The Kingdom Loop
Region: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont Distance: ~95–110 miles Time: 2.5–3.5 hours riding Surface: Paved (numbered state and US routes throughout)
Start in St. Johnsbury and head east on Route 2 toward Lunenburg. The road follows the Passumpsic River valley, running between ridgelines before the terrain opens as you approach the Connecticut River at the state line.
At Lunenburg, pick up Route 102 north. The road runs close to the Connecticut River through Guildhall and on toward Maidstone — broad valley floor, open farmland on both sides, long sight lines east toward the New Hampshire hills. Traffic is light and the road stays flat and straight for long stretches.
At North Stratford cut west on Route 105 toward Island Pond. The landscape shifts noticeably — spruce and fir forest, working timber land, the road narrowing through longer gaps between towns. Island Pond is a natural stop before turning south.
From Island Pond, Route 114 south moves through rolling hill country, the terrain getting more varied as you work toward East Burke. Burke Mountain comes into view as you drop into the valley. East Burke is a good stopping point before the final leg.
From East Burke, Route 114 connects to Lyndonville, then Route 5 South runs back to St. Johnsbury through open farmland and small hillside settlements.
Route Modifiers
Glacial Lake Willoughby (+15 miles / 30 minutes)
In Island Pond, continue on VT-105 West for roughly 11 miles to meet VT-5a South. Turn left and after 19 miles you’ll connect with VT-5 South. In Lyndonville you’ll meet up with VT-114 and continue on VT-5 South to St. Johnsbury
NEK Loop Alternative Marked in Red
Stops to consider
St. Johnsbury
Fuel and food options at the start. Worth filling up before you head out to keep your options open.
Island Pond
A natural midpoint. Small downtown with a diner. Good place to stretch and see if you want to modify the second half.
East Burke
The village is at the base of Burke Mountain with a handful of options for coffee, food, and fuel.
Lake Willoughby
If you chose the alternate route you’ll definitely want to take a moment to take in the view. There are beaches at both ends.
Please Note:
Surface & Conditions
Surface notes describe road type, not day-of-ride conditions. This route follows numbered state and US routes throughout and is likely fully paved. Road conditions and surface transitions can change with weather, maintenance, and season — these notes reflect road type, not day-of conditions.
Use this information to decide what fits the ride you have in mind.
If you know roads or routes worth building a ride around, hit reply and tell me about it.
