Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, a place I’ve grown to adore since leaving the hustle of New York City seven years ago, is more than just picturesque landscapes; it’s a mountain biking paradise, especially for those just starting out. My journey into mountain biking led me to work at a local bike shop here in Central Vermont, where I naturally transitioned into coaching. Helping people conquer their fears on two wheels sparked a passion in me, culminating in the launch of my own mountain bike guiding company, Blue Sky MTB, last year. Based in the Northeast Kingdom, I dedicate myself to showcasing the incredible trails around Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain. The sense of community here is palpable, with mountain biking deeply ingrained in the local culture. The trails offer a perfect blend of challenge and variety, making it feel almost too good to be true!
The author enjoying one of her favorite trails in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, a region celebrated for its top-tier mountain biking trails on the East Coast. Photo by Mark Clement
Discovering Mountain Biking in the Northeast Kingdom: Pros and Cons
Year-Round Riding: Enjoy some of the East Coast’s best singletrack in every season.
Scenic Trails: Each trail offers stunning views and enjoyable riding experiences.
Trail Access: Trails are easily accessible right from East Burke.
Black Fly Season: Be prepared for black flies in May – insect repellent is a must!
Muddy Trails: Trail closures can occur due to muddy conditions.
Kingdom Trails: A Fairytale for Beginner Mountain Bikers
Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, stands as the eastern equivalent to Moab for mountain biking enthusiasts. Just as Moab’s iconic MTB trails are legendary out west, Kingdom Trails offers an equally impressive network in the East. Spanning over 100 miles of varied terrain, Kingdom Trails is home to some of the finest singletrack in the US. This network caters to all skill levels, from gentle, flowing trails through open meadows to moderately challenging routes in wooded areas, and even technical trails for adrenaline seekers. Combine this with the lift-accessed bike park at Burke Mountain and a welcoming biking community, and you have the ideal destination to start your mountain biking journey. No matter your current skill level, if you can ride a bike, Kingdom Trails has a trail perfectly suited for you. This makes it an exceptional place for beginners to not only learn but also fall in love with mountain biking.
A scenic view of Vermont mountain biking trails, highlighting the natural beauty and accessible terrain suitable for beginner mountain bikers.One of the remarkable aspects of the Kingdom Trails network is its foundation on land generously provided by local landowners, creating a community-driven mountain biking experience. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
The Story Behind Kingdom Trails: Perfect for New Riders
The Kingdom Trails network, nestled in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, centers around the charming town of East Burke, a prime basecamp for mountain biking adventures. The majority of its 100+ miles of trails, almost all of which I’ve explored, weave through Darling Hill and Burke Mountain, part of the Green Mountains. What truly distinguishes Kingdom Trails is its unique origin: local landowners donating their land. Around 100 landowners have contributed over 240 acres of private land to create this extensive trail system. This collaborative spirit makes it a welcoming and supportive environment for beginner mountain bikers.
The Kingdom Trails Association, a dedicated non-profit comprising local volunteers and passionate mountain bikers, diligently maintains the trail system year-round. Their core mission is to ensure the sustainability and quality of Kingdom Trails, balancing landowner wishes with the needs of the mountain biking community. For detailed trail information, the Kingdom Trails network’s official site provides comprehensive mountain bike trail maps for both summer and winter trails. These resources are invaluable for planning your beginner rides and understanding the trail network.
Kingdom Trails is designed to accommodate every rider level, from children just starting out to seasoned experts seeking technical singletrack challenges. This photo captures a group of young riders enjoying the trails with the author. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Diversity of Trails: Why Beginners Thrive at Kingdom Trails
The diversity of Kingdom Trails is what truly sets it apart from other mountain biking destinations. One day you can enjoy a relaxed 20-mile ride, and the next challenge yourself on a technical trail – or, for beginners, gradually progress through easier trails as skills improve. It’s also easy to plan scenic rides with breaks, perhaps stopping for ice cream, making it perfect for families and groups with varying abilities. The trails are meticulously maintained and offer a royal experience, no matter your skill level. This variety and quality make it an ideal location to learn and grow as a mountain biker.
While spring arrives later in the Northeast Kingdom, extending the cold season, the riding season stretches well into autumn and even winter with fat biking options. Although rain is common, the trails are surprisingly fun even after a shower, thanks to the well-draining loamy soil. However, erosion is a concern, leading to occasional trail closures during mud season. The natural drainage of the trails usually resolves this quickly, allowing for more riding days.
