United StatesVermont Lincoln Gap West
Lincoln Gap West Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

3.1
FIETS
3.6 mi
DISTANCE
1,391 ft
GAINED
7.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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INTRO

This climb is ranked #7 on the Vermont Top Bike Climbs list and has the second steepest half-mile in the state after Lincoln Gap East.  The ride is very peaceful, initially past open fields and then surrounded by forest as the climb becomes gradually steeper until it reaches insanity for the last half mile.  

Secret tip:  look under the bridge at the start of the climb - photo.
Lincoln Gap is all about UP, on both sides.  The average grade of the climb is 7.7% but do not let that modest average lull you into a sense of complacency as you move up the hill.  You will be tested on this climb - 18% is in the 10-15% range, and 11% is at 15-20%.  Although the map does not pick this up, the grade reaches 26% (I am quite proud of myself having been able to balance my bike at 2.3 mph to take a photo of my Garmin reading 26%).  The steepest quarter-mile is 16.9%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Narrow two lane road in good condition with no shoulder.

Traffic:  Mild - not a problem. 

Parking:  I parked in Warren and did this climb as an out and back with Lincoln Gap East.  But there is parking on the side of the road near the start of this climb - Map.
Provisions:  None on the route - there is a store in Lincoln one mile north (Map), and in Warren eight miles west (Map). 
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.
There are several climbs in the area - see the Routes in Area Tool. There are a few quaint places to stay in the area. If your cycling plans have you staying for a longer visit, there are many great condo and villa rentals in this popular ski area. 

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Lincoln Gap West - Road signs for East River Road and Lincoln Gap Road, bike leaning against Lincoln Gap Road sign, dense grasses and foliage behind signs, road in foreground

Cycling Lincoln Gap West

Ride 3.6 miles gaining 1,433’ at 7.7% average grade.

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

Cycling Lincoln Gap West - winding road through dense foliage, bike leaning against road sign for 20% gradient, bike standing in green pastureland with blue skies, bike leaning against trail sign for Lincoln Gap, Garmin device showing 26% grade

Each side of the gap has a 30-50 yard segment at 26%. 😓

Cycling Lincoln Gap West - Gradient profile, road sign for Lincoln Gap Road with bike propped against it, bike leaning against guardrail overlooking river

Climb begins at the bridge over New Haven River.

This is a beautiful ride through pastures and then up a brutally steep one mile segment to the finish at the highest paved road in Vermont. The last mile of the climb averages 13% and includes a quarter mile averaging a whopping 17%.

Just before the 17% ¼ mile segment.

Cycling Lincoln Gap West - photo collage, rusted vintage car parked in field behind wire fence, green tractor mowing field, red barns with white doors under cloudy sky, bike parked in pastureland

We pass a few farms on the bottom section of the climb.

There are about two miles of very manageable gravel before the killer final mile.

Cycling Lincoln Gap West - bike propped against hiking sign for Lincoln Gap, lush, tree covered two lane road, winding road with steep gradient road sign, 20% grade road sign with yellow flowers, bike laying down across double yellow line along a straightaway in road under dense tree coverage

Lincoln Gap is the highest paved road in Vermont.

Photos are of the area within 100 yards of, and at, the gap.

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