How are Other Burlingtons Doing it? Outdoor Recreation

There are approximately 30 municipalities in the United States called Burlington. While we are partial to the one just a few miles northwest of Boston, sometimes it's fun to learn about other places with the same name. This month we wanted to look at a popular pastime in our Burlington and see how other Burlingtons are doing it.

In Burlington, VT, you can ride your bike to an island (no SCUBA tank required)

If you've ever ridden your bike (or driven!) locally, you might be aware of the rail trails – paved bike trails that were installed over the top of former railways. The closest option to Burlington is the Minuteman Bikeway, which begins in Cambridge and travels through many towns including Lexington and Bedford. But there are many other rail trails that will bring you through the Commonwealth's beautiful terrain.

Not to be outdone by another New England locale, our Vermont counterpart did us one better. With a fascinating story beginning in 1980 and involving former Vermont governor Howard Dean, the Winooski River Bridge was constructed in 2004 and completes the Island Line Trail, a 10-mile path that will bring riders from Burlington out to the Lake Champlain islands. Like our local rail trails, this path welcomes joggers and other forms of transportation, as well.

Visit natural and man-made caves in Burlington, IA

While local attraction Starr's Cave is closed indefinitely to protect bats, surrounding the cave is 184 acres of conservation land complete with trails, unique rock formations, and even fossils!

If you've got your heart set on seeing a cave, there are a couple of man-made "caves" thought to have been blasted by mineral prospectors seeking zinc in the 1920s.

In Burlington, NC, pick from quick and easy hikes or longer and more challenging ones

Burlington, NC, boasts a number of trails in a variety of different locations throughout the area. For a mostly flat, short mile or two, head out to the Burlington City Park trail – a path whose description gives Wildwood Park vibes. For something more challenging (and less-wheel-friendly), the Haw River Trail offers 8 miles of hiking that will take you to areas for fishing, camping, and picnicking. (But maybe use the bathroom before you go.)

Burlington Trivia

Which Burlington is an unlikely port city? (Get your answer in the Burlington Buzz newsletter or in the next edition of Other Burlingtons!)

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