Biking

A rewarding 14-mile bike trip along paved roads begins at the village of Waitsfield. Park near the covered bridge, then follow East Warren Road past the Inn at Round Barn Farm and up into the hilly, farm-filled countryside. (Don't be discouraged by the unrelenting hill at the outset.) Near the village of Warren, turn right at Brook Road to connect to Route 100. Return north on the bustling but often scenic Route 10 to Waitsfield, minding the traffic carefully.

Clearwater Sports, at 4147 Main St. (Rte. 100) in Waitsfield north of the covered bridge (tel. 802/496-2708; www.clearwatersports.com), offers mountain-bike rentals from a blue-and-white Victorian-era house (in addition to its main business of renting kayaks). The staff is helpful, offering suggestions for routes and tours.

Hiking

Hikers in search of good exercise and a spectacular view should strike out for Mount Abraham, west of Warren. Drive west up Lincoln Gap Road (it leaves Rte. 100 just south of Warren Village) and continue to the crest, where you cross the intersection with the Long Trail. Park here and hike north on the trail; after about 2 miles, you reach the Battell Shelter. Push on another .8 mile up a steep ascent to reach panoramic views atop 4,006-foot Mount Abraham. Enjoy, and then retrace your steps. Allow 4 or 5 hours for this round-trip hike.

For a less demanding adventure that still yields great views, head south from Lincoln Gap Road on the Long Trail. In about .6 mile, look for a short spur trail to Sunset Rock, with sweeping westward vistas of the farms of the Champlain Valley, along with Lake Champlain and the knobby Adirondacks beyond. A round-trip hike here requires a little more than an hour.

Winter Sports

Downhill skiing is abundant in the valley . For slower-paced activity, the outdoorsy folks at Clearwater Sports (tel. 802/496-2708; www.clearwatersports.com), on Main Street in Waitsfield, rent snowshoes and telemark skis -- and also dispense advice -- in the winter.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.