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Waterbury – Appalachian Gap loop from Waterbury-Stowe

Waterbury – Appalachian Gap loop from Waterbury-Stowe

Hard

2.7

(17)

riders

Waterbury – Appalachian Gap loop from Waterbury-Stowe

03:53

82.4km

1,090m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Camel's Hump State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

784 m

Waterbury

Highlight • Settlement

This is a highly walkable town (population about 5,300) that caters to foodies and outdoors enthusiasts. High points include the local shops, restaurants, mountain biking trails and the nearby Waterbury Reservoir, a few miles north of the road.

Tip by

50.9 km

Appalachian Gap

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Appalachian Gap marks the divide between two different drainage systems, although both eventually feed into Lake Champlain. In more practical terms, this gap is a wonderfully easy-access spot to …

Tip by

62.7 km

Great Eddy Covered Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Great Eddy is the oldest covered bridge still in operation in Vermont. It was built in 1833 and to this day is one of the main routes in and out of Waitsfield.

Tip by

82.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

44.8 km

37.4 km

263 m

Surfaces

82.4 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (720 m)

Lowest point (90 m)

Weather

Saturday 27 June

26°C

14°C

-- %

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Description

If you're looking for a serious test of your climbing legs and a truly rewarding ride, the Waterbury – Appalachian Gap loop from Waterbury-Stowe is one of Vermont's most challenging road cycling routes. This difficult 51.2-mile (82.4 km) loop packs in a significant 3566 feet (1087 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 53 minutes to complete. It's a prime choice for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding workout with incredible scenery, especially if you're comfortable with sustained, steep climbs.

What to expect on Waterbury – Appalachian Gap loop from Waterbury-Stowe

This route is a journey through the heart of the Green Mountains, offering a quintessential Vermont cycling experience. You'll navigate well-paved roads, though be prepared for potential unpaved sections in the broader Waterbury area. The real highlight, and challenge, is the ascent of Appalachian Gap. The east side is particularly brutal, with sections hitting 10-15% and a steepest quarter-mile at 12%, while the west side also features sustained pitches of 15% or more on Vermont Route 17. Your reward for this effort is the panoramic views from the summit of Appalachian Gap, looking west towards the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains. This ride demands very good fitness and appropriate climbing gears, making it best suited for confident cyclists.

Planning your visit

Given the challenging nature of the Appalachian Gap climb, it's wise to consider seasonal conditions; the best time to cycle Waterbury Appalachian Gap is typically from late spring through early fall, avoiding winter snow and ice. While parking for Waterbury Appalachian Gap cycling loop is generally available in the Waterbury-Stowe area, arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot, especially on popular weekends. Always carry plenty of water, as there are significant stretches between services, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains.

Trail details