One hour until sunset?! This is the route for you! Everything is crammed into one hour: a killer workout climbing up along the Folsom Brook drainage onto the flanks of Scrag (elevation: 2874’), monstrous sweeping views of the Monroe Skyline, 2 sections of fun class IV roads, and a huge descent back to Madbush Falls.

Like most routes leaving the Valley, it starts with a steep climb. However, most of the climbing is over in the first 4 miles and all that’s left are the rolling hills and views of rural Vermont, a sweet downhill back into the Valley, and a beer and burger by the fire pit. (less)

This is a straight-up incredible ride if you have the legs for it.

Starting from Madbush, climb straight out of the Valley up to historic Waitsfield Common Rd with huge views of the Monroe Skyline, passing classic old barns and Von Trapp Farmstead. A 600’ smooth descent flows down along the Mad River on the quiet dirt Pony Hill Rd to the first extended stretch of Class IV road–Cobb Hill. 

Crossing through Waterbury on suburban side streets, a long climb commences up the flanks of the Worcester Mountain Range with big views across the Valley of Mt Mansfield and Camel’s Hump. The next class IV section, Waterworks Rd flows through shady woods into Stowe Hollow with an aid station waiting for you at Jonny’s house (the owner of Madbush Falls). 

A quick descent leads to Covered Bridge Rd and a crystal clear swimming hole, before a rolling descent into Stowe Village. Creemee opportunity #1, Red Barn Ice Cream, greets you along a meander up a short section of the Stowe Rec Path before a windy climb past the legendary Trapp Family Lodge, down a steep descent to Nebraska Valley and into Cotton Brook. 

The return to Waterbury takes you on what is perhaps Vermont’s best uninterrupted stretch of Class IV road - a massive 12-mile section with a continuous wilderness climb over 1000’ on the undeveloped flanks of the Green Mountains around the west shore of Waterbury Reservoir. After the second biggest descent of the day, a flat cruise on Rt 2 and River Rd along the Winooski River (and I-89) leads around Waterbury to the last climb of the ride and Vermont’s best creemee (we’re callin’ it) at Red Hen. 

15 miles of quiet gravel and little-known Class IV roads over the Northfield Mountains leads back to Waitsfield Common and then food, beer and coffee at Madbush Falls. (less)

This ride is a true Mad River Valley gem, piecing together low traffic gravel and off-road sections in a route with great variety. Filled with long steep climbs, this route is best for those with a good level of fitness. (less)