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Perry Hill Trail Network

4.8
·86 reviews·Waterbury, United States

A challenging mountain bike network with epic climbs and thrilling descents, set in a beautiful Vermont forest.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Pileated Woodpecker

Perry Hill Trail Network

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A challenging mountain bike network with epic climbs and thrilling descents, set in a beautiful Vermont forest.

4.8
(86 reviews)

"This trail kicked my a! The DH is awesome. A must ride!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring your climbing legs! :muscle:

Expect a serious climb before the fun downhill. Pace yourself and enjoy the workout!

Use Trailforks for navigation :iphone:

Trails are well-marked, but an app ensures you don't miss any of the best routes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Campfire Trail

Campfire Trail

Perry Hill Trail Network

An epic downhill ride with switchbacks, berms, and technical sections. A must-ride for any mountain biker.

Pump Track

Pump Track

Near the entrance

A fun, unexpected addition for practicing skills or warming up before hitting the main trails.

River Access

River Access

Across from the parking area

Cool off after a ride with a refreshing dip in the river, perfect for both riders and their dogs.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Climb!

Perry Hill is known for its challenging ascents. Be ready for a significant workout before the rewarding descents. Many trails are 'go up then come down' style, so pace yourself and bring plenty of water.

Trail Variety & Marking

This network offers a surprising range of trails, from old-school roots and rocks to flowy berms and technical features. Trails are generally well-marked, but using an app like Trailforks is highly recommended for navigation.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Crisp air & fall colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Should I get a full face helmet?! 📍Perry Hill Trails #mtb #mountainbike #downhill #downhillmtb #santacruz #santacruznomad #vt #vermont #mitchsends #drop #airtime #gopro #gopromax #sent #sendit
@mitchsends
3.3K likes • 77.4K views

Bring your climbing legs! :muscle:

Expect a serious climb before the fun downhill. Pace yourself and enjoy the workout!

Use Trailforks for navigation :iphone:

Trails are well-marked, but an app ensures you don't miss any of the best routes.

reddit.com

Trail suggestions in Vermont?

reddit.com

One of the local mtb clubs just started grooming some steep, enduro trails. Closest thing you’ll get to real trail riding in February.

Dog-friendly fun :dog:

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. Perfect for a ride with your furry friend!

Post-ride river dip :ocean:

Cool off in the river across from the parking lot after your ride.

reddit.com

Waterbury area w/ kids

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring your climbing legs! :muscle:

Expect a serious climb before the fun downhill. Pace yourself and enjoy the workout!

Use Trailforks for navigation :iphone:

Trails are well-marked, but an app ensures you don't miss any of the best routes.

Dog-friendly fun :dog:

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. Perfect for a ride with your furry friend!

Post-ride river dip :ocean:

Cool off in the river across from the parking lot after your ride.

Helmet recommended :safety_vest:

Some descents can be fast and technical; a full-face helmet is a good idea for some riders.

What Travellers Say

4.8
(86 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the challenging climbs and epic downhill sections at Perry Hill, praising the well-maintained trails and variety of terrain. The dog-friendly atmosphere and river access are also frequently mentioned positives. Some find the climbs very demanding, but the rewarding descents make it a must-ride for many.

"Holy moly! This trail kicked my a! I’m a Florida MTB gal. So, as you can imagine, we have no hills to climb. However…..This trail was a lot of fun! It’s a hell of a climb, but once you get to the top, the DH is awesome. Well maintained trail with switch backs, berms and plenty of technical stuff. All the trails are well marked. We only did campfire, due to time and it was epic! There is even a pump track before you head in on the right which was a pleasant surprise. It’s a great trail in a lovely area and it’s a must ride 🤘"

Michelle Corbin

"I've biked here a bunch but this was the first time snowshoeing there. It's always fun to walk the trails slowly that you normally fly down while riding. We climbed up to the top of campfire and went back down that. The forest was beautiful in the snow and luckily we were the first ones to break a path, so that was cool."

