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? You can book a two-night package (Friday night at Spikehorn Yurt AND Saturday night at Chittenden Brook Hut) in one reservation.

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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
Fully stocked country stores with delicious local brews, hot coffee, pastries, and signature maple creemees

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Two creemee stands
Bike shop, inns, gas stations, and other small town amenities
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

There are lots of ways to ride the Heart of the Greens depending on which direction you go or how many miles you pack into a day. Below are three general suggestions.

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)

This is the classic overnighter for the hardy trail rider looking to pack as much into two days as possible. Stuffing 38 miles and over 5000’ of vert into two days is a tall order, but it’ll all be worth it when you roll into the cozy Chittenden Brook Hut on night one 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)

Make the most of your weekend and ease into your adventure. A short pedal on Friday night 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)

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

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Maps & details

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

Get the Deets!

LODGING

This route is serviced by three accommodations in the Vermont Huts Association 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.