Hiking, Biking, & More

Highland Lodge is a proud supporter and member of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) — a nonprofit dedicated to building and sustaining exceptional mountain bike experiences across Vermont through advocacy, education, and community-driven trail stewardship.

Over the years, VMBA has helped build more than 250 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails across the state and supports the maintenance of thousands of trail miles annually, ensuring Vermont’s riding stays world-class, sustainable, and accessible.

A VMBA membership also comes with some solid perks: statewide trail access, discounts and kickbacks at partner businesses, and special offers throughout the Vermont riding community. If you’re planning to explore the trails while you’re here, it’s well worth checking out their member benefits — and supporting the work that keeps Vermont riding so good.

Highland Lodge & Cabins sits on 136 acres of protected forest and wetlands, with private lake access and a long sandy beach on Lake Caspian. While summer invites weeks of lakeside lounging and slow mornings, spring and fall are when this place really hums—especially for gravel riders.

As the trails dry out and reopen, the gravel roads come alive: quiet, rolling, and blissfully uncrowded, before (or after) peak-season chaos sets in. Our corner of Vermont is widely regarded as some of the best gravel riding in the country, a reputation cemented by author David Sobel, who dedicated an entire chapter of Best Bike Rides in New England to the routes right outside our door. Long miles, big views, and roads that feel purpose-built for getting pleasantly lost.

Beyond bikes, there’s plenty of room to roam—mountain biking, hiking into the Green Mountains for rewarding views, or wandering your way to glacial lakes and hidden waterfalls tucked into nearby rivers and streams. If you’re looking to venture beyond the Lodge, our staff is always happy to point you toward favorite routes, rides, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.



Our goal is simple: to share the gem that is our little corner of Vermont—which is resplendent in every season for different reasons.

At barely more than 2,100 feet, Barr Hill does not loom large in Vermont's montane landscape. What it lacks in height is more than compensated by the extensive vistas offered. At various points in the 0.8-mile trail extending along the hill's sloping summit, visitors can spy Jay Peak to the north, New Hampshire's Mount Washington to the southeast and even Killington, some 75 miles to the south. The base of the trail starts right past our very own Wolf Cabin on Smith Road. In the Summer, most of the trail is shaded and cool, with a few exceptions. In the Winter, folks enjoy strapping into their snow shoes or micro spikes and heading out into the crisp mountain air. After a short but sweet hike up to Barr Hill, you can meander down to our House Bar for a Bee's Knees cocktail- made with the namesake Barr Hill Gin from Caledonia Spirits.



Read more about our beloved Barr Hill Trail in this Seven Days Publishing.

Just down the road from Highland Lodge, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s COS Trails offer something for every kind of rider. Think old-school technical singletrack woven through fields and forests, paired with flowy sculpted berms, a progressive pump track, and a skills park that’s as fun for first-timers as it is for seasoned shredders.

When the ride wraps up, roll through the historic villages of Craftsbury and Craftsbury Common for a dose of classic Vermont—quiet roads, white steeples, and the kind of small-town charm that pairs perfectly with a post-ride beer back at the Lodge.



Kingdom Trails is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated trail networks in the world, drawing riders from far beyond Vermont for its thoughtful design, impeccable maintenance, and sheer variety of terrain. With more than 100 miles of singletrack, it delivers everything from buttery flow and sculpted berms to more technical, leg-burning challenges—arguably some of the best riding east of the Rockies.

The network pairs seamlessly with Burke Mountain, where lift-served downhill riding is available on weekends during the season. On off-days, season pass holders can take advantage of uphill travel, allowing riders to pedal-access both systems and move fluidly between trail networks—an uncommon and much-loved perk that keeps the riding dynamic all week long.

The fun doesn’t stop when the snow falls. Through the winter months, Kingdom Trails grooms miles of fat bike–specific singletrack, keeping the riding world-class year-round, even deep into the NEK winter.

And once the legs are cooked, we always point guests toward Mike’s Tiki Bar in downtown East Burke—a beloved local hang for strong drinks, great lunch, live music, and the kind of post-ride storytelling that stretches well past sunset.

One of the best ways to explore the Vermont countryside is to get out and ride! Situated right in the heart of Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge's 2,600 acres feature an extensive mountain bike trail network with two skills’ parks. Ride 8 miles of expert and intermediate single track, or more than 20 miles of double track through mountains, fields and forests. Ride Hop Over or Lager Lane to the von Trapp Brewery Bierhall... the best trailhead ever! Great for all riding levels, replete with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Plan to pit stop and take a gander at their Highland Cattle or stop and pet the pesky goats on site. 

Their Rental Shop offers high-quality bike rentals through Giant Bicycles, as well as repair services and riding lessons. Purchase your Mountain Biking Season Pass  here.

Trail Forks Map

About 45 minutes from Highland lodge you will find Owlshead Mountain Trail situated in the picturesque and diverse Groton State Forest... a quick & easy 3.2 mile, moderately trafficked trail located near Peacham featuring beautiful wild flowers and good for all skill levels. The trail offers several activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail, although required kept on leash. A relatively easy hike, with two different approaches ending in stunning views of both Lake Groton and Kettle Pond, in Groton, Vermont. We love to pack a lunch, and perhaps a few cold brews and enjoy the stunning views.

This glacial masterpiece is at the base of The Willoughby State Forest- surrounded on either side by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, collectively known as the "Willougby Gap." Enjoy a hike up Mt. Pisgah (rated moderately difficult on trail finder) to work up a sweat before diving into this cold reprieve. There is a trail parking area located on the west side of Vermont Route 5A at the south end of Lake Willoughby. The trailhead is marked by a sign on the opposite side of the road. 



Willoughby Lake has a public beach that stretches 0.4 kilometers (0.25 mi) on the north shore of the lake, or in the zone of the lake outlet. Another public beach is located at the bottom of the South Bay of the Lake. Be forewarned, (or not!), should you venture too far off the beaten path, you will end up at a nudist beach!

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Access
Highland Lodge is just a 5-mile ride from the nearest entrance to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, with access through Greensboro Bend. Stretching over 90 scenic miles from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, the LVRT winds through charming towns like Hardwick and Morrisville, offering a smooth, car-free adventure perfect for cyclists of all levels.

Whether you're planning a multi-day ride or just out for an afternoon cruise, Highland Lodge makes a great overnight pit stop—comfortable cabins, a cold beer on the porch, and sweeping views of Lake Caspian await.

Need help with logistics? Reach out to schedule a drop-off or pick-up through Lamoille Valley Bike Tours, or stop by their shop for bike rentals, trail tips, and more!

The quiet backroads and rolling hills surrounding Highland Lodge have earned high praise from gravel biking enthusiasts—including author David Sobel, who highlights the area in his book Best Bike Rides in New England. With endless route options, sweeping views, and hardly any traffic, it’s a dream for riders looking to explore Vermont’s rugged terrain at their own pace. Whether you're out for a mellow loop or a full-day adventure, the gravel scene here does not disappoint.

Located right up the road from us, Mountain View Country Club is a family friendly club founded in 1898 in beautiful Greensboro. They are a non-profit social and recreational club offering guest and visitor playing privileges while also welcoming new members. The club features 7 clay tennis courts that are among the finest in the area, as well as a challenging par 35, 2,816-yard, nine-hole golf course hugging the contours of our hillside location and offering spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Caspian Lake. Please reach out to MVCC for information on daily rates and passes to use their facilities.