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Biking
On-Road Biking
& Touring
Many exciting touring opportunities exists for cyclists of all abilities. Bike
paths connecting various parts of Montpelier and other areas of Central Vermont
have recently been constructed or are in the planning stages.
Maps are available from Capitol Stationers at 54 Main Street in Montpelier
(802-223-2393). A map of the Montpelier Recreation Paths is available here in
Adobe Acrobat Reader format (PDF). You can download a free copy of the Reader
via this link: Adobe
Reader. The map is 8.5" x 11".
Montpelier Recreation Paths Map
(47 KB)
The following is a link to the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce's A Guide
to Day Trips in Central Vermont:
http://www.central-vt.com/visit/biketour/index.html
Bike Rentals are available at Onion River Sports in Montpelier: http://www.onionriver.com
Mountain Biking
The Montpelier Area Mountain
Bike Association (MAMBA) is a newly-formed local mountain bike organization,
committed to working with landowners to build and maintain legal mountain bike
trails in the Montpelier area. You can find their website at http://www.bikemamba.org/
Canoeing
Canoeing the Winooski River is a popular pastime. A seven mile stretch begins
at the Lower State Street river entry area and ends at the first falls in Middlesex.
Improvements to this canoe access is one of the many features that will be found
in the new Gateway Park (see map below). At certain times of the year, canoeists
can paddle up or down the North Branch. South of the city, the Winooski River
offers some challenging white water experiences.
Cross Country & Downhill Skiing - Snowshoeing
Trails abound for cross country skiing in Hubbard and North Branch River
Parks. The creation of a cross country ski trail which would encircle the
City and meander throughout its scenic areas is currently being planned. Many
private resorts in the area offer cross country skiing at a modest rate. There
are many downhill and cross country
ski areas within an easy drive of Montpelier.
More information about Hubbard Park and North Branch Park, including
maps, is available at: www.montpelier-vt.org/parks/index.cfm.
Cross Country Ski Sets and Snowshoe Rentals are available at Onion River
Sports in Montpelier: http://www.onionriver.com
Dog River Recreation Field
The Dog River Recreation Area, located on Dog River Road (see map above) across
from the Public Works Garage, has softball fields where summer leagues are held,
and serves as a soccer field for the youth program in the fall. There are picnic
tables and a couple of grills near the river for small get-togethers. More information
about the Dog River Recreation Field can be found at: http://www.mpsvt.org/rec/htm/fac_dog_river.html
Golf
The Montpelier Elks Country Club is a nine hole course built in 1903, located
off of US Route 2. It is open to the public from April 15 to November 15.
|
| Tees and Fees |
| Tees |
Par
|
Yards
|
Slope
|
Fees
|
| Back |
35 |
2739 |
117 |
M-F $17.00 |
| Middle |
35 |
2564 |
114 |
S-S $20.00 |
| Forward |
35 |
2370 |
112 |
Cart $10.00 |
| |
Yardage and fees are approximate. For exact fees and yardage, please call the
course at (802) 223-7457.
The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce offers a Quick Guide To Area Golf Courses
at: http://www.central-vt.com/visit/golf.htm
Hiking
Surprisingly rich hikes in the city can be found in Hubbard and North Branch
Parks. Whether you're interested in a short hike on your lunch break, or would
like to take a river walk with kids, the trails at the Vermont Institute of Natural
Science's North Branch Nature Center - http://www.vinsweb.org/montpelier/index.html
- are just the thing. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted, as well as
a variety of wildlife such as frogs, butterflies and dragonflies. The nature trails
are always open, and there is a guided trail brochure at the Kiosk.
More information about Hubbard Park and North Branch Park, including maps,
is available at: www.montpelier-vt.org/parks/index.cfm.
The Central Vermont region is nationally renowned for its hiking opportunities.
The region offers many hikes for all abilities, including numerous hikeable peaks
of over 4,000 feet in elevation. The Montpelier Section of the Green Mountain
Club schedules frequent outings throughout the area and beyond to match any
season; most are available members and non-members alike. Visit the Green Mountain
Club headquarters on Route 100 in nearby Waterbury for more information on hiking
in Central Vermont.
Green Mountain Club: http://www.greenmountainclub.org
GMC - Montpelier Section: http://www.gmcmontpelier.org
The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce offers more information about hiking in
Central Vermont at:
http://www.central-vt.com/visit/hiking.htm
Montpelier Recreation Field
and Facilities
Located on Elm Street, this park offers something for people of all ages: swim
in the municipal pool, play basketball on the lighted, full court with six baskets;
play volleyball or baseball on the courts and fields; play tennis; or picnic along
the North Branch River. The Skateboard Park is the newest feature and is very
popular.
More information about the facilities can be found at:
http://www.mpsvt.org/rec/htm/fac_rec_field.html
Sightseeing
The rural landscape, historic villages, and area attractions offer breathtaking
views and charming experiences, whether by bike, foot, car, or horse. The Horn
of the Moon Auto Tour - http://www.central-vt.com/visit/autotour/auto2.htm
- is a short, but very scenic tour of the hill country surrounding Montpelier,
where one will find beautiful views of the unspoiled Worcester Range as well as
a most interesting view of Montpelier.
Snowmobiling
Trails for the snow traveler exist in, through, and around the city. Snowmobiles
are allowed in North Branch River Park, but on
the main trail only. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) has
spent over a million dollars on trail grooming, maintenance and construction in
order to provide more than 5,000 miles of trail network throughout the state and
to assure riders a good experience.
VAST trail maps are available at locations throughout the community and by contacting
VAST at (802) 229-0005. Further information about VAST is available at: http://www.vtvast.org
Other sites of interest:
Central Vermont Chamber's
Outdoor Recreation in the Mad River Valley
Flyfishing & Canoeing
in Central Vermont
GolfWeb--Everything Golf on the Worldwide Web
Great Outdoor Recreation Pages
Horseback Riding in Central
Vermont
Updated March 25, 2004 |
