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Long Trail: VT-125 to Winooski River (Middlebury Gap)
Hiking Trail
Hard
44.86 mi
13,273 ft
Multiple ridgetop traverses showcasing some of the best views on the entire trail.
This portion of the Long Trail begins at Brandon Gap, adjacent to the Middlebury Snowbowl. In just five miles, the trail makes a grueling, rugged ascent into the Breadloaf Wilderness on a path for its namesake peak.
Hovering just above 3,800 feet, the summit of Breadloaf Mountain is the highest in the region. Though there are no defined overlooks, you can still snag some partial views near the summit. Just ahead, the Emily Proctor shelter serves as a popular overnight camping opportunity before beginning the trek over Vermont's "Presidential Traverse."
Continuing through Breadloaf Wilderness, this portion of the Long Trail is particularly epic and noteworthy among hikers. Vermont's "Presidential Traverse" begins with the summits of Mount(s) Wilson, Roosevelt, and Cleveland before halting for a break at the Cooley Glen shelter.
Endless vistas lie ahead, the first of which comes atop Mount Grant. To the south, you're welcomed with an excellent view of Breadloaf Wilderness from 3,600'. Nearby "Sunset Ledge" lies nearby an offers even more incredible views to the west.
Passing through Lincoln Gap, the trail begins one of the toughest climbs yet to Mount Abraham. Nearing 4,000', the approach demands three points of contact and can be particularly dangerous when wet. In return, you're rewarded for your efforts with a phenomenal panoramic vista from its exposed alpine summit.
Following the ridge, the LT passes a few ski areas with plenty of views along the way. Mount Ellen, in particular, provides some of the best as the trail drops into a clearing atop the uppermost ski lift. To the west, you can even catch a faint glimpse of Lake Champlain.
The next major trailhead lies along VT-17 and is commonly referred to as Appalachian (App) Gap. Popular among day hikers, an overlook atop Molly Stark Mountain lies north on the trail and provides phenomenal views from its flat, exposed summit.
Continuing across even higher peaks, the Long Trail crosses over Camel's Hump to round out the segment. Taking 3rd among the state's highest peaks, the summit is arguably the most recognized in Vermont. Multiple approaches bring the summit within reach of several day hikes and the views from the summit are worth every step.
The northern terminus of this segment lies at a trailhead under Interstate 89. After the descent from Camel's Hump, the Long Trail follows the Winooski River to a footbridge that allows access to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
This portion of the Long Trail begins at Brandon Gap, adjacent to the Middlebury Snowbowl. In just five miles, the trail makes a grueling, rugged ascent into the Breadloaf Wilderness on a path for its namesake peak.
Hovering just above 3,800 feet, the summit of Breadloaf Mountain is the highest in the region. Though there are no defined overlooks, you can still snag some partial views near the summit. Just ahead, the Emily Proctor shelter serves as a popular overnight camping opportunity before beginning the trek over Vermont's "Presidential Traverse."
Continuing through Breadloaf Wilderness, this portion of the Long Trail is particularly epic and noteworthy among hikers. Vermont's "Presidential Traverse" begins with the summits of Mount(s) Wilson, Roosevelt, and Cleveland before halting for a break at the Cooley Glen shelter.
Endless vistas lie ahead, the first of which comes atop Mount Grant. To the south, you're welcomed with an excellent view of Breadloaf Wilderness from 3,600'. Nearby "Sunset Ledge" lies nearby an offers even more incredible views to the west.
Passing through Lincoln Gap, the trail begins one of the toughest climbs yet to Mount Abraham. Nearing 4,000', the approach demands three points of contact and can be particularly dangerous when wet. In return, you're rewarded for your efforts with a phenomenal panoramic vista from its exposed alpine summit.
Following the ridge, the LT passes a few ski areas with plenty of views along the way. Mount Ellen, in particular, provides some of the best as the trail drops into a clearing atop the uppermost ski lift. To the west, you can even catch a faint glimpse of Lake Champlain.
The next major trailhead lies along VT-17 and is commonly referred to as Appalachian (App) Gap. Popular among day hikers, an overlook atop Molly Stark Mountain lies north on the trail and provides phenomenal views from its flat, exposed summit.
Continuing across even higher peaks, the Long Trail crosses over Camel's Hump to round out the segment. Taking 3rd among the state's highest peaks, the summit is arguably the most recognized in Vermont. Multiple approaches bring the summit within reach of several day hikes and the views from the summit are worth every step.
The northern terminus of this segment lies at a trailhead under Interstate 89. After the descent from Camel's Hump, the Long Trail follows the Winooski River to a footbridge that allows access to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Trail Climb | 0.99 mi | 732 ft | 14.0% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.37 mi | 249 ft | 12.6% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.23 mi | 315 ft | 25.6% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.23 mi | 148 ft | 11.9% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.39 mi | 466 ft | 22.5% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.24 mi | 341 ft | 26.8% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.45 mi | 325 ft | 13.4% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.33 mi | 253 ft | 14.1% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.27 mi | 217 ft | 14.9% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.72 mi | 525 ft | 13.8% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.31 mi | 210 ft | 12.8% |
| Lincoln to App Gap | 10.49 mi | -1,752 ft | -0.1% |
| Long Trail - Wheeler Road to Mt. Ellen | 5.18 mi | 1,621 ft | 5.6% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.97 mi | 748 ft | 14.4% |
| mt abe from lincoln gap | 1.95 mi | 1,585 ft | 15.4% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.99 mi | 856 ft | 16.3% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.27 mi | 141 ft | 9.7% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.24 mi | 154 ft | 10.5% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.36 mi | 187 ft | 9.6% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.36 mi | 233 ft | 12.0% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.36 mi | 322 ft | 16.4% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.20 mi | 171 ft | 15.6% |
| Long Trail Climb | 1.20 mi | 791 ft | 12.5% |
| Long Trail Climb | 0.64 mi | 902 ft | 26.8% |
| Window to Parking | 1.47 mi | -932 ft | -12.0% |