Love the outdoors? Head to East Burke for epic trails, mountain views, and small-town charm! Tucked in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, East Burke is an adventure haven with world-class biking, skiing, and stunning fall foliage. It’s the perfect place to unplug and explore.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit East Burke is late spring through fall (May to October) for mountain biking and foliage, or winter (December to March) for skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain.
How to Get There
- By Car: East Burke is about 3 hours from Boston and 2 hours from Burlington via I-91 and VT Route 114.
- By Air: Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV) or Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), then rent a car for the scenic drive.
- By Bus: Limited bus service available—driving is the most convenient option.
Where to Stay
- Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center – Slopeside lodging with ski-in/ski-out access and beautiful mountain views.
- The Inn at Mountain View Farm – Historic B&B with charming rooms, farm animals, and direct access to trails.
- WilloughVale Inn & Cottages – Lakeside cabins and rooms just a short drive away on Lake Willoughby.
Top Attractions
Ride the Flow at Kingdom Trails and Conquer Vermont’s Legendary Singletrack
Renowned mountain biking trail network with scenic singletrack for all skill levels.
Kingdom Trails provides one of the country’s best opportunities for mountain biking. This expansive network of over 120 miles of mountain biking trails offers routes for all ages and skill levels. These range from wide and smooth single-track trails for the beginner or younger rider to steep and rocky paths with good climbs for more advanced riders. Kingdom Trails is also often argued to consist of some of the finest trails for mountain biking with amazing views in the United States. The Welcome Center for the trail network, along with nearby rental shops, can be found in downtown East Burke, Vermont.
478 VT Rte 114, East Burke, VT 05832, Phone: 802-626-0737
2.Climb Mount Pisgah for Big Views and Quiet Moments Above Lake Willoughby
A mountain located just outside of the town of East Burke, Mount Pisgah makes up the eastern side of the "Willoughby Gap” on the east side of Lake Willoughby. Making up part of the state’s Northeastern Highlands, the mountain offers an opportunity for hiking in the area, with hiking trails to be found throughout the Willoughby State Forest. A trail parking area is situated at the lake’s southern end off of Vermont Route 5A and the trailhead is marked by a sign. After about a mile, the trail passes Pulpit Rock, which is noted as a peregrine falcon nesting area.
Ski, Hike, or Stay at Burke Mountain Resort and Let the Green Mountains Challenge You
Popular for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and lift-served hiking.
The Burke Mountain Resort is a ski resort known for its ski racing heritage and stunning views, as well as often referred to as one of the Northeast’s best kept secrets. The traditional terrain and friendly staff make the resort of Vermont’s last remaining ski classics. It’s also home to the Burke Mountain Academy, one of the nation’s preeminent ski academies credited with more than forty Olympians. The Burke Mountain Resort boasts winding and sweeping trails, 14 glades and 36 trails across over 175 acres, a 2,011-foot vertical drop, and an average snowfall of 217 inches every year.
2559 Mountain Rd, East Burke, VT 05832, Phone: 802-626-7300
Where to Eat
4.Warm Up at Cafe Lotti and Savor Small-Town Soul With Your Espresso
Café Lotti is a charming local spot that specializes in serving specialty coffee beverages. Welcoming both locals and visitors alike, the cafe features a drink menu with a variety of iced coffee, hot coffee, lattes, fine espresso, and tea. As for food options at Café Lotti, an array of pastries are available, as well as a full breakfast menu and options like salads and sandwiches for lunch. The local cafe was opened by Johnny and Linda to offer a place for the East Burke community and offers the space after hours for workshops, yoga, book clubs, parties, and more.
603 VT-114, East Burke, VT 05832, Phone: 802-427-3633
More Local Attractions
- Lake Willoughby – Nearby glacial lake perfect for kayaking, swimming, and relaxing beachside.
- Darling Hill Road – Take a drive or ride along this ridge for sweeping views and charming inns.
- Burke Farmers’ Market – Local produce, crafts, and treats from Northeast Kingdom artisans (seasonal).
More Places to Eat
- Foggy Goggle Osteria – Italian-inspired dishes and après-ski comfort food with mountain views.
- Mike'sTiki Bar – Casual and fun spot for post-ride drinks and food trucks, popular with the biking crowd.
- East Burke Market – Grab deli sandwiches, snacks, and local goods before hitting the trails.
Local Events
- NEMBAfest (Summer) – Major mountain biking festival with group rides, live music, and vendors.
- Fall Foliage Festival (October) – Celebrate Vermont’s colorful season with crafts, hikes, and harvest foods.
- Winter Bike Fat Bike Rally (February) – Snow-packed trails, group rides, and winter biking fun.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of East Burke, Vermont
- Lyndonville (10–15 min) – Visit local shops, grab coffee downtown, or explore the campus of Northern Vermont University.
- St. Johnsbury (20–25 min) – Discover art at Catamount Arts, tour the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, or walk historic Main Street.
- Burke Mountain (5 min) – Ski in winter, mountain bike Kingdom Trails in summer, or hike to scenic summit views year-round.
- Sutton (15–20 min) – Explore rolling hills, backroads, and peaceful countryside in this classic Northeast Kingdom village.
- Wheelock (20–25 min) – Enjoy forested drives, rustic Vermont scenery, and quiet local charm just off the beaten path.
- Concord (25–30 min) – Paddle the Moose River, fish, or explore the quaint center of this nearby small town.
- Victory (30 min) – Take a scenic drive into Vermont’s wild heart, perfect for birding, hiking, and solitude seekers.
- Kirby (15–20 min) – Discover open meadows, mountain views, and rustic charm along scenic backroads near East Burke.
FAQ
- What recreational activities are available in East Burke, Vermont?
- East Burke offers a variety of recreational activities such as mountain biking at Kingdom Trails in the summer, hiking at Mount Pisgah, and skiing and riding at Burke Mountain Resort during the winter season.
- What events are hosted in East Burke?
- East Burke hosts several events throughout the year, including the Annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend and the Annual Vermont Open Studios Weekend, which features craftspeople and artists.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Ride the Flow at Kingdom Trails and Conquer Vermont’s Legendary Singletrack
- 2. Climb Mount Pisgah for Big Views and Quiet Moments Above Lake Willoughby
- 3. Ski, Hike, or Stay at Burke Mountain Resort and Let the Green Mountains Challenge You
- 4. Warm Up at Cafe Lotti and Savor Small-Town Soul With Your Espresso