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Vermont Fall Foliage: Lake Champlain Valley
Duration
6 days
Site savings
$39
From
$3,771 USD
Enjoy a 6 day luxurious cycle tour taking in the vibrant and iconic foliage of Vermont during this very special time of year. This acclaimed Vermont fall foliage bicycle tour has been recognized by Frommer’s as one of the “World’s 10 Best Bike Tours” and Forbes Travel Guide as a “Top 5 US Bike Tours.” Stunning foliage lines the route at every turn. Pass under stretches of covered bridges. Traverse Lake Champlain by boat. Sample delicious cider and donuts.
- CategoryLuxury
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration6 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainAgricultural
- Distance151 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance25.2 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration6 days
- Main DestinationVermont
- Distance151 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance25.2 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainAgricultural
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Lake Champlain, Historic Essex, and the Adirondack Park
Meet your tour leaders at the pre-tour hotel for the short transfer to the tour operator's office. Following a bike fitting and route review, ride to the ferry landing for the crossing of Lake Champlain to New York. Ferries have been operating continuously on the lake since the 19th century and continue to serve as an important form of transportation throughout the region. Upon disembarking the ferry, enjoy an easy loop north before a delicious picnic lunch in the charming town of Essex; the entire town is listed on the National Historic Register as the most intact ensemble of pre-Civil War architecture in the country.
The afternoon route continues through beautiful farmland and into New York’s Adirondack Park. The winding Bosquet River parallels your route back to Lake Champlain for a private cruise across the lake to the Basin Harbor Club. The dockside arrival at the Basin Harbor Club is an impressive beginning to your stay at this classic style lakeside resort. The Harbor, as it is known locally, offers swimming (lake and pool), non-motorized watercraft, tennis, golf, formal dining room, and pub-style restaurant. Evenings on the lake shore are blissfully quiet and restful, and the sunsets are absolutely stunning. Enjoy a festive first-night gathering at one of the resort’s established restaurants.
Cycling Options: 25 and 39 miles (40 km and 62 km)
- 24.9 miles
- The Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club, Vergennes
- Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2The Lake Champlain Basin
Enjoy a morning ride south through rural farmland for a visit to the Crown Point Historic Site. The remains of this 18th century French, and then British, fortress sits along a narrow section of Lake Champlain that was critical to control of this important waterway during the War of 1812. An impressive and unusual stone lighthouse constructed to honor French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, marks the narrow curve in the lake. Wildlife buffs might add a few extra miles to visit a quiet tributary that hosts many resident and migratory birds and wildlife.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to learn more about the history of one of the nation’s most historic and important waterways, or relax at the Basin Harbor Club.This wonderful lakeside oasis is perfect for unwinding in comfortable Adirondack chairs on the lawn overlooking Lake Champlain and Adirondack Mountains to the west. If you’re up for more activity, make use of the club’s tennis courts, golf course, or non-motorized watercraft. Additional cycling options are available upon request. Lunch is on your own today either at the Basin Harbor Club or along the route.This evening enjoy a delicious meal in the dining room overlooking Lake Champlain.
Cycling Options: 18, 33 and 46 miles (29, 53 and 74 km)
- 18 miles
- The Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club, Vergennes
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 3Vergennes and Middlebury
Leave the lake shore behind and wind your way east through rolling farmland to the edge of the Green Mountains. The “Greens” as they are known locally, are part of the northern section of the Appalachian Mountains and the icons for which Vermont—the Green Mountain State—is named. Stop to view the waterfalls in the small village of Vergennes before choosing an optional loop out past Kingsland Bay State Park and over the Little Otter Creek. Grab a bite for lunch in Vergennes or continue straight to Middlebury as there are delicious options in both town centers. Be sure to visit the kitchen shop of a fabulous local chocolatier in Vergennes and sample their creative gourmet chocolate. Stalwart souls may choose to tackle a few of Vermont’s hills on an additional loop offering expansive western views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
All routes converge to continue south along a winding route through picturesque rolling farmland to Middlebury, a historic college town that is the shire town of the county. The downtown area is lined with interesting shops as well as a variety of restaurants. The lovely Swift House Inn, a former governor’s mansion, is just two blocks from the heart of downtown. This evening, dinner is on your own at one of many restaurants in this classic New England college town.
