This climb is short but brutal, covering around 3.3 miles with an intense average gradient of about 12.2%, hitting pitches over 20% and gaining over 2,000 feet. As you grind your way up through the dense Vermont forest, be sure to catch your breath at the overlooks; midway up, you might see the striking Willoughby Gap, and from the summit, climbing the fire tower rewards you with incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the rolling Green Mountains and White Mountains stretching out into the distance – especially stunning when the fall foliage is peaking.