Review
Intro
The Trapp Family Lodge is located in Stowe and was the original home of the Von Trapp family, of the Sound of Music fame. Today, Trapps, as it is referred to by locals, is a mountain resort still run by members of the Von Trapp family that offers a variety of outdoor activities on its 2,500 acres of land in the middle of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Famous for its Nordic skiing, Trapps attracts many local and traveling hikers, bikers, runners and snowshoers as well to its growing system of trails.
What Makes It Great
This is a pay-to-play area that offers six miles of intermediate to expert singletrack and 20 miles of beginner to advanced doubletrack, old working roads once used for sap production and farm work. The doubletrack trails were originally designed for travel by horse and wagon or sleigh and therefore sit at about eight to 10 feet wide. The terrain is a mix of wide rolling hills for beginners on doubletrack trails like Sleigh; to more technical, climbs with switchbacks and fast flowy descents as found on the newest trail Growler. Then, there's the three-mile, local favorite, Luce Hill, which winds and twists its way through the forest. Regardless of skill level, there is a trail that is suitable for everyone. The mountain biking trails are usually open in early to mid May (weather dependent) and stay open through October. Trail maps are available at the resort.
The trail network at Trapps was designed to provide riders of all levels with the opportunity for gradual progression. It provides the wide rolling hills for beginners and the heftier climbs with more technical singletrack for more skilled riders. The nice thing about this is that riders can progress from a beginner trail to a more advanced trail all within the same day if they are comfortable. And more experienced riders will find the twisting singletrack of Luce Hill or the climb and flowy descent on Growler super fun.
The views from around the Trapps property are, hands down, some of the best in the area. There are panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and stunning views of the Vermont countryside from all over the trails. The fall foliage season is not to be missed from here.
If riders are looking to increase their mileage or want a more intense hill or technical workout, they can easily connect to the rest of the Stowe area trails, including Adams Camp, Cady Hill and Pipeline, from the Trapps trails.
Last, but not least, the Trapp Lager Brewery is right on-site providing their tasty European lagers like Golden Helles and Bohemian Pilsner. A nice treat after a fun ride.
Who is Going to Love It
Riders just getting into mountain biking or those with some experience under their belts will find these trails provide just what they are looking for in a ride. This trail network was created to give users the ability to gradually proceed from one level to the next always leaving an opportunity to step up to the next level.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Park at the Trapp Family Lodge at the Outdoor Center. Parking is free, but there is a $10 day pass required to use the trails.
Trapps partners with Giant Bicycles to provide a rental fleet of 40 bikes from children's cruisers to full suspension bikes. They also offer biking skills lessons and guided trips on and off property.
