Mountain Biking Heaven is in East Burke, Vermont

Back in May 2019, when I was just a mere sophomore in college and had just gotten into mountain biking, I read an article that claimed the Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont to be among the best in the country. Ever since that day, I wanted to try out this claim for myself. Finally, after failing to plan a trip with busy friends and a global pandemic going, I decided to go alone, after a little push from my barber.

In July 2021, I finally set out to experience all the Kingdom Trails had to offer and boy was it amazing. It was so good that I went again with two friends three months later in October. Spoiler alert: I want to go again in the spring or summer. I might even want to live there. Rarely are trails so good paired with such a perfect little town, but in Northeastern Vermont, they are. East Burke and the Kingdom Trails make for such an ideal experience that I can only call them mountain biking heaven.

The Kingdom Trails:

For any locale to be called a mountain biking paradise, it has to have some great trails, and boy the Kingdom Trails are great. As I explained to one of my friends, the Kingdom Trails are like having every good spot to mountain bike within 40 minutes of where we live in New Jersey altogether, plus more variation in trails, more elevation, and breathtaking Vermont views. So yes, they are that good.

The Kingdom Trails Association, the ones behind this expansive network, was founded in 1994 after a local bike shop owner and politician combined forces to build trails on private land (for more of that story, check out this article). Now, the network boasts more than 100 miles of trail across the land from more than 100 private landowners. There’s something truly lovely about all those people volunteering their land for the good of the community. On top of that, their annual economic impact is somewhere around the $10,000,000 mark.

So what’s the catch? That’s the best part there isn’t one. There’s something for everyone. Want to ride downhill? Head to black bear and prepare for bike park-style trails. Want an epic trail ride? Link up the many excellent trails on Darling Hill. I am blown away by the sheer diversity of riding options there. One of my favorite parts of my first trip there was commuting to town every morning by riding some sweet singletrack from my AirBnb (Upper Pond Loop across Burke Hollow Road -> Ware’s Davis -> White School into town for breakfast). Speaking of food, the town itself offers lots of places to grab a pre-or post-ride meal, with friendly locals as well.

East Burke, Vermont:

If the Kingdom Trails are the peanut butter, the town of East Burke is the jelly. The town is small and cute but still has just what you need. It’s got cafes, restaurants, bars, even a general store that has great sandwiches not to mention local art. Furthermore, the locals are welcoming. I’d personally never really traveled alone before I went in July but, the town’s locals greeted me with a wonderful small-town warmth. Some of the most fun places for me were the aforementioned general store, Mike’s Tiki Bar, and the Burke Publick House. My friend and I also had a hard-earned beer at Village Sports Shop Trailside- which sits on top of the Trails at Darling Hill. East Burke is lovely to be in and a great place to end your ride.

With all that East Burke has to offer, it provides for an unforgettable mountain biking experience. Whether it's the excellent and diverse trails, the nature views, the welcoming atmosphere, or the restaurants serving fresh food, it's got it all. I, for one, can’t wait to go back.