Escape to the Northeast Kingdom in East Burke, VT

The Northeast Kingdom is a bit off the tourism map of Vermont, removed from the hubbub of Burlington and the well-trodden trails of the Green Mountains. Now that

National Geographic

has named nearby St. Johnsbury its number-one small town for adventure, more folks will probably be heading this way, but there's no reason you shouldn't join them.

East Burke is the focus here, thanks to the

Kingdom Trails

, a network of pathways supported and maintained by those who use it. Seasonal

memberships

go for about $40, but visitors can purchase a day-use pass for $10. The trails pass through some 42 privately owned parcels of land, giving hikers and bikers a glimpse of the local community along with the beautiful scenery.

SmarterTravel.com Managing Editor Josh Roberts went

snowshoeing

on the Kingdom Trails last February, and recommends the

Wildflower Inn

, which offers mountain-biking packages from $74 per night. Many other B&Bs in the area sell similar

packages

as well.

If you want to throw a little culture into your getaway, drive down to St. Johnsbury and spend some time at the

Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

and the

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum

. While you're there, stroll around the downtown

shops and restaurants

or shop the Saturday

farmers' market

to support local agriculture and pack a great picnic for a day on the trails.

The Kingdom Trails website is a good place to plan an outdoorsy getaway. The

Northeast Kingdom Travel & Tourism Association

and

St. Johnsbury Works!

sites also have a lot of info for visitors.

Read more of the

50 Affordable Stateside Escapes

.

Have a recommendation for East Burke, or another great getaway in Vermont? Post your comment below!