Green Mountain Loop

[bikergram]

A friend and I are planning a Vermont Loop clockwise (start Burlington and head north & east first) in July (2021). We're using the ACA gpx files for most of the trip but doing some modification. Looking for any experience others have had regarding the route and especially the alternates. Any information is helpful.

For the first day, we will start off the ACA route and go north through the Champlain Islands, take Rt 78 bridge to Swanton. Then next to Newport.
Our third day destination is St Johnsbury, but we are thinking of again going off the ACA route and taking Rt 5 out of Newport to Derby Center and then Morgan Rd to rejoin the main route & eliminate about 5 miles and some climbing. But maybe Rt 5 there is not a good idea?

Next question is about the route after St Johnsbury - the main route goes into New Hampshire. There's an alternate that stays in Vermont, goes through Peacham, Topsham, Corinth. I was told it's scenic but another person really enjoyed the New Hampshire section of the ride. Does anyone have personal experience or suggestions?
Thanks for any help!

[BikeliciousBabe]

If you look on Street View you will see that U.S. 5 from Newport to Derby Center is quite busy, at least during "regular business hours."

I did ACA's supported Cycle Vermont tour way back in 2010. We followed some of the Green Mountains Loop. The Peacham, Topsham, etc., route is classic Vermont.

[amywally]

FYI - I am working on an update of the Green Mountains Loop gpx files right now. The update will include some new routing to include more miles on rail trails. It will also incorporate many updates to the services.

If you have already purchased the gpx files, you can get the updated files for free by logging into your adventurecycling.org account, going to Purchases, and if the new update has been published, there will be a button to download the new version.

The new version will be published sometime next week (second week in June).

Amy Wally
Routes Department
Adventure Cycling Association