Cross VT Bike Trail – Day 1 (Wells River)

Ahh Vermont!  A view from the Cross Vermont Trail over the Wells River

A bike trail clear across the state of Vermont.  What’s not to love about that?  While warming up for a longer bike trip later in the spring, I decided to tackle the Cross-Vermont Bike Trail.  At about 90 miles, in theory the trail can be ridden in a single day.  As I was 1) out of shape, 2) riding solo, and 3) unsupported, this meant that I would need to ride each section twice – once to ride and twice to get back to my car.  I decided to ride east-to-west, meaning the first few rides would be easy to manage.  For my summary and a few conclusions about the trail, go here.

Trail’s end … or start

So day 1 was from Wells River on the NH border to the point where the trail enters Groton State Forest – just 12 miles (24 round trip).  Following the railbed of the old Montpelier and Wells River Railroad for the most part, this day’s ride was quite enjoyable – definitely one of the better segments of trail.

Wells River

12 turtles sunning themselves

The trail in the Wells River Nature Trails area

I think my favorite part was a 2-mile section centered on where the trail crosses I-91, known as the Wells River Nature Trails.    I’d like to get back sometime and check out the walking trails there.

Groton VT, from the trail

Trailside granite art – Groton VT

Once out of Wells River, the trail has few services, as there’s not much in South Ryegate and it passes Groton on the opposite side of the river.  The section west of Groton Village was the least enjoyable part of the day’s ride, with the trail either wet, rough, or sandy until finally rejoining Route 302.

Go to Day 2

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