Your Ultimate Guide to Fatbiking in Vermont

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Trails and Stays near Kingdom Trails

Vermont transforms into a winter wonderland each year, and for adventurous cyclists, that means one thing: fat biking season! If you’re looking for the best place to ride, Kingdom Trails in the Northeast Kingdom is a must-visit destination. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your fat biking adventure, from trail tips to cozy places to stay.


Why Fat Biking in Vermont?


Fat biking lets you explore snowy landscapes on two wheels, thanks to bikes with extra-wide tires that float over snow and ice. Vermont’s rolling hills, scenic forests, and welcoming small towns make it a perfect spot for winter riding.


Kingdom Trails: The Heart of Vermont Fat Biking


Kingdom Trails, located in East Burke, is one of the premier trail networks in the Northeast. In winter, many of its trails are groomed specifically for fat biking, offering a unique way to experience the area’s beauty.


Popular Fat Biking Trails Near Kingdom Trails: During the winter season Kingdom Trails snowmobile groom 31 miles of singletrack. 

  • Sleigh Ride: Enjoy gentle grades and beautiful winter scenery, perfect for a relaxed ride.
  • Sneaky Pete: This trail offers fun twists and turns, making it a favorite for riders looking for a bit of excitement.
  • Ide Ride That: For those seeking a challenge, this trail delivers with varied terrain and rewarding views.


Important: Always check trail conditions before you go. Kingdom Trails typically opens for fat biking once there’s enough snow and the ground is frozen. Early or late in the season, trails may be closed to protect them from damage. Visit the Kingdom Trails website or their social media for up-to-date opening information.


What to Bring


  • Fat bike (rentals available locally)
  • Helmet and warm layers
  • Insulated gloves and boots
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Water and snacks


Where to Stay Near Kingdom Trails


After a day on the trails, you’ll want a warm and welcoming place to relax. Here are some top picks:


  • Wildflower Inn: Cozy rooms, hearty breakfasts, and direct access to the trails.
  • Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center: Ski-in/ski-out access and great amenities.
  • Local B&Bs and Vacation Rentals: East Burke and the surrounding area have plenty of charming options.


Tips for a Great Fat Biking Experience


  • Watch for the trails to open: Riding on closed trails can damage them and is discouraged. Always respect posted signs and updates.
  • Ride only on groomed trails: This helps preserve the snow surface for everyone.
  • Yield to other trail users: Fat bikers share the trails with skiers and snowshoers.
  • Leave no trace: Pack out what you bring in and respect the natural beauty of Vermont.


Plan Your Adventure


Fat biking in Vermont is an unforgettable way to enjoy winter. With stunning scenery, well-maintained trails, and welcoming places to stay, the Kingdom Trails area is the perfect base for your next snowy cycling getaway. Just remember to check trail conditions, pack your warmest gear, and get ready for a ride you’ll never forget!


Woman and child in red raincoats jump in a puddle, smiling, on a rainy day outdoors.

Mud Season Isn’t a Secret

By Jenifer O • March 2, 2026
In Vermont, mud season often gets whispered about—spoken of as something to avoid, endure, or escape. But in the Northeast Kingdom, mud season isn’t a flaw in the calendar. It’s a transition , and an important one. At The Wildflower Inn, we see mud season not as downtime, but as a pause—a chance for the land to rest, reset, and prepare for what comes next. What Mud Season Really Means Mud season happens when winter loosens its grip, but spring hasn’t fully arrived. Snow melts. The ground thaws. Trails soften. Roads tell stories. It’s not messy by accident—it’s the natural result of a landscape waking up after months of snow and cold. And while it may change how we move through the NEK, it doesn’t mean adventure stops. It just looks different. Why Mud Season Matters This season is essential for the health of the land. When trails are given time to dry: Soil structure stays intact Erosion is minimized Trail systems last longer Future seasons are better for everyone Choosing patience now means better riding, hiking, and exploring later. Adjusting Expectations (Not Canceling Plans) Mud season isn’t about cancellation—it’s about adaptation. This is the time to: Trade technical trails for gravel roads Swap long hikes for shorter walks Explore towns, shops, and quiet corners Slow your pace and notice what’s changing The NEK has a way of rewarding those who pay attention. Beauty in the In-Between There’s something special about this in-between season. Snow still clings to shaded woods. Streams run high. The air smells like earth instead of ice. The first signs of green begin to appear. Mud season offers a kind of raw beauty—less polished, more honest. A Season for Thoughtful Travel Mud season asks visitors to be partners in stewardship. Wearing appropriate footwear, respecting closures, and choosing low-impact activities all help protect the places we love. At The Wildflower, we believe good travel means leaving places better than you found them. That mindset matters most in seasons like this. Spring Is Coming Mud season doesn’t last forever. It’s a short but meaningful chapter between winter adventure and spring energy. And when you embrace it for what it is—a season of transition—it becomes something to appreciate rather than avoid. Here in the NEK, we don’t rush the seasons. We let them happen. Stay Wild.

Ski Burke Mountain with the Indy Pass

By Jenifer O • February 21, 2026
Stay at The Wildflower Inn
Frost-covered leaves and grass on the ground; autumn scene with brown leaves and white frost.

Local Knowledge

By Jenifer O • February 21, 2026
Reading Winter Weather in the Northeast Kingdom
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