Running in Vermont
Vermont delivers quintessential New England running with covered bridges, Green Mountain trails, and fall foliage that makes every October run feel like a postcard. The state's small towns, dirt roads, and mountain terrain create an intimate, beautiful running experience.
Climate
Four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers
Terrain
The Green Mountains run through the center of the state with hiking and running trails at all levels
Top Race
Vermont City Marathon
Climate and Weather
Four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Fall foliage peaks in late September through mid-October and is spectacular. Winter running requires full cold-weather gear. Spring "mud season" (March-April) can make trails impassable.
Terrain and Landscape
The Green Mountains run through the center of the state with hiking and running trails at all levels. Rolling farmland and dirt roads are ideal for road running. Vermont has more unpaved roads than paved ones, creating unique running surfaces.
Top Running Routes
Burlington Waterfront Path
7.5 milesBurlington
A flat, paved path along Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondacks across the water.
Long Trail
273 milesStatewide
The oldest long-distance trail in the US, running the length of Vermont along the Green Mountains.
Stowe Recreation Path
5.3 milesStowe
A paved path through the scenic village of Stowe with mountain views and covered bridges.
Kingdom Trails
5-20 milesEast Burke
A network of trails through the Northeast Kingdom, famous for mountain biking but equally excellent for running.
Camel's Hump Trail
7 milesHuntington
A challenging mountain trail to the summit of Vermont's most iconic peak at 4,083 feet.
Popular Races
Vermont City Marathon
Burlington
Mad Marathon
Waitsfield
GMAA Series
Various
Running Culture
Vermont has a passionate running community relative to its small population. The state's outdoor culture embraces trail running, and the Green Mountain Athletic Association (GMAA) organizes a popular series of road and trail races. Burlington is the running hub with its waterfront path and access to mountain trails.
Safety Tips
Mud season (March-April) makes many trails impassable. Stick to paved paths or roads.
Vermont dirt roads are excellent for running but watch for seasonal traffic during foliage season.
Winter ice and snow require traction devices and proper cold-weather gear.
Mountain weather above treeline can be harsh. Carry layers even in summer.
Make Running in Vermont a Game
Turn your Vermont runs into a real-world strategy game. Capture territory by running loops, compete with local runners on leaderboards, and explore every street through a Fog of War mechanic. Motera adds purpose and competition to every mile.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Long Trail?
The Long Trail is a 273-mile hiking trail running the length of Vermont along the Green Mountains. It is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, predating the Appalachian Trail. Sections of it are popular with trail runners.
When is the best time to run in Vermont?
Late May through October is ideal. Fall (September-October) is spectacular with foliage. Summer (June-August) is comfortable in the mountains. Avoid mud season in March-April when trails are soft and wet.
Is Vermont good for trail running?
Vermont is excellent for trail running with the Green Mountains, Kingdom Trails, and hundreds of miles of quiet dirt roads. The state's small size means mountain trails are accessible from anywhere within a short drive.
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