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Great Eddy Covered Bridge – Appalachian Gap loop from Mad River Glen

Great Eddy Covered Bridge – Appalachian Gap loop from Mad River Glen

Hard

2.8

(10)

riders

Great Eddy Covered Bridge – Appalachian Gap loop from Mad River Glen

06:03

101km

1,340m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 27.4 km for 1.63 km

After 31.4 km for 6.65 km

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

9.34 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

56.6 km

Beaver Pond

Highlight • Lake

At this point along the tree-lined Hinesburg Road, the trees clear and you have views across Beaver Pond. The pond is a relatively small water body, with some marshy area …

Tip by

98.4 km

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

101 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

63.6 km

37.2 km

Surfaces

92.7 km

8.08 km

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

Today

Sunday 28 June

23°C

12°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're an experienced road cyclist seeking a serious challenge wrapped in iconic Vermont scenery, the Great Eddy Covered Bridge – Appalachian Gap loop from Mad River Glen is definitely worth your time. This difficult 62.6-mile (100.7 km) road cycling route packs in 4394 feet (1339 metres) of climbing over roughly 6 hours and 3 minutes, making it a prime target for those who love sustained ascents and rewarding views.

What to expect on Great Eddy Covered Bridge – Appalachian Gap loop from Mad River Glen

Expect a journey through varied terrain, starting with rolling hills and flatter sections along the Mad River, offering a warm-up before the main event. The route's centerpiece is the formidable ascent of Appalachian Gap, a climb known for its sustained steep grades, averaging 8.3% over 2.9 miles on the eastern side, with some sections hitting 24%. You'll be rewarded with stunning natural beauty throughout, from the picturesque Mad River Valley with its streams and forests to the historic Great Eddy Covered Bridge, an iconic 1833 structure. The summit of Appalachian Gap offers a particularly rewarding vista looking west. This loop demands good to very good fitness levels, especially if you plan to tackle it at pace.

Planning your visit

The route starts from Mad River Glen, where you'll find parking. The road surface on Appalachian Gap is generally in good condition, and traffic is typically mild to low moderate. For the most vibrant experience, consider cycling during peak foliage season, though the views are rewarding year-round. Always carry enough water for this demanding ride.

Trail details