Northshire Area Trail System
A Chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association
Northshire Area Trail System (NATS), builds and maintains mountain biking and multipurpose trails in the Manchester, VT region
Embedded Files
Where can you mountain bike in the Manchester and the mountains region?
All of the NATS maintained trails are available on Trailforks.com and the Trailforks app. Click the trail name to link to the Trailforks map.
The Raptor Lane Trails are part of the trail system in the Owl's Head Town Forest in Dorset. There are trails ranging from beginner to intermediate and include dedicated, professionally built downhill trails. The trails are accessed from Raptor Lane in Dorset. There is parking for intermediate to advanced riders at the "Hawk's Pass" trailhead, and for all riders at the upper parking. Stay right on Raptor Lane and follow the road until it gets steep and narrow. Keep going and the road will level out and you will reach the upper biking parking. Map to Trailhead
Humphrey's Trail is an Intermediate lollipop loop (about 5 miles round trip) that starts just south of the intersection of Church Street and Dorset West Road in Dorset. The trail climbs gradually for about 2 miles before hitting Bunker loop which is a 1 mile loop. Please park at the Dorset Village Green and ride to the trailhead. Map to Trailhead
Dorset Hollow Trail is a challenging out and back ride that climbs 3.9 miles on Dorset Mountain, suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. The trail is all located in the Green Mountain National Forest. It is worth noting that there is virtually no cell service on the trail, so make sure someone knows where you are riding. It is accessible by taking Dorset Hollow Road to Tower Road and Grouse Lane. Please park only in the meadow by the kiosk and not on the nearby private driveways. Map to Trailhead
The Burr and Burton Trail is a short loop created by the Burr and Burton Academy mountain bike team for training. It is varied, but primarily intermediate terrain. The one-mile loop is best accessed from the Burr and Burton Parking lot on West Union Street outside of school hours. The Burr and Burton Trail can also be used to access The Equinox Preservation Trust Trails, some of which allow Mountain Bikes. Map to Trailhead
For younger children or families, the Manchester Rail Trail is a great beginner option. The 2.3 mile long gravel trail is flat and wide and is a great out and back option. It can be accessed from the Manchester Recreation Park. The Rail Trail is not on Trailforks. Map to Trailhead
The West River Trail is an old railroad bed, some of which is still wide and flat, and some of which has been moved or changed and is now singletrack. The section from South Londonderry to the Winhall Brook Campground (around 2 miles) is a great option for children and beginning riders, while the section south of the campground is more technical for advanced riders. Map to Trailhead
The Peru-Landgrove Trails include several trails in the Green Mountain National Forest which range from intermediate to advanced and are a mix of old roads and mixed-use trails. They can be accessed by Parking at the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area or from the end of Forest Road 10 in Landgrove. Loops can be ridden using a variety of gravel roads. Allowed trails are marked with white markers with mountain bikes, but a Trailforks map is recommnded. Map to Trailhead
The Stratton Mountain Bike Park provides lift-serve mountain biking for all ability levels. For those seeking primarily downhill riding, Stratton is a family-friendly option for all. Bike rentals are available. Map to Trailhead
While you are here, check out some of the incredible neighboring trail systems.
Slate Valley Trails offers something for everyone! There are multiple trailheads providing access to around 40 miles of primarily singletrack riding. Use the SVT website for information on accessing trailheads, maps and detailed trail information.
Pine Hill Park, offers an incredible array of fun trails packed into about a square mile of space. There are about 20 miles of trails ranging from beginner to expert with plenty of parking. It is well known for it's variety of bridges including a bicycle suspension bridge. Use the Pine Hill Park website to access maps and more information.
The BATS Trails are all located on Mount Anthony in Bennington and include primarily intermediate to advanced trails. Maps and access information can be found at the BATS website. or find them on Facebook.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse