by Richmond Mountain Trails (RMT.) It’s one of the most inclusive and innovative trail systems in Vermont and an absolute blast to ride.
The Driving Range on Trailforks.comStowe Trails – Approx. 50 minutes
Stowe Trail Partnerships has one of the most expansive and well-developed trail networks in the state. Cady Hill Forest and Adams Camp are the anchors, offering a wide range of riding from smooth beginner trails to demanding climbs and techy descents. The scenery is classic Vermont, and the trail building is top notch. It’s worth carving out a full day.
Cady Hill Forest on Trailforks.comPittsfield Area Trails – Approx. 1 hour
The Pittsfield/Killington area offers a growing network of cross-country and enduro-style trails accessible from the valley floor. Trails like Green Mountain Trails in Pittsfield or the Killington Bike Club’s Sherburne Trails near Kent Pond are great for a pedal-powered mission, with scenic climbs and descents that reward both fitness and finesse.
Green Mountain Trails on Trailforks.comYour Basecamp for Dirt Adventures
With high-quality trails in every direction and even more within reach, the Mad River Valley is the perfect place to unpack, unwind, and ride as much (or as hard) as you want. Whether you’re tackling local loops or tacking on day trips to neighboring zones, there’s no shortage of dirt to discover.