United StatesVermont Mount Mansfield (Race to Top of Vermont)
Mount Mansfield (Race to Top of Vermont) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

8.9
FIETS
4.2 mi
DISTANCE
2,511 ft
GAINED
11.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
MORE

Page Contributor(s): Drew Bressem, Southwick, MA

INTRO

Mt. Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont (4,395’) and is located in the Green Mountains subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The road is fully within Mount Mansfield State Forest (44,444 acres, established 2002).  The road is open to cyclists (only) one day per year - the fourth Sunday in August. 
11.5% average grade - 47% of the climb is at 10-15% grade, 12% is at 15-20%, and 1.4% is at ≥ 20%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 16% and steepest mile 13.2%.  

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Nearly all of the road is dirt, but manageable on a road bike.

Traffic:  None on race day.  For the descent, you follow a pace car from the top which leaves every 20 minutes. 

Parking:  At the main or overflow parking lot near the toll road entrance - Map;  Street View. 
Bike and Tires:  We have not cycled this climb, but did drive and walk much of it.  We believe it can accomplished on a hybrid road  (e.g., diverge) or gravel bike with 30mm tires preferably with knobs (ideally probably a 34-38mm tire).  Here is input from Drew Bressem of Southwick MA:  "Hey John, yes. Ridden this 3 times. It is hard pack dirt all the way up (200 ‘ of pavement at start). I’ve Used a Cannondale slate with 650x 41 Surly Knard’s (low profile knobs). Kona king Zing road bike w 25mm road tires and a Kona Stinky Mt bike w 2.0 knobys. The Cannodale Slate was the best set up, you will find many cross and gravel bikes w 28/30mm participating."
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Mount Mansfield is near the quaint Vermont town of Stowe and you will not go wrong staying there for your climb.  

Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar to see other bike climbs in this area. 

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Not Yet Rated
-
Road
-
Traffic
-
Scenery

CURRENT WEATHER

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
No Climbs Found

MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
ROUTE MAP
PROFILE TOOL

Climb Profile Not Found
CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - looking down hillside toward town, hills covered in bright fall foliage

Cycling Mt. Mansfield (one day per year)

Ride 4.2 miles gaining 2,511’ at 11.5% average grade.

Mt. Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont (4,395’) and is located in the Green Mountains subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.  The road is fully within Mount Mansfield State Forest (44,444 acres, established 2002).

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - photo collage, toll road, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Climb’s Start.

This is an unbelievably scenic and challenging climb.  The two drawbacks to cycling Mt. Mansfield are (a) it is open only one day per year for an annual bike race to the top -- otherwise, no bikes allowed, and (b) it is gravel.  The gravel is the lesser of the two drawbacks -- at least you can ride on it!

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - photo collage, fall foliage, ski signs, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

The road is through Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont.

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - visitor center and informational signs at ride's end

End of the road.

FALL COLORS

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - photo collage, fall foliage, one-lane gravel road, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Cycling Mt. Mansfield, Vermont - photo collage, fall foliage, one-lane gravel road, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

   RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT    

Photo: Race to the Top of Vermont.

The annual cycling ride on Mount Mansfield, Race to the Top of Vermont (RTTTOVT) is held annually on the fourth Sunday in August.  The ride was held virtually in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Access to full Climb Summary requires a PJAMM Cycling PRO Membership!

It takes less than a minute to sign up & with your PRO membership you can:
  • Rate climbs, post comments and share your experiences on any of our climb pages
  • Create bucket lists of climbs & mark the dates you complete them
  • Weather data for all climbs - Start & Finish
  • Upload photos to your member page to customize your PJAMM Cycling experience
  • Utilize all of our interactive tools - Profile & Routes in Area
  • Download climb route .gpx files
Sign up for a PRO Membership

Already have an account? LOG IN HERE