VT driving question

[ctsparrow]

Am going from 89N out of lebanon, NH to Lincoln Gap Rd this weekend. In the past i have gone to Waterbury exit and headed south on 100 (but was car spotting also at Appalachia Gap). Mapquest wants to send me via exit 5 to 64, then 12A over Warren Mtn/Roxbury Mtn rd into East Warren then to 100. If anyone is familiar with this route, please give me some beta, not sure i want to end up on dirt/gravel mountain roads. thanks in advance, anyone doing Monroe skyline on sunday look for me and my son...shortstride...say hi...ctsparrow

 

[David Metsky]

Then don't take that route. It's a shortcut, but it may end up taking you longer to drive. This time of year it might not be that bad, but it's definitely a dirt mountain road.

 

[ctsparrow]

Dave, is it packed maintained dirt road? or one that is subjected to washouts, ruts etc...i have a subaru outback so i'm not worried about clearance, i just like to drive over 25mph!! thanks, ctsparrow

 

[SteveHiker]

don't take either of those routes. take this one instead.
exit 3 (Bethel, Royalton)
right onto 107 to 12 north
left onto camp brook road, turn left at a T-intersection that has a sign pointing to Rochester. then right on 100 and Lincoln Gap will be a left turn just as you're coming into the outskirts of Warren (about 18 or 19 miles).

here is how Google Maps describes it:
Lebanon to Lincoln Gap

This route is paved the whole way. Not that anyone should be afraid of dirt roads.

 

[Grumpy]

Dave, is it packed maintained dirt road? or one that is subjected to washouts, ruts etc...i have a subaru outback so i'm not worried about clearance, i just like to drive over 25mph!! thanks, ctsparrow

The road from I-89 to Roxbury is paved two-lane, usually in decent condition. Pavement ends a couple miles up the mountain from Roxbury on the way to Warren. The gravel road over Warren Gap usually is in decent condition -- wide, solid surface, relatively little washboarding, few washouts. You pick up pavement again well above Warren. From Warren up to Lincoln Gap is the same road you would take from Rte 100.

There is a great view of the Green Mountain range from Warren Gap, to make this route extra worthwhile.

While I don't especially think a 25 mph speed limit is called for on dirt roads in general -- especially the better of them -- I do think that 50 mph is over the top. I'm usually happy making 35-40 mph. Personal safety and comfort aside, vehicles traveling at higher speeds tend to inflict a lot more damage to the road surface, pound for pound of vehicle weight, than do their slower moving counterparts.

I also can endorse the route proposed by SteveHiker. All pavement to Lincoln Gap Road outside of Warren. The trip from Granville to Warren along Rte 100 up through Granville Gulf is an experience to be enjoyed in and of itself.

This is a nice road trip either way. Enjoy it.

G.

 

[NewHampshire]

don't take either of those routes. take this one instead.
exit 3 (Bethel, Royalton)
right onto 107 to 12 north
left onto camp brook road, turn left at a T-intersection that has a sign pointing to Rochester. then right on 100 and Lincoln Gap will be a left turn just as you're coming into the outskirts of Warren (about 18 or 19 miles).

here is how Google Maps describes it:
Lebanon to Lincoln Gap

This route is paved the whole way. Not that anyone should be afraid of dirt roads.

Listen to Steve....he knows Vermont pretty well!

Brian

 

[bobandgeri]

Before we got into Winter Hiking we used to ski at Sugarbush every weekend and that was the fastest way to get there. The road over teh gap from Roxbury is plowed in the winter, but not recommended for passenger cars - as long as you have 4 wheel drive you will fine year round. There are some great views from the height of land on a clear day.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Take the route Stevehiker suggested. I grew up and lived for many years in that at area. Yes, there are a couple of shortcuts which locals use, but follow Steve's suggestions. Least amount of hassle, straight-forward, etc.

 

[ctsparrow]

Thanks Steve et al., i think i'll try the southern route and maybe come out the over the mountain route on the way out to avoid leaf peepers and campers as much as possible!! ctsparrow