One of Vermont’s Highest Mountain Roads
Tucked high in the Green Mountains, the road through Lincoln Gap is one of Vermont’s most dramatic mountain crossings.
The route climbs steeply from farmland near Bristol into dense forest before reaching the gap itself — where the road crests near 2,400 feet above sea level.
It’s the highest paved road in Vermont, and driving it feels more adventurous than most scenic routes in the state.
The road is narrow, winding, and unapologetically steep in places. But that’s part of the charm.
For travelers exploring Addison County, Lincoln Gap offers the quickest way to experience the transition from the Champlain Valley into the heart of the Green Mountains.
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Where Lincoln Gap Is
Lincoln Gap connects the towns of:
- Lincoln on the eastern side
- Bristol on the western side
The road itself follows Lincoln Gap Road, which climbs through the Green Mountain National Forest before cresting at the gap.
From Addison County, the western approach begins just outside Bristol. From here you can make your way to Mad River Valley.
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A Scenic Drive Through the Mountains
The climb up Lincoln Gap is short but memorable.
As the road rises, the farmland and open valley landscapes give way to dense mountain forest. The pavement narrows, curves tighten, and the elevation gain becomes obvious.
Near the summit, roadside pull-offs and trailheads provide places to stop and explore.
Unlike larger scenic highways, Lincoln Gap feels quiet and local — more like a mountain road Vermonters use every day.
Great time to explore the Scenic Drives Guide
Hiking at the Summit
At the top of the gap you’ll find access to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, which share a section of ridgeline through this part of Vermont.
From the trailhead, hikers can follow the ridgeline north or south for expansive views over the Green Mountains.
Even a short walk along the trail gives visitors a sense of Vermont’s higher elevation forests and mountain terrain.
A Favorite Fall Foliage Route
Lincoln Gap becomes especially popular in autumn.
Because the road climbs into higher elevations, the foliage here often peaks slightly earlier than in the valley below.
Driving the gap during fall color season offers a mix of bright hardwood forest and sweeping mountain scenery.
For photographers and leaf peepers, it’s one of the most memorable drives in the region.
When Lincoln Gap Is Open
Because of its elevation and steep grades, Lincoln Gap Road typically closes during winter months.
The road usually opens again in late spring once snow and ice conditions improve.
Visitors planning to drive the gap should check seasonal road conditions before traveling.
How Lincoln Gap Fits Into an Addison County Visit
Lincoln Gap is only a short drive from several of the county’s most interesting towns.
From the western approach near Bristol, travelers can easily combine the drive with visits to:
- Bristol — a classic mountain-edge village
- Middlebury — the region’s cultural center
- Vergennes — Vermont’s smallest city near Lake Champlain
This makes Lincoln Gap an ideal scenic detour during a day exploring Addison County.
Explore Our Guide to Addison County
Why Lincoln Gap Matters
Many visitors to Vermont imagine mountain scenery — but spend most of their time in valley towns.
Lincoln Gap is where those two landscapes meet.
Within a short drive, you can move from farmland and small villages into high forest and mountain ridges.
It’s one of the most direct ways to experience the geographic contrast that defines the Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains.
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