Section 17: Bridges Trail to Lincoln Gap – Catamount Trail Association

Snapshot

This section is a mix of back-country trails with a few short, steep climbs and descents; a partially plowed road; wide, groomed snowmobile trails; and an ungroomed, unplowed forest road to the top of Lincoln gap. There are wonderful views of the Breadloaf Wilderness along the way. A 1.2-mile road walk along South Lincoln Rd. can sometimes be skied.

Length

12.3 miles

Difficulty

The ski along the Bridges Trail between Forest Road 59 and Forest Road 54 includes a few short, steep, climbs and descents. The ski along FR 54 is flat and easy, but is shared with snowmobiles and is partially plowed. From South Lincoln Rd. to Lincoln Gap is all uphill but is not particularly steep. Note: FR 54 and the western, plowed half of FR 59 are known locally as “The Natural Turnpike.” After leaving the groomed trail network of the Rikert X-C Ski Center, the CT follows the eastern portion of FR 59 (unplowed), The Bridges Trail (non-snowmobile), and then joins FR 54 heading north to Lincoln.

Staying Found

Out in the woods keeping track of where you are can be a challenge. A map and compass is always a reliable option, but there are some great technological solutions that can make knowing where you are super simple. Please visit out Staying Found Webpage for more info about some of our favorite navigational tools, and note that all of our PDF maps are geo-referenced. This means they can be opened directly in apps like Avenza and used for navigation even in areas where there is no cell service.

Catamount Trail Skiers Facebook Group

This group is for anyone planning any type of adventure (skiing and snowshoeing) on the Catamount Trail (thru-skis\end-to-end section skis\day tours), or other similar XCD/Nordic backcountry trails in Vermont. It’s a place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with others.

Click Here & Say Hello!

Downloads

Catamount Trail Section 17 – GeoPDF Map
Catamount Trail Section 17 – Written Description (.pdf ~123k)
Shuttle Directions Section 17

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Looking for more information, volunteer opportunities, or to get in touch with the Section Trail Chief? Please contact us!