Running and Biking Trails
The routes described are some of the better-known walks in the Sugarbush - Mad River Valley. They are also excellent for short bike rides and running loops. Most are on gravel or dirt roads. The directions assume that you are already in the Valley, and some distances are 1-way.
Plunkton Road Loop - 3.7 Miles
Rolling, open terrain, offering some of the best views in the Valley. Drive up Brook Road from Warren Village to the East Warren Store at the Roxbury Mountain Road four corners. Park here, turn right out of the driveway and walk East on the Roxbury Mountain Road for .6 miles. Turn right at the first road. Continue on this road (Senor or Kathan Road) for 1.4 miles before turning right again. Continue for .5 miles, turn right at the first intersection and walk along Plunkton Road to the East Warren four corners.
For an easy mountain bike ride, continue straight along Senor Road (here called Prickly Mountain Road) for 1.5 miles. Turn right at Elm St. in Alpine Village to Plunkton Road and return to the East Warren four corners.
West Hill - Inferno Road Loop - 5.8 Miles
A hilly, scenic country road loop offering both wooded and open sections, and a covered bridge to boot! Over half-paved. Go South out of Warren Village over the covered bridge, cross Route 100 and up the Lincoln Gap Road to West Hill (2 miles). Turn right on West Hill and follow this road up a long hill, where you will pass Inferno Road, on your left. Bear right and continue on West Hill Road along the golf course, past Golf Course Road on your left. West Hill will descend to Route 100. Cross Route 100 and head back to Warren Village.
East Warren Road - 3.4 Miles
Spectacular views of the ski areas! Paved and not without traffic, this is nevertheless a very popular route to walk, ride or run, and offers yet another of the Valley's covered bridges. From Waitsfield Village, cross the covered bridge and drive 2.7 miles to the junction of East Warren Road and Waitsfield Common Road, parking here. The distance to East Warren is 3.4 miles.
Waitsfield Common to East Warren Road - 2.7 Miles
An easier version of the above, and more suited to walking, is the unpaved road from Waitsfield Common to the East Warren Road. From Waitsfield Village, go across the covered bridge. Bear left at the fork in the road and go up the hill to Waitsfield Common Cemetery (approx. 1 mile). Park here and take the road to the right (South). It will climb very gently, reaching East Warren Road after 2.7 miles. Great Views!
North Fayston Loop - 4.2 Miles
From Waitsfield Village, drive North on Route 100 approximately 3 miles. Turn left on North Fayston Road and drive 2.8 miles up this road to an old cemetery. Park here. Continue up North Fayston Road for about 1.3 miles, and bear left at the four corners. Proceed another 1.3 miles before turning left again and descending through the woods back to your car. This is moderately hilly terrain and will take about 2 hours. This upper basin is a remote area, offering some completely different vistas, and is also good for mountain biking.
River Road to Moretown - 4 Miles
A mile North of Waitsfield Village turn right into the Pines Rest Area and park at the junction .8 mile farther on. Turn left over the covered bridge and walk along River Road - it parallels the Mad River to Moretown and is a lovely, peaceful walk.