Appalachian Gap — VT-17
Vermont Route 17 crosses the Green Mountains via the Appalachian Gap ("App Gap"), the highest paved mountain pass in Vermont at 2,369 feet, in Buel's Gore. The road runs roughly 40 miles from Addison in the Champlain Valley east through Bristol, Starksboro, and Waitsfield to Mad River Glen. The eastern approach from Waitsfield packs 53 turns into 3 miles of climbing with sustained 15%+ grades through dense hardwood forest. The summit is within the Long Trail corridor; the Long Trail crosses the road here. The western descent to Bristol and Bristol Cliffs is equally technical. Frequently combined with VT-100 to form the classic Mad River Loop.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Mad Taco
A local taqueria in Irasville that makes a good starting stop for a meal before heading east on VT-17.
Irasville
Small village at the western base of Appalachian Gap, serving as the natural starting point for the route.
Bristol
A quiet Vermont town near the midpoint of the route with basic services and a classic New England town center.
Chimney Point
Historic site on the shore of Lake Champlain marking the eastern terminus of the route with views across the lake to New York.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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