Cycling Options: 20, 34,and 54 mile (32, 54, and 87 km)
- 19.9 miles
- The Swift House Inn, Middlebury
- Breakfast
- Day 4Lake Dunmore, the Falls of Lana, and Station Covered Bridge
This morning’s ride leads through rural valley farmland to Station Covered Bridge, built in1865 to provide a vital east-west link to a nearby railroad shipping station. Continue to the town of Brandon along country roads offering stunning views of the Green Mountains. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Brandon Museum located in the house where Stephen A. Douglas, a leading proponent of democracy and popular sovereignty, was born. Learn more about this 19th century statesman and how the town and surrounding Vermont communities factored in the Civil War.
Following a delicious picnic lunch, join your leaders for the short hike to the Falls of Lana or continue on the climb to Silver Lake for expansive views over the area.Those up for a challenge can tackle the epic ride up Middlebury Gap before returning to the Waybury Inn, a truly classic Vermont country inn, surrounded by huge maple trees. Relax on the patio, in the gardens, or wander over to the Middlebury River.The Waybury Inn holds the distinction of being featured for years in the opening scene of the 1980s TV sitcom Newhart. Enjoy a local microbrew in the Inn’s cozy pub before a hearty dinner in the dining room.
Cycling Options: 21, 31, 39 and 56 miles (33, 50, 62 and 90 km)
Hiking Option: 1 –3 miles round-trip (1.6 - 4.8 km)
- 20.5 miles
- The Waybury Inn, East Middlebury
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5A Classic Town Green & a Mountain Village
Begin your morning with a delightful Vermont country breakfast and then wind your way north through open farmland to Bristol and its classic town green. Bristol retains its small town charm and features a variety of unique shops, including that of a family run beeswax candle maker. Follow the New Haven River toward its headwaters near the tiny hamlet of Lincoln, nestled along the river beneath imposing Mount Abraham. Lincoln’s commercial establishments include its timeless general store and the galleries of a couple of local artists.The route provides numerous photo opportunities of the river, its waterfalls, and boulder strewn riverbed. For super strong cyclists, an epic option up Lincoln Gap will burn the quads of the best of them.
Following lunch on your own in Bristol, follow the river downstream as it meanders west toward Middlebury.Visit Danforth Pewter to watch Fred Danforth creating beautiful pewter crafts as his family has done since 1755. Stop to visit Otter Creek Brewery, Lincoln Peak Winery, or Vermont’s famed natural soap producer, Vermont Soapworks. Enjoy dinner this evening in the inn’s dining room then hit the pub for a night cap or game of darts.
Cycling Options: 35 and 50 miles (56 and 80 km)
- 34.8 miles
- The Waybury Inn, East Middlebury
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 6Cider Mills and Country Stores
Leave the Green Mountains behind this morning as you venture back towards the Lake on your final day’s ride. Pass through one of the country’s only two-lane covered bridges en route to the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm.This architecturally stunning property was created in the late 1800s by Colonel Joseph Battell who began breeding Morgans on this very farm in an effort to preserve the pedigree of America’s first, and many argue finest, breed of horse.Learn more and meet some of the breed’s finest lineage during a private guided tour of the property.
Cross a lovely section of Vermont’s longest river—the Otter Creek—and cycle past orchards and beautiful farms. One last stop in Vergennes offers the opportunity to collect The Daily Chocolate’s irresistible concoctions for the journey home. Continue through Charlotte to Shelburne for a festive seasonal farewell picnic at Shelburne Orchards. The Orchards produce their own cider, cider jack, and lots of baked goodies like donuts and pies. Locals enjoy a steady diet of cider donuts and fresh cider each fall. Visit Fiddlehead Brewing, Shelburne Winery, the eclectic Shelburne Country Store, or stop for an espresso at the coffee shop in town. The tour operator will transport you to the airport in Burlington or to Hotel Vermont/Courtyard Burlington Harbor at the conclusion of your trip.
Cycling Options: 33 and 38 mile (53 and 61 km)
- 32.9 miles
- Breakfast and Lunch