Champlain Valley Maple & Bridges Ride

Highlights

Lake Champlain views, bike-friendly route, tasty food stops

Number of Stops

3 maple stops, 3 covered bridges

Distance and Duration

34m, 2.5hours

Cruise through the stunning landscapes of Vermont's Champlain Valley. Meander past historic covered bridges and experience three authentic maple farms to add sweet pops and charming stops along your way. This 2.5-hour loop gives a perfect taste of Vermont's natural beauty, history, and delicious agricultural offerings.

Friendly Reminders Phone service can vary as you drive through the state, we recommend bringing along a paper map, Gazetteer, or downloading offline maps for the areas you'll be visiting. Also, be sure to check sugarhouse websites as some have seasonal changes to their operating hours.

Stack of pancakes with syrup and blueberries on a plate.

Stop 1

Dakin Farm, Ferrisburgh

Maple bacon & tastings

5797 US-7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456
(800) 993-2546

Dakin Farm in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the true taste of Vermont. Located on Route 7, just a short drive south of Burlington, this historic family farm has been producing maple syrup and smoked meats since 1792. Visitors can explore the sugarhouse to see how pure Vermont maple syrup is made, peek into the smokehouse where hams, bacon, and sausages are crafted, and enjoy free samples throughout the spacious country store filled with local cheeses, jams, syrups, and artisan gifts. A short video shares the farm’s rich history and traditions, making it both fun and educational for all ages. Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat, shopping for Vermont-made gifts, or taking a group tour, Dakin Farm offers a warm, flavorful glimpse into Vermont’s heritage—all surrounded by the beautiful Champlain Valley landscape.

Visit website

Wooden beams intersecting with bolts, close-up view.

Stop 2

Spade Farm Covered Bridge

Not far from Dakin Farm you'll find the 175 year old Spade Farm covered bridge, formerly known as Justin Millers bridge which was brought from Lewis Creek in 1958. Stop by to experience a piece of Vermont's history.

Visit website

Charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, crackers, and olives, surrounded by wine glasses and grapes.

Stop 3

Bread Loaf View Farm

Sugarhouse tours

486 Cider Mill Rd, Cornwall, VT 05753
(802) 349-1755

Bread Loaf View Farm in Cornwall, Vermont is a charming maple syrup producer just three miles from Middlebury College, in the heart of Addison County. The farm is run by master sugar maker Kenn Hastings, who combines traditional, earth-friendly maple sugaring practices with modern technology to create intensely flavorful, 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farm offers a full line of maple goodies: syrup, cream, sugar, fudge, candies, wedding favors, and more. Visitors are welcome to tour the sugarhouse, taste the products, and learn about Vermont’s maple history. They also host several special events and community-gatherings throughout the year — pancake breakfasts, open houses (especially in spring and fall when the seasons change), and group tours.

Visit website

Aerial view of a forest with vibrant autumn colors and winding river.

Stop 4

Halpin Covered Bridge

In nearby Middlebury, you can find the highest covered bridge in Vermont. The Halpin Covered Bridge is set 41 feet above the New Halen River. Though the precise date of origin is unknown, it's estimated that this charming bridge is around 200 years old and was restored more recently in 1994.

Visit website

Colorful flowers by a road with a wooden bridge and green trees.

Stop 5

Pulp Mill Covered Bridge

For a second bridge stop in the Middlebury area, we highly recommend taking a drive through the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge. One of the oldest in Vermont and one of the only "double-barrel" covered bridges remaining, this charming bridge has received some modern updates so it can still accommodate regular traffic through the Middlebury area.

Visit website

Park with autumn trees, a winding path, and a distant lake under a cloudy sky.

Stop 6

Shelburne Farms

Maple goodies store

1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
(802) 985-8686

Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, just south of Burlington, is a stunning working farm and education center known for its deep agricultural heritage and beautiful Lake Champlain views. At the Farm Store & Welcome Center, you can find their own pure Vermont maple syrup alongside other locally made maple treats and gifts. It’s the perfect stop to taste the sweetness of Vermont, pick up a bottle of syrup straight from the source, and explore how maple sugaring connects to the farm’s mission of sustainability and stewardship. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick visit or spending a day exploring the property’s trails and historic buildings, the farm store offers a warm and flavorful introduction to Vermont’s maple tradition.

Visit website