Kingdom Trails

East Burke, Vermont

Slippery roots. Exposed wet granite. Impossibly steep climbs. Black flies. Tight singletrack beneath a deep green forest canopy. As any hearty Vermont mountain biker will tell you, these are the traits that distinguish New England riding. Some of the best riders in the world got their start in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Chances are, if you can handle the technical challenges found here, you can stay upright anywhere.

This IMBA Epic visits one of the last truly wild areas in the lower 48 - Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The ride features twisty singletrack, frequent climbs, and views of rolling green hills that distinguish the region. Burlington, Vermont, and Paris-like Montreal are within a few hours drive of this IMBA Epic location, dispelling the myth that the Northeast Kingdom is in the "middle of nowhere." The Green Mountains are white much of the year so make plans now to mountain bike Vermont during its short but splendid riding season.

Location: The Kingdom Trails Epic is located near East Burke in northeast Vermont, 2 hours by car east of Burlington.

Length: 35 miles

Elevation: 800 to 1,800 ft

Climbing: 4,000 ft

Terrain: Twisty singletrack, dirt roads through forests and farmlands, rolling climbs and descents.

Season: May to late October

Highlight: Views of Lake Willoughby, a land-locked fjord surrounded by cliffs

Details: Kingdom Trails Association Summer Map

Club: Kingdom Trails Association; 802-626-8321, http://www.kingdomtrails.org

Shop: East Burke Sports; 802-626-3215, http://www.eastburkesports.com

Lodging: Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association, 888-884-8001, http://www.travelthekingdom.com

Brew: Trout River Brewery, Lyndonville

More: Home of Burke Mountain Academy, a ski racing academy that has developed numerous Olympic competitors.