Pedaling Through Paradise: Biking in South Hero

As we roll into the best biking season in Vermont, I thought I’d take you along on one of my favorite loops right here in my hometown of South Hero. The roads are mostly flat, so it’s easy riding—even on my trusty old three-speed. If you’ve biked the Islands before, you already know why this loop from the Island Line Bike Ferry is such a gem. And if you haven’t, you’re in for a perfect mix of lake views, local flavors, and just enough pedaling to make the treats taste even better.

Start your journey by coasting off the Island Line Bike Ferry and onto South Street where you’ll pass farmland and orchards with Adirondack views as a backdrop. A short spin brings you to Allenholm Farm — Vermont’s oldest commercial apple orchard. In summer, the star of the show is their maple creemee, rich and sweet with just the right hint of maple syrup. 

Keep pedaling a little further and you’ll roll right into Hackett’s Orchard. If it’s late summer or early fall, you can snag the first crisp apples of the season. Don’t leave without an apple cider donut made with the best apple cider around. I prefer mine plain, but they also have ones dusted in cinnamon sugar, and both are delicious. Make it even better by washing it down with some of that fresh apple cider.

With a little backtracking, you can hop onto West Shore Road. Stop at White’s Beach, dip your feet, and make sure to get some photos of the sparkling lake and mountain views. A few more turns and you’re at Snow Farm Vineyard, Vermont’s first commercial vineyard. Park the bike, taste a flight, and enjoy the vineyard and Camel’s Hump views — you’ve definitely earned it.

Take a turn to Station Road and pass another of South Hero’s unique miniature stone castles–you will have already passed two. Next, head to The Rest Stop — a spot with some of the best lake views on the island. Order a lobster roll, find a sunny seat, and watch the boats drift by.

As you turn toward home, pop into Arbor Farm Market. It’s the perfect place to grab local produce, cheese, or fresh bread for later. You’ll be happy you did.

On the way back down South Street, you’ll pass one more of those legendary stone castles. The last stretch down the road is an easy glide back to the bike ferry.

There are lots of other spots worth visiting, and it’s hard not to mention them all. Goulet’s Farmstand is run by third and fourth-generation farmers and has a huge variety of fruits and veggies. Island Craft Shop has lots of whimsical and wonderful work by local artists. Pan’s Pizza is right next to Arbor Farm Market and has world-class pizza. Wally’s Bagels is right down Route 2, and next door to that is Two Heroes Brewery if beer is more your speed than wine. 

No matter what route you take, in just a few hours you’ll taste South Hero’s sweetest treats, sip local wine or beer, roll past postcard-perfect lake views, and spot a bit of quirky island history. And here’s a fun fact—over the years, I’ve even worked at two of the places I mentioned, so you could say this ride is a bit of a homecoming for me.