Forgotten Mountain Connections in Southern VT

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Bennington County, VT, US

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Luke's Adventure Rides

dirty climbs

106 km

2 667 m

This route brings together four old roads that take you between mountain passes and some quintessentially Vermont places. Bring your adventure attitude and adventure bike- there are some bone shakers in here, a climb for your lowest gears, and potentially deep mud.

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This route brings together four old roads that take you between mountain passes and some quintessentially Vermont places.  Bring your adventure attitude and adventure bike- there are some bone shakers in here, a climb for your lowest gears, and potentially deep mud.

The route starts at Hapgood Pond, which has a @poi[parking turnoff](59102904) as well as a state campground. There are also various potential parking spots to start/end the route in Winhall (10 miles into the route). @poi[Norse house bike shop](59102906) has a big lot across the street, but pop inside to let them know if you'll be leaving a car there.
The first 11 miles are fast and easy. After a quick ride through town you will be out in the woods and suddenly alone on @slice[the "IP Road"](d,21748.2,36662.57), once used for logging by the International Paper Company. A relatively gentle climb on grass, rocks and dirt takes you over the shoulder of Stratton mountain. Keep an eye out for white blazes of the @point[Appalachian and Long trail crossing ](d,31160.69)the road near the top.

IP road dumps you out on Kelley Stand road. After a short climb on this top notch Vermont dirt road, you have a 2000 ft plunge through a @poi[surprisingly stunning ravine](59102907).
After a break on some residential roads through Manchester Center, it's time for the big one! From this less popular entrance, Mount Equinox is a 3200 foot climb and the high point of the Taconic range. The @slice[first 1400 feet](d,64147.92,67448.26) are on a very steep unmaintained dirt road. @point[Near the top of this road](d,67479.19), cut over to the paved road for the @slice[remaining 1800 feet of climbing](d,67525.89,72002.39). It's a long way, but @poi[views at the top](59102909) are long, and rare for southern VT.

Getting down from Equinox is almost as difficult as the way up, but the highlight of this route. Head down the hiking trail to lookout rock. Don't worry if you're walking the big rocks here, it gets easier along the ridge, and as you approach Lookout Rock, take a @point[left onto an old road cut](d,72841.38). This @slice[old road/snomo trail](d,72861.62,77979.99) leads along the northern ridge to @point[Beartown Pass](d,76231.26). It doesn't seem to get much bike traffic but it is an absolute blast and badass way to see this mountain. It's full of loose rocks and leaves, some steep grades, and the difficult terrain drops about 2000 feet. Full suspension would be nice here, but its rideable without. However, 2.25" tires or larger and some handling skills are necessary to keep it safe and fun.

After the trails lead to a dirt road, and the dirt road leads back to main roads, you're back on pavement for a bit through town and up the next climb towards Bromley ski area. Eat some snacks and rehydrate for the final push to Mad Tom Notch!
Beware of fast traffic when @point[crossing Vermont Rt. 11](d,89324.2). It's not too long before you reach the pass, and @point[turn left back into the woods](d,92510.68)! Once in the Bromley Mountain trailhead parking area, pass the long trail and take the @point[second left](d,92769.51) up a @slice[snowmobile trail](d,92935,99198.93). This one is potentially very muddy, but otherwise a reasonable climb with some views through the trees. Eventually you will emerge at Mad Tom Notch road, supposedly named for an old english phrase describing wildness and unpredictability.

After crossing over @poi[the notch](59102910), it's a blazing fast @slice[dirt descent](d,100197.07,103556.78) with minimal road traffic, then a rolling return to civilization with some beautiful farms, camping spots, and no more adventury bits for today.

Forgotten Mountain Connections in Southern VT

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