🚵 Trail Info
You don't have to go to Moab or Whistler for world-class mountain biking. Kingdom Trails in northeastern Vermont — a nonprofit-managed network built on private land with landowner cooperation — offers over 100 miles of singletrack that ranges from mellow cross-country rollers to full-send technical descents. The setting is classic New England: rolling farmland, maple forests, covered bridges, and fall foliage that turns the trails into something extraordinary every October.
The Network
Kingdom Trails is based in East Burke, a small village in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The trail network spreads across Burke Mountain and the surrounding hillsides, with a mix of classic cross-country trails, jump lines, technical rock gardens, and flowing descents. Trails are organized into distinct zones:
- Darling Hill Road area — fast, flowy singletrack through open farm fields with mountain views. Great for all skill levels. Trails like East Bowl, Sidewinder, and Kingdom Connection fall here.
- Burke Mountain trails — accessed via chairlift (summer lift ticket available) or pedaled climb. Technical descents with rock features and roots.
- Burnham/Sutton trails — more cross-country character, good for intermediate riders who want sustained climbing and descending.
Trail Highlights
Sidewinder is the trail that gets recommended most — a mile of perfectly bermed, machine-built flow trail that makes you feel like a better rider than you are. East Bowl offers open meadow riding with big mountain views. For technical riders, the trails off the Burke Mountain chairlift offer boulder features and rooted descents that will test anyone.
Practical Info
- Trail pass required: $25/day, $100/season. Purchase at the Kingdom Trails Welcome Center or online. Fees support trail maintenance and the landowner program that makes the network possible.
- Best season: Late June through October. The trails open after mud season ends. Fall (mid-September through mid-October) is the best time to ride — firm trails and spectacular foliage.
- Bike rentals available in East Burke village.
- E-bikes: Class 1 e-bikes allowed on most trails; check the trail pass guidelines for specifics.
Gear Picks
- Trail/enduro helmet — a half-shell is fine for most trails
- Knee pads — worth wearing on technical lines
- MTB gloves
- Hydration pack — 2L minimum for a full day
- Tubeless tire plug kit and mini pump — flats happen
Where to Stay
East Burke has several inns and rental houses catering to riders. The Inn at Mountain View Farm and local vacation rentals book up fast for fall weekends. Burlington is about 75 miles southwest if you prefer a city base.
Getting There
East Burke is in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, about 2.5 hours from Boston and 75 miles from Burlington. Take I-91 north to Exit 23 (St. Johnsbury), then head east on US-2 and north on VT-114 to Burke. The Welcome Center is on Burke Hollow Road.
The Verdict
Kingdom Trails is one of those places every mountain biker should visit at least once — and most people end up coming back every year. The trail fee is worth every dollar, the community is welcoming, and the riding is as good as anywhere in the East.