On-Road Loop Rides
Loop A Morses Line - 32.2 miles
Morses Line loop travels through Franklin County farmland and almost into Canada. It is mostly on paved roads, with great views of Lake Carmi, Jay Peak, and Pinnacle Peak. The best view of Lake Carmi can be seen at mile 2.6 with Pinnacle Peak in Quebec visible beyond the lake. Another good view of Pinnacle Peak is from mile 11.0. Jay Peak can be admired from Cassidy Rd.(mile 13.0). This route passes through the villages of Franklin and Highgate Center.
Loop B East Sheldon - 23.2 miles
East Sheldon loop is mostly paved with great views of the Missisquoi River, surrounding farmland, and Jay Peak. It also passes several areas of historic significance. At 1.4 miles is a marker dedicated to Colonel Elisha Sheldon (1741-1805) for whom the town of Sheldon is named. Col. Sheldon was commissioned by General George Washington in 1776 to raise a regiment of cavalry (the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons) which served during the Revolutionary War. His house still stands on the hill above the marker. At mile 1.7 is a marker commemorating the site of Civil War action on October 19, 1864, involving a 22-man Confederate detachment on their retreat to Canada after an attack on St. Albans (referred to as the St. Albans Raid). Also at this site, a covered bridge was set on fire but saved by alert citizens. This route passes through the village of Sheldon.
Loop C Lake Carmi - 15.3 miles
Lake Carmi loop is mostly paved and passes through beautiful countryside with wonderful views of Lake Carmi and Jay Peak. The many hills make this loop for more advanced riders. At mile 2.0 the Lake comes into view with the Jay Peak ski area tram house visible to the east about 20 miles away. The route passes Lake Carmi’s public access area at mile 6.8. Lake Carmi State Park offers seasonal camping and a beach; its entrance is located at mile 10.5.
Loop D Mineral Brook - 17.7 miles
Mineral Brook loop travels over mostly unpaved roads, past active farms in northern Franklin County and the beautiful Mineral Brook area with its woods, fields, and marshes. There are wonderful views of Lake Carmi and Jay Peak. The Vaillancourt Orchard, located at mile 1.7, has a farm stand and picnic area. The route also passes the South Franklin Cemetery with gravestones dating back as early as 1813 and maple trees easily measuring three feet in diameter.
Loop E North Branch - 7.1 miles
North Branch loop is an easy ride on both paved and unpaved surfaces. There are wonderful views of the North Branch of the Missisquoi River and the mountains in the area. The route passes through Richford’s village center, over some moderate hills, and follows the river (on your left) along Marvin Rd. where great blue herons and the occasional kingfisher can be seen.