Appalachian Gap Summit — VT-17
The Appalachian Gap ("App Gap") is the highest paved mountain pass road in Vermont, cresting at 2,369 feet on Route 17 in Buels Gore. The summit parking area sits just west of the crest and gives immediate access to sweeping views of the Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains of New York on clear days. The Long Trail crosses here, and a short walk north or south yields even wider panoramas. The eastern approach from Waitsfield climbs through dense hardwood forest with sustained 15% grades and tight switchbacks — generally considered one of the finest motorcycle roads in the state. Open seasonally; check conditions in shoulder season.
The App Gap crests at 2,369 feet on VT-17, making it the highest paved mountain pass road in Vermont. The pass sits within Camel's Hump State Park, and the summit parking area — just west of the crest on the right heading westbound — gives you an immediate, open view toward the Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains of New York on a clear day. There is no scrambling required to get that view; it's right there from where you park the bike.
The eastern approach from Waitsfield climbs through dense hardwood forest with sustained grades that run to 15% and tighter corners as you gain altitude. The road earns its reputation honestly — pavement narrows, camber changes, and grades stay on you for several miles in both directions. The western drop toward Bristol is just as sustained, so riders who make this a one-way slab rarely feel like they got the full picture. Running it as a loop — east from VT-100 up through Waitsfield, over the gap, then back via Bristol — is how most riders get the most out of the road.
The Long Trail crosses right at the gap between Stark Mountain to the south and Baby Stark Mountain to the north. A short walk in either direction along the trail opens up wider panoramas beyond what the parking area alone offers. The road is open year-round, but conditions on the approach grades can be unpredictable in early spring and late fall — frost heaves, residual sand, and shaded ice patches linger longer here than on lower roads. Check conditions before committing to the pass in shoulder season.
The climb from either side packs sustained technical corners, steep grades, and constant elevation change into a few miles. The summit pull-off is on the right (heading west) just past the crest and has room for several bikes. The western descent toward Bristol is equally rewarding. This is the payoff for the Mad River Valley ride on VT-100 — combine them in a loop with VT-17.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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