Day Trips From Burlington for Hikers and Bikers

Easy Rides from the Burlington Waterfront

The Island Line Trail is Burlington's signature ride: a flat, 14-mile path that starts at the waterfront and crosses Lake Champlain on the Colchester Causeway. It is fully paved, suitable for all bikes, and open from April through November, with a seasonal bike ferry (small fee) bridging the cut. Allow two to three hours for an out-and-back, including stops at the causeway's gravel overlooks. If you are staying in South Burlington, you can pick up the path near the Sheraton hotel on Williston Road and ride north on the paved connector. Rental shops downtown charge around $30–$50 for a half-day.

For a shorter, family-friendly ride, try the Burlington Greenway itself: 8 miles of paved path between North Beach and Oakledge Park. It passes the ECHO Leahy Center, the Boathouse, and the dog park at Waterfront Park. Expect crowds on summer weekends, so start before 9 a.m. Bike parking is available at several trailheads. You can also link to the Colchester Causeway via the connector near the Burlington International Airport, but note that the Airport Park path is steep in spots and better for confident riders.

Half-Day Hikes in the Green Mountains

Camel's Hump, Vermont's third-highest peak at 4,083 feet, is a 45-minute drive from Burlington via I-89 and Route 100. The Monroe Trail from the Duxbury trailhead is the most popular route: 6.4 miles round-trip, 2,600 feet of elevation gain, and roughly four hours for a fit hiker. The summit is exposed, so carry layers even in July. Parking fills by 8 a.m. on weekends; arrive early or aim for a weekday. There is no fee, but a donation box supports trail maintenance. From Burlington, take Exit 10 in Waterbury and follow River Road to Camel's Hump Road.

Mount Mansfield, the state's highest at 4,393 feet, is a 50-minute drive via I-89 to Underhill State Park. The Sunset Ridge Trail is a classic: 6.6 miles round-trip, 2,800 feet of gain, with ladders and exposed rock near the top. Allow five hours. For a gentler option, the Butler Lodge Trail offers a 4.4-mile round-trip with fewer crowds. Both trails start from the park's winter lot on Mountain Road. A $5 day-use fee applies in summer. If you are based in Essex Junction, you can reach the trailhead in 35 minutes via Route 15 and River Road.

Rail Trails and Gravel Routes South of Burlington

The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail stretches 26 miles from St. Albans to Richford, following a former railroad bed through farmland and forest. It is crushed stone, ideal for gravel bikes and hybrids, with a gentle grade. The northern section near Enosburg Falls offers the best views of the Green Mountains. From Burlington, drive 30 minutes to the St. Albans trailhead off Route 7. The trail is open year-round, but spring mud can make sections soft; late May through October is prime. There are no services along the route, so bring water and snacks. The trail connects to the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot herons and turtles.

For a more challenging gravel ride, head to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which will eventually run 93 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. The segment from Morrisville to Johnson is a 12-mile stretch of packed gravel with views of the Lamoille River. Park at the Morrisville trailhead on Bridge Street, about 45 minutes from Burlington via Route 100. The trail is open to bikes, horses, and walkers; expect some soft spots after rain. A nearby option for mountain bikers is the Kingdom Trails network in East Burke, a 90-minute drive, with 100+ miles of singletrack and a day pass costing around $20–$25.

Where to Stay and What to Skip

For these day trips, I would book a hotel in South Burlington or Colchester rather than downtown Burlington. South Burlington puts you minutes from I-89 and the airport, with free parking and easy access to the Causeway. Colchester is even closer to the Island Line Trail and the causeway. Downtown Burlington hotels often charge for parking and sit in traffic, but they win if you want evening restaurants on Church Street without driving. Rates in South Burlington typically run $120–$180 in summer, while downtown can be $180–$250. Book two to three months ahead for July and August, and consider a Sunday–Thursday stay for lower rates.

Skip the crowded Burlington Bike Path on Saturday afternoons and the Monroe Trail on holiday weekends. Instead, ride the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail on a weekday morning or hike Mount Mansfield from the Butler Lodge side. If you only have one day, choose the Island Line Trail: it is flat, scenic, and requires no car beyond a short drive. For a two-day trip, pair a morning hike on Camel's Hump with an afternoon ride on the causeway. Late September offers the best combination of fewer crowds, dry trails, and fall foliage. The only thing to avoid is underestimating Vermont's weather: rain gear and layers are essential year-round.