Lincoln Gap
Category 13.2 km
Distance
390 m
Elevation Gain
12.2%
Average Gradient
22%
Max Gradient
By average gradient, Lincoln Gap is the steepest paved road climb in New England and one of the steepest in the eastern United States. The eastern approach from Lincoln climbs 390m over just 3.2km at an average of 12.2%, with a maximum ramp of 22% at the final switchback below the summit at 713m. There is nothing comparable to this gradient in the eastern states outside of a handful of steep urban walls — this is genuinely Alpine gradient territory on a narrow Vermont forest road. The first kilometre is a deceptive warm-up at 6-7%, then the road turns the corner and becomes a sustained wall. The road is narrow enough that oncoming vehicles require one party to pull over; in foliage season, leaf litter on the road surface creates dangerous conditions that have resulted in numerous crashes on the descent. The Lincoln Gap Road is closed to vehicles each November and reopens in late May — it is never treated or ploughed in winter.
Pro Tip
The descent from Lincoln Gap east to Lincoln village requires extreme caution: gradient above 12% and tight switchbacks on a narrow road that may have loose gravel, leaf litter, or damp shadows regardless of the general weather. Many experienced local riders prefer to ascend the east side and descend via App Gap rather than attempt the Lincoln Gap descent at speed. The combination of Lincoln Gap east + App Gap west (or vice versa) is the classic Vermont double-gap day: 35km from Waitsfield with 1,000m of climbing in under 4 hours.
Part of
Cycling in Vermont