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Intermediate/Advanced — Trails and Roads (Climbs and technical riding)
A long climb on single track and dirt road up past one of Vermont's largest horse farms followed by a long gradual descent. Spectacular views of Bird Mountain.
The ride starts just east of Castleton, Vermont across from an old drive-in theater. From Rutland, take Route 4 west to Exit 5. Head toward Route 4A and you will see a parking area at the intersection.
From the parking area, head east toward West Rutland on Route 4A. Ride carefully for there is a very narrow shoulder. Use this as a warm-up for the climb ahead.
Just after a mile, start looking for a "Road Closed" sign on the right. You'll see a white house on your left as you approach and an older farmhouse directly across from the trail entrance.
There is a private driveway (to a log home) at the start of the abandoned Town road (the road is known locally as Piontek Road) so take the single track route up through goldenrod — it will be the trail to the right that starts up over an old bridge. The first quarter-mile is nice single track climbing until you arrive at a small power line.
The climbing is more difficult the rest of the way — lots of ledge outcrops, loose cobbles, and ruts. This will be interesting climbing for the experienced rider. Others may have to do some pushing. Notice the old concrete culvert just before mile 2.
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A friendly horse watches us start out.
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You will cross under a major power line, with a nice view off toward the east, and continue up single track, picking up a dirt road (Staso Road) at mile 2.2.
The climbing gets easier on the dirt road as you pedal up to Heavensgate Farm — an apple orchard. Catch your breath on the level stretch and cruise down the steep little hill — being prepared to turn left up toward Pond Hill Ranch. (mile 3.4)
It will be a half-mile climb up to Pond Hill Ranch. There will likely be a lot of activity on the road so stay alert. You are likely to encounter some riders – I like to slow down and sometimes dismount, so as to not spook the animals. The road cuts right through the busy operation. (Pond Hill Ranch has been operating for over three decades and has a popular series of Saturday night rodeos from July through Labor Day.)
The bike route proceeds straight ahead on the narrow dirt road. Watch for horses, and their droppings, as you start the downhill ride.
This is a great downhill section — nearly two miles on am ranging from moderate to rather exciting. At mile 5.5, there'll be a dirt road coming in from the right and just up on the left, an old cemetery and a new log home.
You will cross under a major power line, with a nice view off toward the east, and continue up single track, picking up a dirt road (Staso Road) at mile 2.2.
The climbing gets easier on the dirt road as you pedal up to Heavensgate Farm — an apple orchard. Catch your breath on the level stretch and cruise down the steep little hill — being prepared to turn left up toward Pond Hill Ranch. (mile 3.4)
It will be a half-mile climb up to Pond Hill Ranch. There will likely be a lot of activity on the road so stay alert. You are likely to encounter some riders – I like to slow down and sometimes dismount, so as to not spook the animals. The road cuts right through the busy operation. (Pond Hill Ranch has been operating for over three decades and has a popular series of Saturday night rodeos from July through Labor Day.)
The bike route proceeds straight ahead on the narrow dirt road. Watch for horses, and their droppings, as you start the downhill ride.
This is a great downhill section — nearly two miles on am ranging from moderate to rather exciting. At mile 5.5, there'll be a dirt road coming in from the right and just up on the left, an old cemetery and a new log home.
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Some Holsteins from Hampshire Hill Farm
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Turn left at the intersection and enjoy some level riding on the more-traveled road. Start up a moderate climb past a number of seasonal homes and at mile 6.2, you'll be on top and glide down a gentle run. Look off to the left for a pretty view (Hampshire Hollow Farm) and turn left at the next dirt road which is a jeep trail that goes along the brook. (mile 6.4)
Pedal up the shady lane and in a half mile, you'll come to a small bridge. Note that the farmers have a ford across the brook for their heavy equipment. Now you will have some serious climbing, past a number of small upper hay fields and at mile 7.4, past a large summer home. Now the road reverts to a jeep trail and at mile 7.7, comes to a "Y" intersection. (The road to your right, although more heavily traveled, is gated off.)
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Bird Mountain |
Take the left fork and enjoy some interesting riding on the shady jeep trail. There's lots of ruts, several climbs, and a snowmobile bridge. After crossing the creek, there is one more short climb and then you can start down. Watch out for the tricky spots with lots of rocks and ruts as you descend. You'll come to a camp at mile 10. You’re on Birdseye Road.
Cross over the bridge and get ready for some nice downhill riding on dirt road. Just as you start down, you'll come to a clearing with a pavilion and picnic tables — this was once part of the Birdseye Mountain ski area which operated from 1955-1964. Just below, you'll have a great view of Bird Mountain (2216’). This is easy downhill riding with one small climb at mile 11.4. As you descend, you will pass more and more homes and end up with a level stretch of road and a quick climb up to Route 4A (mile 13.3) Turn left and head toward Castleton.
Again, be careful on the highway — take it easy and enjoy the smooth riding. You will pedal past another Pond Hill stable and at mile 14.5, cruise past the place where you started up the old Town road. Enjoy the last mile back to the car. Food and drink are up ahead in Castleton
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