More Than a Ride: Early Summer in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
More Than a Ride: Early Summer in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
One of the questions we hear from guests staying at Burke Basecamp is what else they should explore while they're here. Most people come for Kingdom Trails—and for good reason—but there's usually plenty of time to enjoy many of the other experiences that make the Northeast Kingdom such a special place. That's one of the things we love most about staying here ourselves: a great ride often becomes the beginning of a memorable day, with each experience naturally leading to the next.
Early summer is one of our favorite times to ride. The trails are in great shape, the forests are bright green, temperatures are comfortable, and the crowds of peak summer haven't quite arrived yet.
But what makes a great Northeast Kingdom trip is how naturally the trails become part of everything else that's happening around them. A morning on Kingdom Trails can turn into an afternoon exploring Craftsbury, a swim in a cold lake, a stop at a farm stand, or a scenic drive through some of Vermont's most beautiful countryside.
One easy adventure is heading over to Craftsbury. Most visitors know the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for its nationally recognized Nordic skiing, but it's worth visiting year-round. Their growing network of mountain bike trails offers a quieter, more rugged experience than Kingdom Trails and is often surprisingly uncrowded. Like so much in the Northeast Kingdom, the trails feel closely tied to the landscape around them. On a warm day, you can follow up a ride with a swim in Hosmer Pond, rent a rowing shell, or simply relax by the water and enjoy the view.
While you're in Craftsbury, it's worth stopping at Pete's Greens. Their farm stand is stocked with fresh vegetables, flowers, and local products and offers a glimpse into the agricultural roots that still define much of the Northeast Kingdom.
Another favorite destination is Greensboro. Caspian Lake remains one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, and the village itself feels like a step back in time. While you're there, a stop at Jasper Hill Farm is almost mandatory. Their award-winning cheeses have earned international recognition, but what we appreciate most is how deeply connected the farm remains to the local landscape and agricultural community. Vermont's dairy heritage runs deep, and Jasper Hill is a wonderful example of how that tradition continues to thrive.
One of our favorite ways to explore the Northeast Kingdom is to wander down a back road and see where it leads.
You'll find self-serve farm stands selling eggs, maple syrup, flowers, vegetables, and whatever happens to be coming out of the ground that week. Firefly Farm is one of our favorite stops, especially during the growing season. Their farm stand is stocked with seasonal produce and local products, and it's one of those places where you can feel the connection between the farms, the food, and the community. If they have their homemade veggie burgers available, do yourself a favor and grab a pack. They're fantastic. But half the fun is stumbling across places you weren't expecting.
Another favorite stop is Burke Mountain Maple on Kirby Road. Their shop offers everything from maple syrup and maple sugar to maple candy and other thoughtfully crafted maple products. If you're looking to bring a little piece of Vermont home with you, it's hard to think of a better place to stop.
One place we find ourselves returning to again and again is Lake Willoughby. Carved by glaciers and framed by steep cliffs, it's one of Vermont's most dramatic landscapes. The lake itself is worth the drive, whether you're swimming, paddling, or simply taking in the view from the shoreline. On a clear day, it's one of those places that makes you pull over just to take it all in.
If you're looking to stretch your legs, Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor offer some of the best hiking in the region. Both provide spectacular views of Lake Willoughby and the surrounding mountains and are a great reminder that the Northeast Kingdom has far more to offer than outstanding mountain biking.
And that's only scratching the surface. Spend a little time wandering through the small towns of the Northeast Kingdom and you'll find independent shops, great local restaurants, museums, breweries, live music, and plenty of unexpected places worth exploring. One of the things we love most about staying in Burke is knowing there's always another road to take or another place to discover just a few miles away. We'll save some of our favorite local spots for another day.
One of the things we appreciate most about staying in Burke is how naturally all of these experiences fit together. The trails wind through working farmland and forests. The back roads connect lakes, farms, small towns, and trailheads. A morning ride can naturally flow into an afternoon exploring somewhere new, creating the kind of day that keeps us coming back year after year.