Explore the scenic rural hills of Bethel and surrounding White River Valley towns. Get a taste of local foods, farm offerings, historic sites and creative sector businesses. Try the e-bike experience on this self-guided tour.
Come early for free goodies, workshops, rides and activities at Trail Fest!
FREE Rentals from Vermont Bike & Brew
Call 802-274-2277 to Reserve!
We have a limited number of free e-bike rentals available from Vermont Bike & Brew. Call Jonas to reserve. First come, first served. You will need to provide a credit card number to reserve, for security, but your card will not be charged. After free rentals are gone, additional bikes are available for $75 each. You do not need to register if you’re bringing your own bike.
Click to open interactive map of the tour routes
About the Tour
This free event will offer two route choices through the Bethel area.
You will:
Choose a route from two options (~21 and 22 mile loops; some shortcuts available). Scroll down for an interactive map of the routes and stops.
Go at your own pace and stop where you like at farm stands, food joints, historic sites and other creative shops (we’ll give you a map)
Finish by 2:30 at Babes Bar. Wind down with a craft cocktail or brew and stay for the cribbage tournament.
Bring:
An appetite, a small backpack, and cash so you can sample the wares along the route and bring some home for later (many rural farmstands don’t take credit)
The right gear to stay safe and comfortable. We recommend:
Bright or light colored shirt or safety vest for visibility
Layers so you can adjust based on temperature
Sunscreen and a water bottle
BYOB (bring your own bike) if you have one or miss out on a free rental. Non-electric bikes are welcome, too — just be ready for a workout! You can also try other local bike shops to rent your own. Helmets required. Look into:
The Gear House in Randolph (not open Sundays, so plan ahead)
Green Mountain Bikes in Rochester
FAQ:
Is this really free? Sure is! The ride and rentals (limited number available) are free and open to all. Just bring your own money to pay for lunch, snacks, or other purchases along the way.
How many free e-bikes are available? Do I have to register if I’m bringing my own bike? There are 15 free rental bikes available and an additional 10 for $75 each. Rentals are first come/first served. Ask to be put on a wait list if you are too late. If you reserve and can’t come, please cancel your registration. If you are bringing your own bike, you do not need to register — just show up.
Will it be cancelled if it rains? We will go ahead with light showers or sprinkles, but will cancel for safety reasons if hard rain is predicted. Check this page for updates if there is any question.
How hard is the ride? The White River Valley isn’t called a valley for nothing! Both routes will take you up into the hills, with substantial elevation gain (about 1,800-2,200 feet). We can suggest alternative options if you need accommodations.
What are the roads like? Are they safe? Most of the routes are on quiet dirt roads, but you will be riding on main roads (Route 12) or through downtowns for short segments. Shoulders are often narrow or non-existent and some sections are steep. There is always a risk to physical activity and biking; by participating in the route, you agree to accept all risk and liability for injury.
That sounds hard. Do I have to be in great shape? Is this for all ages? E-bikes will give you a major boost getting up those hills and make the ride manageable for most riders, but it’s best for people who are reasonably active and healthy. E-bikes are a great option for older adults and people who are getting back into physical activity. You must be over 16 to ride some e-bikes in Vermont; check with your rental company. Vermont Bike & Brew offers some trailers for children (pay separately).
Can I go with a group? Is there road support? This is a self-guided tour, so we’re not organizing groups or official road support. If you come a little early we can help match up people who’d like to ride together. We’ll informally have some riders who can offer support and a phone number to call if you’re really stuck. Vermont Bike & Brew will provide support for those who rent a bike.
Where do I start and stop? The ride will start at Trail Fest, at the Bethel Recreation Center (115 Pleasant Street/Route 12, Bethel). It will end at Babes Bar (221 Main Street, Bethel). It’s about a 10 minute walk between these sites.
Where should I park? Parking at the Recreation Center is limited, so we recommend parking in a nearby public lot and walking or riding over to Trail Fest. Good options include:
Town Hall lot (318 Main Street); about a 5 minute walk to the Recreation Center and very close to Babes Bar at the end. Get directions to Town Hall >
Bandshell Common (129 Church Street); about a 3 minute walk to the Recreation Center and 7 minute walk from Babes. Get directions to the Bandshell >
Routes and Stops
Check out the available routes on this interactive map. Click on a waypoint to read about the stop and get links to more info or online purchasing. Click to open in a new window >
You will have access to an app, where you can download turn-by-turn directions. We will also provide a paper copy of the route and stop addresses. There is no cell service on much of the routes, so you may not have access to this online map.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners!
This bike tour and free rentals are generously sponsored by a creative sector grant from the 3CVT (Cornerstone Creative Community) and Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission. It’s designed to build connections between outdoor recreation, rural economies, and creative sector businesses and opportunities. 3CVT is our regional zone for the Vermont Creative Network.
Vermont Bike & Brew offers e-bike tours, rentals and service in the White River Valley and Upper Valley. They are providing free e-bike trial rides at Bethel Trail Fest.
Bethel for All is working to make Bethel a more vibrant, connected, accessible and welcoming community. This community-driven planning project is funded by a Vermont Better Connections grant (a partnership of VTrans, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and Vermont Department of Health).
Bethel Trail Fest is part of the Bethel Forward Fest, an annual fall event. Trail Fest is organized and sponsored by groups including the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective, Bethel for All, Bethel Recreation Committee, Bethel Conservation Commission, Bethel Energy Committee, Town of Bethel, White River Valley School and more.