Off the Beaten Path: Exploring a Vermont Underrated Downhill MTB Trail

I moved to Vermont three years ago, but I didn't get into mountain biking until late last season. I bought a new Santa Cruz Hightower-3, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. As the season was wrapping up, I rode as much as I could. One day, a local bike shop worker mentioned a trail just minutes from my house. She warned me about the brutal climb but promised the downhill sections would be worth it.
The trail is at Norwich University’s Shaws Outdoor Center. The trails there are color-coded, and the downhill mountain bike-only Orange Trail is a must-ride. These trails aren’t maintained by any official trail alliance but rather by riders and some dedicated workers from the Outdoor Center.
If you ever find yourself in the Northfield, Vermont area, I highly recommend giving this trail a try. The experience is thrilling, and the ride is nothing short of amazing.