From Vermont Backpackers
OVERVIEW: A challenging and rewarding mountain bike tour through the pastoral beauty of the Upper Valley. This route takes you south from Woodstock to Mount Ascutney and up and across its broad flank before heading back north. In between, you’ll ramble over hills and into valleys on twisting tree-lined back roads and trails. Farmside views and swooping trails are the primary rewards for the plentiful climbing on this route.
RIDING SURFACES:
Singletrack: 30%
Doubletrack/Class IV Roads: 20%
Gravel Roads: 35%
Pavement: 15%
ROUTE DIFFICULTY: This a fairly challenging overnight ride. There is significant and consistent climbing through the route. The singletrack trails vary from smooth and flowy to intermediate-level technical challenges. While the entire route is rideable, some brief sections of singletrack and woods road may require hike-a-bike for some.
BIKE SELECTION: This route is well-suited for a hardtail mountain bike. A rigid mountain bike or all-terrain bike could be a great choice for some, although you'll be "underbiked" at points. Some singletrack sections can be bypassed pretty easily for those on gravel bikes, if desired.
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION: This route flows better if ridden counter-clockwise, and uses several downhill-primary singletrack trails that would need to be bypassed if riding clockwise.
CAMPING: Your primary options are Caton's Place Campground and Mount Ascutney State Park (I recommend the latter). Reservations required at both. To request a one-night stay at Mt. Ascutney, you'll need to call the VT State Parks reservation office. If you want a more wild camping experience, primitive camping is permitted in Lord State Forest (no designated sites; must be 1000 ft from roads and 200 ft from water). You might have luck asking for permission to camp in a someone's field, but I wouldn't rely on this option exclusively. Camping is not permitted along any of the singletrack trails on this route.
PARKING: Overnight parking is limited in downtown Woodstock. Your best is to park on a side street in downtown. The map includes several POIs for streets where overnight parking is permitted.
TRAILS: This route connects the following mountain bike trail networks: Saskadena 6, Aqueduct, Ascutney, and Mount Peg. Trails included in the route vary from smooth and flowy to moderately technical. Trail descriptions, rules, and conditions for all networks are posted on Trailforks. Respect all trail network rules and DO NOT RIDE CLOSED TRAILS. Most of these trails are located on private land; please do not camp trailside.
APPRECIATION: This route uses trails maintained by two local VMBA chapters: Woodstock Area Mountain Bike Association and the Ascutney Trails Association. If you enjoy this route as much as I did, consider donating to these chapters.
WAMBA: mtbwoodstock.com
ATA: ascutneytrails.com
FOOD STOPS: Brownsville Butcher & Pantry is about as good as you can get for a mid-ride stop - comfort food made to order, great beer selection, and a market for stocking up. To access from Ascutney Trails, descend the Last Mile trail at mile 43.4 down to the Ascutney Outdoors Center, then take Home Again to Trail to Town (note that this is a total descent of about 350 feet). End your ride with beers and sandwiches at Mon Vert Cafe in Woodstock.