Imagine a bike ride that begins in a vibrant downtown, smoothly transitions onto a scenic paved path, and then ventures onto a unique gravel causeway stretching into the heart of Lake Champlain. That’s exactly what awaits you on the Burlington Vt Bike Trail, a route that culminates in the breathtaking Colchester Causeway. For cyclists seeking an unforgettable experience where urban charm meets natural splendor, this trail is a must-ride destination.
Burlington Waterfront near the Burlington Bikeway and Colchester Causeway
Alt Text: Scenic Burlington Vermont waterfront with Lake Champlain views, marking the start of the Burlington VT bike trail and Colchester Causeway route.
For years, we’d been visiting our family cabin nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont. Our cycling group often prioritized challenging hill climbs and longer routes, sometimes overlooking the local gems right in front of us. We had even cycled to Burlington before, focusing on longer distances and overnight stays, inadvertently bypassing a truly remarkable local bike path. We wrongly assumed the Burlington bike path, with its gentle terrain and family-friendly atmosphere, wouldn’t offer the thrill we sought.
However, this year, armed with our gravel bikes and a fresh perspective, we decided to explore the renowned Burlington Bikeway and Colchester Causeway. We based ourselves in Burlington, a city known for its lively spirit and stunning lakeside setting, ready to discover what this local trail had to offer. It turned out to be a revelation.
Embarking on the Burlington Bikeway
Our starting point was the stylish Hotel Vermont, conveniently located just a couple of blocks downhill from Waterfront Park. Consulting the Local Motion map, we noted we were beginning around mile marker two of the route, a slight detour due to ongoing construction, but still an ideal entry point.
The Leahy Center is a good place to start on the Burlington Bikeway on your way to the Colchester Causeway.
Alt Text: The Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, a popular starting point for cyclists exploring the Burlington Bikeway and Colchester Causeway bike trail.
The atmosphere at the waterfront was immediately invigorating. The air buzzed with activity – an ice cream stand was doing brisk business, the parking area was bustling with cyclists unloading their bikes, and the path was alive with dog walkers, families, and sunbathers. We soaked it all in from the outdoor seating of The Skinny Pancake, a local favorite. Despite a short wait due to COVID-related seating limitations, breakfast was a delightful start to our cycling adventure.
The Burlington Bikeway itself is a well-maintained paved path, marked with a clear yellow centerline. Its popularity is evident, and a sense of shared space and trail etiquette is important here. While the paved section caters to cyclists of all kinds, packed gravel shoulders on either side offer a perfect space for pedestrians and runners, ensuring everyone can enjoy the path safely.
Almost immediately, any thoughts of caution are overshadowed by the breathtaking views unfolding to the left. Across the harbor, the majestic Adirondack Mountains rise from the New York State shoreline. It’s a panorama that truly captures the beauty of Lake Champlain and is arguably one of the finest vistas in the region.
Across Lake Champlain
Alt Text: Expansive view across the glistening waters of Lake Champlain towards the dramatic silhouette of the Adirondack Mountains, seen from the Burlington VT bike trail.
Around the four-mile mark, a strategically placed sign beckoned with the promise of “cold beer and margaritas” just a short detour away. We mentally bookmarked this for our return journey, knowing a refreshing stop would be well-deserved. The subsequent miles of the Bikeway offered a pleasant mix of natural beauty and glimpses into the charming backyards of lakeside homes – attractive but unpretentious, reflecting the relaxed Vermont vibe.
Conquering the Colchester Causeway
The Cut
Alt Text: Cyclist pointing towards “The Cut,” a navigable gap in the Colchester Causeway bike trail on Lake Champlain, highlighting the transition to the open water section.
After a few more miles, the Bikeway gently guided us through a quiet residential area before transitioning from pavement to gravel. This marked our entry onto the legendary Colchester Causeway. A surge of excitement went through our group – after all, we were on gravel bikes, seemingly perfectly suited for this next phase of the ride.
We were decked out in full cycling gear – Lycra shorts, matching jerseys, and helmets. However, we quickly realized that our “gravel bike” attire might have been slightly overzealous. The Causeway was teeming with cyclists of all kinds: vintage bikes resurrected from garages, children’s bikes, and sturdy mountain bikes. It felt a bit like showing up in a tuxedo to a casual barbecue.
The point is, the Colchester Causeway is wonderfully accessible. It’s a flat, well-maintained route ideal for locals, tourists, families with young children – anyone looking for a scenic and easy bike ride. Our dedicated gravel bikes were certainly not a necessity, but they were definitely fun to ride on this unique terrain.
The Unique Charm of the Colchester Causeway
Causeway riders
Alt Text: A group of cyclists enjoying a leisurely ride along the gravel Colchester Causeway bike trail, extending into Lake Champlain in Vermont.
It wasn’t long before we were fully immersed in the Causeway experience. This remarkable structure is built upon an old railway line that stretches for miles directly into Lake Champlain, seemingly disappearing into the open water. Then, abruptly, the trail is interrupted by a significant gap – “The Cut.” This is a crucial passage allowing boats to navigate through the Causeway, connecting different sections of Lake Champlain.
Lake Champlain, the largest lake in the United States outside of the Great Lakes, serves as a vital waterway. It links to the St. Lawrence Seaway to the north and the Champlain Canal to the south, creating a vast network that theoretically could allow boat travel from Lake Champlain all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Even with the allure of global navigation, the importance of a bike path wasn’t lost on anyone!
Normally, a bike ferry bridges this gap in the Causeway. For a small fee, it transports cyclists and their bikes across “The Cut,” allowing them to continue exploring the remaining section of the Causeway and beyond to Grand Isle in the heart of Lake Champlain.
Boating through the cut
Alt Text: A sailboat gracefully navigating “The Cut” in the Colchester Causeway, showcasing the active waterway intersecting the popular Burlington VT bike trail.
We learned that a significant $1.6 million repair project on the Causeway had been completed ahead of schedule. However, unfortunately for us, the bike ferry service wasn’t yet operational for the season. We were just a few days too early to experience this unique feature.
Lakeside Refreshments and Reflections
Green Mountain Beer
Alt Text: A refreshing Green Mountain beer and a juicy burger enjoyed at a lakeside cafe near the Burlington VT bike trail, offering post-ride relaxation.
With the ferry out of service, we turned back, the thought of that “cold drinks” sign now even more appealing. The Beach House was indeed open, though operating on reduced hours due to COVID-related challenges and fewer customers than expected for a summer day. Despite the quiet atmosphere, we enjoyed delicious sandwiches, crispy fries, and those much-anticipated cold beverages before hopping back on our bikes for the short ride back to our starting point.
Reflecting on the day, it dawned on us that our days of prioritizing strenuous loops from the cabin to Burlington might be behind us. The sheer enjoyment and accessibility of riding right in Burlington, exploring the Bikeway and Causeway, was undeniable. And the promise of the bike ferry for our next visit added another layer of excitement.
The Beach House in Burlington
Alt Text: The inviting outdoor patio of The Beach House restaurant in Burlington, a perfect spot to unwind and refuel after a ride on the Burlington VT bike trail.
One final observation from our visit: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting bike and gear shortages were noticeable in Burlington. Normally, exploring Burlington’s excellent bike shops is a highlight of our trips. However, this year, inventory was noticeably limited. We’re hopeful that bike shops will be fully stocked again in the years to come, adding another dimension to the Burlington cycling experience.
If you want to follow our future rides, connect with me on Strava. But more importantly, plan your own trip to discover the Burlington VT bike trail and the Colchester Causeway – it’s an adventure you won’t regret.
