This loop is located in the Vergennes, Vermont area.
Total length: 16 miles, Time: approx. 1 hr. 30 min. (Depending on your physical
condition and abilities), A small section (in blue) is
unpaved road. If you do not want to travel on unpaved road you can take an
alternate route that is marked in red-
yellow line.
The route begins in downtown Vergennes at the stoplight.
Follow Green St. southeast about 0.2 miles continue straight
ahead at the blinking light, New Haven Rd. bears to the left.
Green St. begins a gradual climb for about .5 miles, then steeply
climbs a hill for about 0.2 miles. As you ascend the hill views
of the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley come into view. Once at
the top it's a relaxing ride through wooded areas and open fields
for approximately 1 mile. The ride takes you past a swampy area
with a beaver dam, near dusk it's a noisy place with frogs
croaking and peeping.
At the end of the swamp turn left onto S.
Middlebrook Road. Follow this to the intersection with Rte. 7.
Route 7 is a main artery for traffic. Extreme caution should
be used when crossing this road.
After crossing Rte. 7 you will be on a dirt road for
a short distance (1/4 mile), then come to the intersection
with Plank Road.
Turn right here and enjoy a beautiful ride through the Vermont
countryside. Follow this road until you get to North St.
Turn right and pedal to the center of New Haven and Route 17.
Route 17 is a narrow state highway with little or no
shoulders, paving is poor in places, with potholes and broken
areas. Extreme caution should be used on this section of
road.
Turning right onto Route 17, follow west to New Haven
Jct. and the intersection with Rte. 7. There is a store located here.
Staying on
Route 17 West, follow Rte. 7 a short distance over railroad tracks.
Then turn
left. Start a gradual climb with views of the Green Mountains to the east.
After cresting the hill it's an easy ride to your next intersection, Green Street.
Turn right and follow this road back to Vergennes with
a fast ride down a long hill to finish the ride.