Champlain Valley Cruise

This is the Champlain Valley, characterized by flat, fertile farmland and long vistas in all directions. This is an easy 36 miles and is especially recommended for people who are ready to move up from “rambles” to an easy “cruise.” It’s also possible to shorten the ride if time doesn’t permit the whole route. This is about as flat as a Vermont bike ride can get. Pick a high gear as you start and, if you wish, leave it there for most of the ride. It’s a beautiful trip any time of year, but is especially recommended for fall, during the waterfowl migration. Canada geese regularly stop here, and in recent years large flocks of snow geese have adopted the Dead Creek area as a resting point in their migration from the eastern arctic to the southern states. The parking area where the ride begins is part of the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. In October, the peak of the migration, you’ll find yourself in the company of lots of bird-watchers. Canada geese tend to arrive earlier in the month, snow geese a little later. If seeing the geese is a goal (and it’s a very impressive sight), plan to start the ride early in the morning when they’re likely to be feeding and moving from field to field. Winds off the lake can be cold. If you plan a fall trip, bring extra clothing.