Kieran Campbell

"Very nice trail area and access to the river that is nice to swim/play in. Bike trails go through the area and there is a port-a-potty if you need to use one."

Cassandra NightThunder

What People Like

Challenging climbs
Epic downhill runs
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Very demanding climbs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Perry Hill Trail Network is conveniently located near the highway, making it easily accessible. Parking is available at the trailhead. Many visitors find it straightforward to locate using GPS coordinates or by searching for 'Perry Hill Trail Network parking'.

Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of Perry Hill Trail Network are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Check local transit schedules for Waterbury, VT, for any potential bus routes that might get you close.

While trails are generally well-marked, using a navigation app like Trailforks is highly recommended. It provides detailed trail maps, difficulty ratings, and real-time location tracking, ensuring you can explore the network effectively.Reddit

Yes, there is a port-a-potty available at the trailhead, which is convenient for visitors. It's a good idea to check its condition upon arrival, especially during peak seasons.

Absolutely! There's easy access to the river directly across from the main parking area. It's a perfect spot to cool down after a ride or for families to enjoy.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Perry Hill Trail Network is generally free to access and ride. It operates as a community-maintained trail system, so donations are often appreciated to help with upkeep.

The trails are typically open from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the network at their convenience, though riding in low light is not recommended for safety.

There is no entrance fee to use the Perry Hill Trail Network. It's a public access area, and the trails are maintained by local enthusiasts and volunteers.

While mountain biking is primarily a warmer-weather activity, the trails can be used for snowshoeing or fat biking in the winter, conditions permitting. Check local conditions before heading out in snowy weather.Reddit

For casual group rides, no special permits are typically required. However, if you are planning a large organized event, it's advisable to contact local trail organizations or authorities to inquire about any necessary permissions or insurance.

🎫 🚵 Onsite Experience

Perry Hill offers a diverse range of trails, from old-school technical sections with roots and rocks to modern flow trails with berms and jumps.Reddit There are options for various skill levels, though many trails involve significant climbing.

While Perry Hill has challenging trails, there are also some beginner-friendly options. However, the overall network is known for its climbs, so beginners should be prepared for a workout. The pump track is a great starting point.Reddit

The terrain is varied, featuring a mix of packed dirt, loose rocks, exposed roots, and smooth, bermed sections. The forest setting provides a beautiful and natural riding environment.Reddit

Yes, the trails are generally well-maintained by local volunteers and the mountain biking community. You'll find switchbacks, berms, and clearings that indicate ongoing care.Reddit

The downhill sections, like Campfire Trail, are a major draw. Riders often describe them as epic and well-designed, offering a thrilling descent after the climb.Reddit Using a good suspension bike is recommended for these sections.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Perry Hill is located near Waterbury, VT, which offers several dining options. You can find local cafes, diners, and restaurants in town. Packing a picnic to enjoy by the river is also a popular choice for riders.Reddit

Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the challenging climbs. There are no concessions on-site.

While there aren't designated picnic tables, the area near the river access point offers a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a packed meal.Reddit The natural setting makes for a scenic lunch break.

Waterbury has a range of eateries, from casual spots to more established restaurants. You can find everything from classic American fare to local Vermont specialties. It's a good place to refuel after a day of riding.

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally advised to consume alcohol responsibly and away from the immediate trail areas. The focus at Perry Hill is on outdoor recreation and safety.

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic forest setting, the challenging switchbacks on climbs, and the flowy berms on descents offer great photo opportunities. The river access point also provides a picturesque backdrop.Reddit

Yes, filming mountain biking is common here, as seen in many TikTok videos.TikTok Be mindful of other riders and ensure your filming doesn't impede trail use or safety.

A GoPro or similar action camera is popular for capturing the riding experience.TikTok For landscape shots, a smartphone or a dedicated camera with a wide-angle lens would be beneficial.

While there aren't designated viewpoints, the higher elevations reached during climbs offer expansive views of the surrounding forest. The riverbanks also provide lovely natural settings for photos.