A friend enjoying a leisurely ride through a wildflower meadow on an easier trail within Kingdom Trails, showcasing the gentle and scenic options perfect for beginner mountain bikers.A friend enjoys an easier trail through a meadow of wildflowers – highlighting the joys of late spring riding in Kingdom Trails, especially appealing for beginners seeking scenic and gentle rides. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Burke Mountain Bike Park: Downhill Thrills for Aspiring Riders
Burke Mountain Resort, renowned as a ski destination in winter, transforms into Burke Mountain Bike Park during the summer months. While partly connected to Kingdom Trails, it operates as a separate entity, offering lift access for downhill mountain biking. Lifts provide an easy ascent, allowing riders to choose from various downhill trails, or pedal to reach more challenging black diamond runs from the summit. Similar to Kingdom Trails, Burke Mountain caters to all skill levels, but is particularly known for its technical black diamond trails. For beginners looking to progress to downhill riding, Burke Mountain offers a fantastic and controlled environment to develop skills and confidence. Trail maps for Burke Mountain are available here.
The author catching air at Burke Mountain Bike Park, demonstrating the exciting progression available for riders as they advance beyond beginner trails. Photo by Keara Kresser
Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Rides in Kingdom Trails Network
With such an extensive selection of trails, choosing favorites is tough. The diversity of mountain biking in this area means there are plentiful options, especially for beginners. Kingdom Trails excels in providing reliable trails specifically designed for true beginners, ensuring fun even on the gentlest routes. In contrast, the network also includes challenging natural cross-country trails. Regardless of difficulty, every trail in the Kingdom system offers stunning views. Here are three trails particularly recommended for those new to mountain biking:
A scenic overview of Kingdom Trails, emphasizing the well-maintained paths and beautiful landscapes that make it ideal for mountain biking beginners.When exploring Kingdom Trails network, remember to adhere to the ‘Ride with Gratitude’ principles – a key aspect of the local mountain biking culture. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
1. Burklyn Loop: The Perfect Beginner Mountain Bike Trail
For a truly beginner-friendly experience, Burklyn Loop, leading to Wood’n’you trail, is ideal. This approximately two-mile loop is comfortable for beginners and families with children. It features a gentle climb through clover fields and dirt roads, with a tightly packed surface perfect for building confidence. The gradual elevation changes are a highlight, offering no unexpected challenges for new riders, aside from gentle berms. This allows beginners to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views, including the iconic small town and Burke Mountain. Late spring enhances this trail with blooming wildflowers, adding to its charm.
Riders heading towards a farmhouse in the distance on Burklyn Loop – a local gear shop that also serves refreshments, illustrating the accessible and community-focused nature of beginner trails in Kingdom Trails. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
2. Heaven’s Bench: A Flowy and Fun Intermediate Trail to Progress To
Heaven’s Bench is an excellent intermediate trail to aim for as you progress, and it’s also beginner-accessible with some caution and guidance. Known for being one of the most scenic rides in the system, it starts off Darling Ridge and connects to other trails. It offers a solid surface with no major obstacles, making it enjoyable for those with a little mountain biking experience or adventurous beginners. A short, grassy uphill leads to a mild descent into fast, flowy terrain with berms and corners that allow for enjoyable speed. The Heaven’s Bench lookout is famous for its panoramic views of mountains and farmlands, truly an idyllic setting.
Typically, I ride Heaven’s Bench down to the Rim trail. Rim is a fast-flowing trail with exciting features and flat corners to practice skills. It includes berms, turns, and fun dips, even some natural jump lines. However, Rim does have tighter turns and steeper sections that might surprise beginners, so it’s best approached after building some confidence on trails like Burklyn Loop. It concludes by dropping you to the other side of the river.
A group of mountain bikers discussing their route before heading out, highlighting the social and supportive environment for beginner mountain bikers at Kingdom Trails.A group of mountain bikers, possibly beginners, reviewing their trail plan before starting their ride, showcasing the supportive community and accessible learning environment at Kingdom Trails. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
3. The Dead Moose Trails: Black Diamonds to Aspire to at Burke Mountain
The Dead Moose trails – Moose Alley, Dead Moose Alley, and Moose Deuce – located at Burke Mountain, are for advanced riders but serve as excellent goals for beginners to aspire to. While other Burke Mountain trails require a Bike Park ticket, these are part of the Kingdom Trails network, requiring only a regular day pass. Named humorously after a moose carcass found during trail construction, these trails are among the most challenging in the system. Lift access from the bike park gets you partway up, but reaching the true black diamond sections requires pedaling.
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True to their name, the Dead Moose trails have a dark, eerie ambiance, filled with roots and rocks, offering a raw, natural mountain biking experience. The terrain is firm and compact, but some areas can become loose and wet. Despite the challenges, the downhills maintain a great flow, reminiscent of mountain biking in Colorado.
