The Heart of the Greens Velomont Loop

The Heart of the Greens is the first completed multi-day segment of the Velomont. This loop captures the Velomont’s vision and turns it into reality—a purpose-built, singletrack trail that connects rural communities and trail networks, with backcountry huts along the way.

Ready to ride? Read our suggested itineraries and lodging options below.

A PERFECT VT TRAIL ADVENTURE

  • Miles of modern backcountry adaptive-friendly mountain bike flow trail 
  • Classic Vermont back roads connect single track with minimal time on pavement 
  • Connectivity to surrounding trail networks for modified route options and extra miles 
  • A backcountry hut, high in the hills, with ADA accessibility, solar powered lights, heat, and comfy bunks 
  • A bike shop, inns, and fully stocked country stores with delicious local brews, hot coffee, pastries, and signature maple creemees

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Two creemee stands 
  • Long range views of the Green Mountains and White River Valley 
  • Swimming holes, scenic vistas, and ridgeline rambles 
  • Links the Rochester Valley Trails with the Green Mountain Trail network for a combined 60+ total miles of trails 
  • A thrilling gravity-induced ride down the legendary “100 turns” and 1500’ of Tunnel Ridge to drop you back into town after an epic 2 day+ adventure in the Green Mountains 

How to Ride & Book

The Heart of the Greens Loop can be ridden clockwise or counterclockwise, and has many starting points along the way. To make it easier for you, we’ve created three common itineraries to choose from with the suggested accommodations for each.

Take a look at the itinerary below, and once you’ve decided how you want to ride the Heart of the Greens, head on over to our Huts page, click on the hut you’d like to book, and click “Check Availability.” This will bring up our booking calendar and will show you which days are available in green.

PRO TIP: We’re offering a limited number of reservation packages for the Weekend’r ride—book your stay at Spikehorn Yurt AND Chittenden Brook Hut in one reservation. CLICK HERE.

One Night’r (Clockwise)
  • Night 1: Chittenden Brook Hut

This is the classic overnighter for the hardy trail rider looking to pack as much into two days as possible (ie: 38 miles and over 5000’ of climbing). But it’ll all be worth it when you roll into the cozy Chittenden Brook Hut for a solid night’s sleep before another big day to get back into town.

 

  • Day One: 20.5 Miles 

    • Start: Downtown Rochester 

    • End: Chittenden Brook Hut 

  • Day Two: 17.5 Miles 

    • Start: Chittenden Brook Hut 

    • End: Downtown Rochester 

Weekend’r (Clockwise)
  • Night 1: Spikehorn Yurt
  • Night 2: Chittenden Brook Hut

Make the most of your weekend and ease into your adventure.  A short pedal on Friday gets you out on the trails and to the Spikehorn Yurt. On day two, Pittsfield is strategically located halfway through your ride to give you ample opportunity to stock up for the rest of your trip. But make sure you fill your bags, you won’t be seeing civilization again until you finish your ride on Sunday back in Rochester. 

 

  • Day One: 2.5 Miles
    • Start: Downtown Rochester 
    • End: Spikehorn Yurt 
  • Day Two: 18 Miles 
    • Start: Spikehorn Yurt
    • End: Chittenden Brook Hut 
  • Day Three: 17.5 Miles 
    • Start: Chittenden Brook Hut 
    • End: Downtown Rochester 
Comfort Class (Counter Clockwise)
  • Night 1: Stable Inn
  • Night 2: Chittenden Brook Hut

This option sandwiches the big backcountry day between two more manageable days that offer amenities on either side of your journey. Night one has you staying at the state-of-the-art inn and hostel “The Stable Inn” in downtown Rochester. Enjoy a shower, dinner in town, and even a fresh breakfast at Sandy’s or the Rochester Cafe before heading out for two more days of riding. 

 

  • Day One: 10.5 Miles
    • Start: Downtown Pittsfield 
    • End: Stable Inn 
  • Day Two: 17.5 Miles 
    • Start: Stable Inn
    • End: Chittenden Brook Hut 
  • Day Three: 10 Miles 
    • Start: Chittenden Brook Hut 
    • End: Downtown Pittsfield 
Heart of the Greens Reservation Packages

What:

  • Two-nights, two separate huts, one reservation.

Where:

  • Spikehorn Yurt—Friday night
  • Chittenden Brook Hut—Saturday night

When:

  • JUNE 20 & 21, 2025
  • JULY 4 & 5, 2025
  • JULY 25 & 26, 2025

 

Searching Availability...

Maps & details

Visit the Heart of the Greens link on Ride with GPS to see detailed maps and trail descriptions.

LODGING

  • This route is serviced by three accommodations in the Vermont Huts & Trails Network: 
    • The Spikehorn Yurt sleeps six and is located 2.5 trail miles from downtown Rochester. Reserve Online. 
    • The Chittenden Brook Hut is ADA-accessible, sleeps 10, and is located at roughly the halfway point on the loop if starting from Rochester. Reserve Online. 
    • The Stable Inn is an independently owned and operated lodging option with private rooms and hostel-like accommodations located in downtown Rochester. Reserve Online. 
  • Additional lodging options include: 
    • Shrek’s Cabin (Operated by Riverside Farm) is located at the top of the Green Mountain Trails network accessible via a spur from the Velomont-Contest Loop. Three trail miles from Pittsfield. 
    • A quick google search will yield plenty of additional lodging options including inns, B&B’s, hotels, and Air BnB’s to suit your particular needs.

PARKING

  • Overnight parking for this route is available at the following locations: 
    • GMNF Ranger Station in Rochester
    • Rochester Park & Ride 
    • Pittsfield Park & Ride 
    • Upper Michigan Road Trailhead 
    • Chittenden Brook Trailhead
    • Bottom of Chittenden Brook Road 
  • Please help us maintain good relationships with our neighbors and do not park at any other location for overnight trips. 
  • Please carpool and lock your car and hide belongings. 

Photos of Recent Adventures

With Gratitude to Our Partners

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