Trails
Local Trail networks
SMBA rides all over Vermont but most of our guided tours and youth practices take place in Stowe and Waterbury. These networks are managed by Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) chapters: Stowe Trails Partnership, Waterbury Trail Alliance, and Trapp Family Lodge.
Stowe has three primary trail networks: These are Adam’s Camp, Cady Hill Forest, and Sterling Valley.
“Each of these pods is distinct in character, with widely differing trails, views, and terrain. Many of the trails are situated on lands permanently protected under conservation easements held or managed by the Stowe Land Trust, and owned by the Town of Stowe.”
Waterbury has two primary trail networks: Perry Hill and Little River State Park.
Visitors can also visit The Trapp Family Lodge for a day fee. Trapp Family Lodge provides great connectivity with Cady Hill and Adam’s Camp for the intermediate/advanced riders looking to make a day of it. Beginning riders will also find nice progression in Trapps.
Stowe Trails are not as centralized as some trail systems. If you’re in Stowe for a short visit, let us help you drop out of navigation mode so you can enjoy the ride!
Stowe - Adam’s Camp
Intermediate and advanced riders can climb Hardy Haul and descend on fast, sinuous Kimmer’s Trail. Riders pedaling from town can climb Pipeline, which begins across from the Stowe High School on Barrows Rd., and follow the signs to cross (no fee) the Trapp Family Lodge network and take Luce Hill Road to the Haul Rd. towards Kimmer’s. Use Double Bypass to avoid the lung-busting “Chute” climb on the Haul Rd.
Note: Full access to the Trapp Family Lodge network requires a trail pass which can be purchased at the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center.
Stowe - Cady Hill Forest
Riders can take Cady Hill Climb trail up to the Green Chair Overlook. Descend on the bermed Upper Bear’s trail before continuing on Bear’s trail singletrack to return to the parking lot. For more berms, add Cady Hill Connector out up and up to Florence; descending Florence you can then return to Cady Hill Connector via Snake. Mix up the machine built flow with hand built classics like Bridgey and Zog’s. Advanced riders will enjoy classic technical singletrack on the Schween Haus loops.
Stowe - Sterling Valley
BEGINNERS: Beginners should head out from the end of Sterling Gorge Rd., crossing the bridge to the trailhead on the right; ride past the pond to enjoy Maple Run out and back.
INTERMEDIATES: Intermediates will enjoy a quick ride on Split Rock trail which begins 0.25 mi back on Sterling Valley Rd. or Callagy’s Trail right from the parking area. For a remote, backcountry feel, head out Maple Run, climbing the Billings Rd. single and doubletrack, and returning on the Catamount Trail (Eight Bridges trail). Advanced riders can add the challenging Lauren’s Loop and Peak-A-View loop at the top of Billings Rd., returning on the Catamount Trail (Eight Bridges).
Start from Split Rock Trail on Sterling Valley Rd. and use the VAST trail to connect to the back of Callagy’s. Upon returning to the parking lot, take the Catamount Trail to Maple Run, climbing Billings Rd to the Peak-a-View lookout. Descend via Lauren’s Loop to Eight Bridges returning to your car via the Catamount Trail.
Waterbury - Perry Hill
Perry Hill is a 10-mile network and has classic technical rock lines, flow trails, and rewarding climbs. The pump track at Perry Hill is a fun warm up option!
Perry Hill is also open to winter users. Read through Forest Parks and Recreations press release for more information.
Waterbury - Little River State Park
Little River State park and has a $4 daily access fee (unless you have the WATA membership through VMBA). VMBA describes this network “new school flow with some old-fashioned adventure riding await you at Little River State Park. The newest trails were machine built starting in 2016 and offer up some of the fastest, flowiest singletrack in the State. Huge berms, doubles, and rollers are your reward after a tough, but doable climb up Stonewall.”
NOTE: Don’t ride up Highbridge or Hillfarmer. Downhill traffic is too fast.
Looking for a longer adventure? Connect to Cottonbrook Road and in roughly 6.5 miles you’ll be inStowe! Cottonbrook is essentially a 7-mile well manicured class 4 road, but is really a snowmobile trail in the winter. From the Stowe side, it’s all climbing, so be prepared if the plan is to head back to Little River State Park!