Vermont Biking Trails

A girl riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a lush green forest, with a black and white dog following behind.
A girl riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a lush green forest, with a black and white dog following behind.

Love to ride?   The Paw House Inn is located in the midst of cycling heaven.  Downhill, mountain, trail, road - central Vermont has it all! Do not forget to pack your bikes or rent them at:

Alpine Bikes, Killington
Rutland City Bikes (private group tour rides offered)

Trail biking in Rutland, Vermont.
Trail biking in Rutland, Vermont.

Trail Biking

We are incredibly fortunate to have some of the world’s best curated dog friendly trail riding terrain for any level of rider. all within a short drive from the inn. Here are some parks and forest trails that we love.

Pine Hill Park and the Redfield Carriage Trails 

One of the best treasures of the Rutland region and ten minutes from The Paw House Inn,  Pine Hill Park offers 16 miles of single-track trail spread over 325 acres of terrain offering some of the very best mountain biking in the central Vermont region.

Slate Valley Trails

Another outstanding dog friendly hiking and biking venue is Slate Valley Trails.  Only 20 minutes from the inn, Slate Valley offers many miles of trails and stunning views all designed for every level of adventuring.

​Shurburne-Killington Trail and Gifford State Forrest

Maintained by the Killington Mountain Bike Club on Green Mountain National Forest and through a partnership with the Town of Killington and U.S. Forest Service, these trails offer the very best of Killington’s trail riding terrain. You will find multi-use beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain as well as easy access to the back side of Kent Pond where you can take a dip on a warm day.

Chittenden Reservoir and Lefferts Pond Trails

In the winter, this trail is a snowmobile trail, and in the summer it is transformed into a wide, scenic, adventuresome, cascading ride with easy access to lakes and streams that weave throughout the terrain. This is NOT a technical rider’s dream, nor is it steep. Instead, it is an outstanding beginner - intermediate track that teems with wildlife - In fact, the back side of the trail buffers the lake and a loon preserve where you can experience the haunting sounds of loons serenading you while you enjoy a day on your bike. Bring a snack. You’ll want to spend some time here.

Downhill Mountain Biking

For many, downhill mountain biking conjures high speeds, big air, and a fair share of wipeouts. But here in Vermont, the experts at Killington Mountain are making the sport far more approachable. With beginner-friendly trails, quality rentals, and expert instruction, you can ride the lift up and cruise your way back down with confidence. Don’t be surprised if you’re smiling by the time you hit the bottom. It’s all just a short drive from The Paw House Inn—an easy way to add a little adventure to your stay before heading back to relax (with your dog, of course).

Gentle Biking and Rail Trails

Vermont may be hilly, but there are some fantastic flat trails for easier riding and e-bikes.

D-H Rail Trail

From the campus of Castleton State College just 10 minutes from the inn, this trail delves into lush pockets of northern hardwood trees and provides a glimpse of Vermont farmland. After 7 miles you'll reach Poultney, near the Vermont/New York border.

Burlington Greenway Trail

One of our most memorable experiences of living here in Vermont is riding on Burlington’s Greenway Trail. This 14 mile ride (one way) takes you across Lake Champlain from Burlington, Vermont to South Hero with a super cool ferry halfway between the two. On either side of the adventure are eclectic restaurants, crafty shops, farm stands, and so much more. And the ride. Oh, the ride. Stunning. You can rent bikes or ebikes at Locol Motion in Burlington.