missisquoi valley rail trail

I really enjoyed biking this trail. I got on the trail in Sheldon Jct. and rode toward Enosburg Falls. The views are spectacular. It was fun riding between the rows of corn once we got on the trail. I am impressed that the State of Vermont and its business community have worked out any liabilities issues regarding the use of the trail adjacent to the business community. In one location the trail goes between a local hardware store buildings. Everyone seems to respect each others rights. More important each needs to be responsible to maintain and abide by common sense when using the trail. It is a pleasure to see the business community working and assisting government provide recreational access for pedestrian and bicycle users. Also at one point along the ride were two people using the trail on horseback.

This spot is perfect for the family to walk or bike. Many miles of scenery that you can enjoy while keeping fit. Bring bug spray though or you will regret it.

The trail goes through very beautiful scenic farmland with mountains in the background. It is about 30 miles, so it can easily be done in one direction in a day by leisure cyclists. The trail is hard packed gravel. We had no trouble riding on its on our road bikes, but be prepared for the fact that it is not paved.The trail crosses a busy high speed road many times, and there are no crosswalks or lights. You just need to wait for the traffic to clear. If you have children, you should make sure that they wait for you before crossing. There are excellent B&Bs on both ends on the trail--Back Inn Time in St. Albans, and Grey Gables in Richford.

I had heard of these rail trails and decided to give it a try. The first thing is the gravel is a bit slower than pavement which is to be expected. Route 105 is very noisy and full of trucks so the thought of complete quiet is not possible. Also the noise of the gravel under your tires is constant. I am used to riding the shoulder on all legally admissible bicycle roads and found that the noise of gravel was more bothersome than traffic because there are sometimes long lags between vehicles but there is no letup to the gravel crunching. Of course this may be esoteric and healing to others so take my view for what it is.

On a cloudy day in Vermont, my wife and I, started our bike trail on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail at Sheldon Junction, signed the trail book. This trail starts on a slight upgrade, hard rock/gravel road. It is packed very nicely, and our bikes are road types, handled this trail okay! We passed-bycorn fields, various farms, and all along the Missisquoi river, winding/meandering river! Our final distination was Enosburg Falls, about 8 miles one way. The cows and horses we see along the way, thru forests and farm houses, the ride so challenging and exciting all along this trail.At Enosburg Falls, we found a real nice cafe, had lunch of salads, iced tea and hot coffee! We explored this small town, seen the Falls, the railroads. The sun was shining on and off during the entire ride, the ride back to our vehicle was equally nice and mostly downhill this time! A family with younger children could ride this trail, and could also ride longer past the trail we did!