The best riding in the East
Tucked into the remote Northeast Kingdom around the village of East Burke, Kingdom Trails is widely rated the single best mountain-bike network in eastern North America. It threads more than 100 miles of interconnected singletrack, flow trails and old farm cart paths across a patchwork of private land — riding for absolute beginners through expert free-riders, all from one walkable village.
What makes it special isn’t just the trail count; it’s the buttery, purpose-built flow, the pastoral hilltop scenery, and a community that has turned trail-building into an art form.
Darling Hill: the flow zone
The Darling Hill zone, spread over rolling farmland and pine woods, is where Kingdom Trails earned its fame — fast, swooping, machine-smooth flow trails that pump and roll like a roller-coaster.
Sidewinder — a natural roller-coaster of banked berms in a glacial ravine.
Kitchel — the classic finish, tabletops down to the Wildflower Inn’s tiki bar.
Troll Stomper & Heaven’s Bench — approachable warm-ups with big views.
Burke Mountain: the descents
For gravity and technical terrain, Burke Mountain delivers lift-served and climb-to descents — granite rock slabs, exposed roots and high-speed chutes like J-Bar and Lower J-Bar. In summer the Burke Mountain resort runs a bike park that feeds directly into the wider network, and the mountain’s cross-country trails add mellow miles.
A network built on trust
Kingdom Trails exists only because more than 100 private landowners allow trails across their fields and woods — a remarkable, fragile arrangement. That makes rider etiquette essential.
Buy a pass — day and season passes fund the network and its maintenance.
Stay on marked trails — never cut across fields or private yards.
Never ride when wet — muddy trails scar for a season; check the trail report.
Yield and greet — the Kingdom’s friendliness is part of the deal.
Après & the village
East Burke is the perfect base — trailside inns and cabins, bike shops for rentals and repairs, and the legendary Mike's Tiki Bar for a post-ride beer. The Village Sport Shop Trailside cafe fuels riders mid-loop, and the Wildflower Inn anchors Darling Hill. Nearby St. Johnsbury adds museums and dining for a rest day.
Planning your visit
Peak season runs late May through October, with the trails at their tacky best in early summer and gloriously colorful in late September. Buy passes at the East Burke Welcome Center or online, bring a trail map (the network is vast and signage rewards attention), and pack for mountain weather. First-timers should start on Darling Hill’s green and blue flow before graduating to Burke’s technical descents.
Good to know
Where is Kingdom Trails?+
In East Burke, in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, about 1h15 east of Burlington — Caledonia County.
Do I need a pass?+
Yes — a day or season pass is required and funds the landowner-supported network; buy it at the Welcome Center or online.
Is it good for beginners?+
Very — the Darling Hill zone has flowy green and blue trails, while Burke Mountain holds the expert, technical terrain.
When is the best time to ride?+
Late May through October; early summer for tacky trails and late September for foliage.
What’s the etiquette?+
Stay on marked trails, never ride them wet, buy a pass, and respect the private landowners who make it all possible.