It’s an ideal combination of outdoor activities, a cozy small-town atmosphere, and outstanding local beer.
Yes, I mean theEbike & Brew Tourwith Lamoille Valley Bike Tours in Johnson, Vermont.
This soothing, independent journey blends the liberty of exploring the picturesqueLamoille Valley Rail Trailwith visits to several top breweries in northern Vermont.
We recently enjoyed a bright afternoon cycling and sipping our way around Morrisville and Hyde Park, making stops at four top-tier breweries while using our rented electric bikes, and we barely broke a sweat.
Here’s all the information you require regarding the journey, the path, and the beverages.
But first, what is the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail?
It is the longest railway trail in New England and one of the top cycling routes for enjoying stunning mountain scenery, expansive farmland, the meandering Lamoille River, and 18 Vermont towns and communities.
TheLamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT)is a 93-mile trail designed for multiple uses, running from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, and it follows the route of an old railway. The trail, made of crushed gravel, is perfect for cycling, walking, running, and also suitable for horseback riding.
Best of all, it’s a tranquil, vehicle-free experience that is accessible to all.
The part of the tour where you’ll be riding during this Vermont brewery adventure:
Presenting the Ebike and Brew Tour by Lamoille Valley Bike Tours
A bike rental service based at a trailside facility in Johnson, Vermont, is called Lamoille Valley Bike Tours. For $85, customers receive a full-day electric bike rental, a helmet, and a lock, as well as a detailed route that leads them to up to four breweries located along or near the path.
The majority of the 18-mile round-trip journey takes place on the LVRT, with the breweries situated in Morrisville and Hyde Park. You have the freedom to ride at your own speed, visit the breweries in any sequence, and take breaks for a swim or a meal as you go.
Our Cycling and Beer Adventure
Eric and I chose an ideal day for a bike ride (or perhaps the perfect day chose us), a sunny Saturday in July with little humidity and comfortable temperatures.
The journey from Johnson to Morrisville was seamless, simple to follow, and featured breathtaking landscapes: areas covered in wildflowers, far-off mountain vistas, and sections of the Lamoille River that made us want to pause and stay a while.
We visited all four breweries during the tour. Here’s what we enjoyed about each one:
Rock Art Brewery: Pet-Friendly and Decorated with Art
Our first stop wasRock Art Breweryin Morrisville.
This independently owned brewery uses solar power and showcases a variety of local artwork. If we hadn’t been on bicycles, we would have taken home some stunning prints, but now we have a reason to come back.
We chose something light and invigorating to kick off the day: theBlood Orange RadlerAt 4.5% ABV, it was the perfect mix of tart and fizzy to start things off, and yes, we purchased a few bottles to bring home.
Rock Art Highlights:
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Local art gallery and gift store
- Solar-powered brewing
- A remarkable variety of beers
Soulmate Brewing: Strong Ales and a Waffle Selection
Next up wasSoulmate Brewing Company, situated in a historic structure in the heart of Morrisville. This brewery, owned by a veteran, provides a wide range of innovative beer options, along with some of the finest label designs we have encountered.
We spoke with the owner, Jonathan Mogor, as we tried a selection of beers. Our top choices were:
- Dubbel Style Ale (7.8%)– Crisp, fiery, and full of fruit flavors
- Mounts a Motorcycle (6.56%)– A dark India Pale Ale featuring flavors of chocolate and toasted grain
- Shaved Beaver Brown (5.5%)– A well-rounded English brown ale
Soulmate Highlights:
- Welcoming team and comfortable tasting area
- Exceptional beverages crafted by acclaimed brewer Hideki Arao
- Outdoor deck ideal for summer drinks
- Innovative dining options including waffle-based sandwiches
Also Read: Organize an Unforgettable Backcountry Experience Using Vermont Huts & Trails
Lost Nation Brewing: Culinary Delights That Took Center Stage
Just as we believed the experience couldn’t improve, we arrived atLost Nation Brewing, situated directly on the rail trail in a former creamery. By this time, we had worked up an appetite, and the food here surpassed all expectations.
Eric raved over his pulled pork sandwich (even with a gluten-free bun), while I ate a delicious soba noodle salad garnished with chili threads and homemade scallion-chili oil. We shared a small serving of Hill Farmstead’s Galaxy Single Hop Pale Ale, but it was the meal that made this visit so unforgettable.
Lost Nation Highlights:
- Creative bar food using regional products
- Outdoor beer garden and rotating selection of guest beers
- Known for specialty ales such as Gose and Vermont Pilsner
- Occasional live performances and a laid-back atmosphere
Ten Bends Beer: Limited Editions, Exceptional Taste
Our final stop wasTen Bends BeerIn Hyde Park. We didn’t have enough time here that we would have liked, but the beer was excellent. We tried four samples and looked through their limited vinyl selection. Yes, they do sell records!
Favorites included:
- Sterling Pilsner (5%)– Crisp and crushable
- Northern Heights (8%)– A Double IPA in the style of Vermont, featuring Citra and Mosaic hops
Ten Bends Highlights:
- Small-batch ales brewed on-site
- Bold-flavored modern Vermont IPAs
- Comfortable tasting area with a welcoming atmosphere
- Influenced by the “ten bends” of the Lamoille River
Also See: The 10 Most Stunning Road Journeys in Vermont
FAQs: Lamoille Valley Electric Bike and Coffee Tour
How long will the tour last?
Allocate 4–6 hours for the tour, based on how many stops you plan to make. The route is approximately 18 miles round-trip. If you prefer to spend more time enjoying your drinks, you might want to visit a brewery to save time (regrettably, I can’t recommend which ones to avoid; we enjoyed them all).
Is the tour self-guided?
We went on the self-led tour and got thorough instructions and a digital driving guide, but you can alsochoose a guided tourif that’s more to your taste.
Do I have to be extremely physically fit to participate in this?
Absolutely not. Electric bikes make the experience suitable for almost any level of physical fitness, and the path is flat and even.
What should I bring?
Soft clothing, water, a backpack or pannier to carry beer, and a desire for craft beer and outdoor enjoyment.
Where should I stay?
We loveSterling Ridge Resorta set of log cabins located in the nearby town of Jeffersonville. There is a pool, a pond, and hiking paths on the premises, with some of the cabins allowing pets.
TheLamoille Valley Bike and Beer TourThe ideal way to spend a summer (or autumn) day in Vermont. You experience the best of both aspects: a tranquil journey along one of the state’s most beautiful trails, and the opportunity to support local breweries producing some of the top beers available.
Whether you’re visiting for the beer, the bicycles, or the stunning scenery, this independent brewery tour is a top activity for any Vermont explorer.
Ready to ride?
VisitLamoille Valley Bike Toursto reserve your self-guided Ebike & Brew adventure.
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