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What is a Lake Champlain Bikeways Theme Loop?

A Lake Champlain Bikeways Theme Loop is a bicycle route of the Lake Champlain Bikeways network named for the natural and cultural characteristics of the landscape it passes through. Using existing roads, themes loops generally range from 10-60 miles in distance and often link natural, cultural, historic, and recreational sites and attractions. As a side loop of the 363-mile Lake Champlain Bikeways principal route, theme loops offer opportunities to explore the hamlets and hinterlands of the Champlain Valley. Important facilities and services that provide touring cyclists with food, water, parking, restrooms, and accommodations exist on all Lake Champlain Bikeways theme loops.

Through the development of a Lake Champlain Bikeways network, bicycle loops with themes such as the Valley of Forts, the Great Falls of the Basin, the Orchard Loop, the International Loop, the Rolling Farmsteads Loop, and many other natural, cultural, historic, and agricultural theme loops will characterize one of the finest bicycle touring destinations in North America. Working with communities and businesses interested in economically benefiting from bicycle theme loops, Lake Champlain Bikeways hopes to complete a network of 2,500 miles of loops in the Champlain Valley by 2009. To reach this goal, a substantial amount of local support and outreach is needed.

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