Capturing action shots requires timing and a good vantage point. Friends can help by filming from different angles on the trails, especially on the berms and jumps.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perry Hill offers a mixed bag for families. While the main trails are challenging with significant climbs, the pump track near the entrance is a fantastic feature for kids to practice skills and have fun.Reddit It's a great way to introduce younger riders to the network in a safe, controlled environment. For families with children who are already comfortable on bikes, exploring some of the less technical, well-marked trails can be rewarding.

River access across from the parking lot is a huge plus for families. It provides a perfect spot for kids to cool off, splash around, and enjoy the outdoors after a ride or a hike. Packing a picnic to enjoy by the river is also a popular and easy option.Reddit Remember to assess your children's skill level and stamina, as the climbs can be demanding. Using a navigation app like Trailforks can help you identify suitable routes for your family's abilities.

🐶 Dog Owners

Perry Hill is a dog-friendly mountain bike trail network, making it a great destination for riders who want to bring their furry companions along.Reddit Ensure your dog is on a leash at all times to respect other users and wildlife. The varied terrain offers an engaging experience for dogs, from forest paths to open areas.

The river access across from the parking lot is a major highlight for dog owners. It's the perfect place for your dog to cool off and play in the water after a ride, especially during warmer months.Reddit This amenity significantly enhances the experience for both you and your pet. Remember to bring water for your dog and be mindful of other trail users and their pets.

💪 Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking for a serious workout, Perry Hill delivers. The network is renowned for its challenging climbs, offering substantial elevation gain that will test your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.Reddit Many trails are designed as 'go up then come down,' meaning you'll earn your descent. The variety of terrain, from technical root sections to fast, flowy berms, also provides a comprehensive physical challenge.

Consider using a navigation app to plan routes that maximize your climbing and descending time. The well-maintained trails, including features like switchbacks and berms, add to the dynamic nature of the workout.Reddit Whether you're training for a race or just seeking an intense outdoor session, Perry Hill offers a rewarding and demanding experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Mountain Biking at Perry Hill

Perry Hill Trail Network is a renowned destination for mountain bikers, offering a diverse and challenging experience. The network is characterized by its significant elevation gain, making it a true test of endurance before the exhilarating descents.Reddit Riders can expect a mix of old-school technical trails featuring roots and rocks, alongside more modern, flowy sections with berms and jumps.Reddit This variety ensures that there's something for most skill levels, though beginners should be prepared for the climbs.

The 'go up then come down' nature of many trails means that planning your route and pacing yourself is key. Trails like 'Campfire' are frequently highlighted as epic downhill runs, praised for their well-designed switchbacks and technical features.Reddit The network is generally well-maintained by the local community, with clear markings and features that indicate ongoing care. For navigation, using an app like Trailforks is highly recommended to make the most of the extensive trail system.Reddit

Beyond the biking, Perry Hill offers a beautiful forest setting and convenient access to the river for a refreshing post-ride cool-down.Reddit It's a place where riders can push their limits, enjoy the natural beauty, and connect with a passionate local biking community. Some riders even suggest considering a full-face helmet for the more aggressive descents.TikTok

Family and Dog-Friendly Aspects

While Perry Hill is a serious mountain biking destination, it also offers aspects that can be enjoyed by families and dog owners. The presence of a pump track near the entrance provides a fun and accessible area for younger or less experienced riders to practice their skills in a controlled environment.Reddit This can be a great starting point for families with children who are developing their trail riding abilities.

Furthermore, the network is known for being dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs to accompany riders on the trails.Reddit This makes it an ideal spot for those who want to bring their canine companions along for an outdoor adventure. The easy access to the river across from the parking area is a significant bonus for both families and dog owners. It offers a perfect spot to cool off, play, or simply relax by the water after a ride, making the overall experience more enjoyable for everyone.Reddit

For families with young children who are new to mountain biking, it's important to note that many of the main trails involve substantial climbing. However, exploring the pump track and shorter, flatter sections can still provide a rewarding experience. The well-marked trails and the option to use navigation apps can also help families stay on track and manage their adventure effectively.

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