Biking Lake Champlain Bikeway in Vermont

Photo by Ronan Furuta on Unsplash

Welcome to Godspeed Socks' guide to road biking around Lake Champlain Bikeway, Vermont. Our series aims to highlight the top road biking and cycling spots around America. The Lake Champlain Bikeway is a scenic route through the beautiful Vermont countryside and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The route offers a mix of challenging hills, quiet back roads, and stunning views of the lake and mountains. In this guide, we'll explore the best routes, sights, and places to stop along the way. Plus, we'll recommend a few bike shops for supplies and repairs.

The Route

The Lake Champlain Bikeway is a 1,300-mile route that starts in Quebec and ends in New York. The Vermont section of the route is a 160-mile loop that starts and ends in Burlington. The route is well marked with signs and maps, and there are many places to stop along the way for food, drinks, and rest.

The route offers a mix of flat, rolling, and hilly terrain. One of the most challenging sections is the climb up Mount Philo, a 968-foot peak with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The climb is steep but manageable, and the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Another highlight of the route is the section between Burlington and the town of Middlebury. This 38-mile stretch takes you through quiet back roads, past farms and forests, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The route is relatively flat and offers beautiful views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains.

Sights to See

Along the way, there are many sights to see, including historic sites, parks, and museums. Here are a few highlights:

• Shelburne Museum: A world-renowned museum of art, Americana, and design located on 45 acres of scenic grounds.
• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: A science museum with interactive exhibits about the ecology and history of the lake.
• Fort Ticonderoga: A restored 18th-century fort with exhibits, demonstrations, and events.
• Basin Harbor: A historic resort on the shores of Lake Champlain with restaurants, shops, and recreational activities.

There are several bike shops along the Lake Champlain Bikeway where you can rent, repair, or buy supplies for your ride. Here are a few recommendations:

• Local Motion: Located in Burlington, this nonprofit bike shop offers bike rentals, repairs, and sales.
• Skirack: Also located in Burlington, Skirack offers a wide selection of bikes, gear, and apparel for road biking and other outdoor activities.
• Frog Hollow Bikes: Located in Middlebury, this full-service bike shop offers rentals, repairs, and sales of road and mountain bikes.

Before you hit the road, make sure you're wearing the right gear to stay comfortable and perform your best. At Godspeed Socks, we offer a wide range of high-quality, performance socks designed specifically for road biking and other athletic activities. Our socks are made from premium materials to provide comfort, moisture-wicking, and durability. Plus, our designs are stylish and eye-catching, so you'll look good while you ride. Check out our website to see our full selection and order your pair today.

The Lake Champlain Bikeway is a beautiful and challenging route that offers something for every road biker. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll find plenty of opportunities to test your skills and enjoy the scenery. Make sure you stop at some of the many sights along the way and visit one of the recommended bike shops for supplies and repairs. And don't forget to wear a pair of Godspeed Socks.