Berms and turns on Kingdom Trails, showcasing the well-designed trails that offer skill-building opportunities for mountain bikers of all levels, including beginners as they progress.Berms and turns define many of the best rides in Kingdom Trails, offering fantastic learning and progression opportunities for beginner mountain bikers. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
If time is limited and you’re seeking a technical challenge to watch experienced riders tackle (or aspire to yourself one day), Moose Alley is a must-see. It demands intense focus and often elicits shouts of excitement. Its tight turns and tricky obstacles lead to incredibly steep downhills. Although only 1.6 miles long, it’s relentlessly challenging, with rugged drops and switchbacks that prevent building speed. While demanding, the views from this side of Burke Mountain are rewarding.
Tips for Your Beginner Mountain Biking Trip to Northeast Kingdom
East Burke and the surrounding area are deeply rooted in mountain biking culture. This welcoming community embraces newcomers, provided they respect local etiquette. Here’s essential information to ensure your Kingdom Trails trip is smooth and enjoyable, especially for beginners:
The author with a group of young riders awaiting the lift at Burke Mountain, highlighting the family-friendly and inclusive atmosphere for mountain biking in the region. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Ride with Gratitude: Essential Etiquette for Beginners
Kingdom Trails operates under a simple code called Ride with Gratitude. It emphasizes respecting mountain biking as a privilege, caring for others, protecting nature, and mutual accountability. Practically, this means avoiding cutting corners, being mindful of skidding, and staying off muddy trails. Trail closures during mud season and erosion are ongoing concerns, especially with increasing rider numbers.
Some landowners have revoked bike access due to terrain impact. These rules are crucial for preserving both nature and landowner property. Ride with Gratitude reminds everyone that trail access is a privilege, not a right. Always adhere to Leave No Trace principles in the outdoors. Technically, trails are shared with horses and pedestrians, but dirt bikes and e-bikes are prohibited. For beginners, understanding and practicing these principles from the start is essential for responsible trail use.
The Village Sport Shop, a central hub for mountain bike riders in the area, showcasing the community and resources available for beginners.The Village Sport Shop — a prime local spot for mountain bike riders to gather, offering gear, advice, and a sense of community, particularly helpful for those new to the sport. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Best Time to Visit Kingdom Trails for Beginner Riders?
Kingdom Trails is a year-round destination. Peak mountain biking season runs from May to late October. Summers are beautiful, with full bloom, but also the busiest. However, trails are extensive enough to avoid overcrowding. Autumns are also highly recommended, with fewer weekday crowds (weekends remain busy) and stunning fall foliage. May brings black flies, which can be intense, but manageable with repellent and fast pedaling. For beginners, late spring or early autumn might offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Inside the Village Sport Shop, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and resources available for mountain bikers, including beginners seeking advice and gear. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Permits and Passes for Mountain Biking in Northeast Kingdom
A pass is required for biking in the area. Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails are separate entities. Kingdom Trails access costs $20 daily or $75 annually, with monthly options available. Burke Mountain lift tickets are $50. Season passes or day passes for Burke Mountain provide access to the bike park, machine-built flow trails, and black diamond trails. For beginners primarily focused on Kingdom Trails, the day or annual pass is most relevant.
Where to Refuel and Relax After a Ride
Village Sport Shop, located on Darling Hill, has a fantastic bar with mountain views, offering a serene spot for a post-ride beer. It also features a pump track, great for kids. Mike’s Tiki Bar in the main Kingdom Trails parking lot is another popular spot, known for its extensive tap selection and lively atmosphere. Food trucks serving tamales and wood-fired pizza are also located in the parking lot. These options provide great refueling and relaxation spots after a day of beginner mountain biking.
Enjoying a post-ride beer at a trailside bar in Kingdom Trails, emphasizing the social and relaxing aspects of mountain biking in the region, perfect for unwinding after a beginner ride.There’s nothing quite like a good beer at one of the area’s trailside bars after a satisfying day of pedaling through Kingdom Trails. Photo by Christsonthy Drellos
Beginner-Friendly Accommodation Options
Numerous lodging options offer direct trail access. The Wildflower Inn and Rabbit Hill Inn are excellent choices. Burke Mountain Hotel is also popular. For camping, Burke Mountain Campground is located near the bike park and includes hot tubs and a pool (reservations required). These accommodations cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay for your beginner mountain biking trip.
About the Author
[Christsonthy Drellos
Northeast Kingdom local, MTB guide and owner of Blue Sky MTB
](https://57hours.com/author/christsonthy-drellos/)Christsonthy is a passionate rider and owner of Blue Sky MTB, bringing over seven years of mountain biking experience. Originally from rural upstate NY, she transitioned from bustling city life to Vermont’s scenic and challenging trails. Starting as a racer, she discovered her true calling in coaching and guiding, dedicated to sharing her love for mountain biking in the Northeast Kingdom.
