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Brandon Gap: Route 73, Green Mountains, Vermont
Photo: Tony Hisgett · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Vermont Vermont

Brandon Gap: Route 73

VT 73, Gap Road, Brandon Mountain Road · Rochester → Brandon

Sweeping16.8 mi25 min1,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Vermont Route 73 climbs from Rochester on Route 100 over Brandon Gap and down to Brandon on US 7. The drive is 16.8 miles, takes about 25 minutes and is mostly gentle curves. Route 73 meets US 7 in the middle of Brandon and runs briefly along it, and passes through the village of Forestdale on the way.

The stop to make is the Mt. Horrid overlook on the east side of Brandon Gap. It looks over a beaver pond to the cliffs of Mt. Horrid, and the Forest Service says the pond is a good place to look for moose and beaver. Coming from Rochester, the overlook parking is 8.7 miles along Route 73 from Route 100 and the top of the gap is just beyond.

A short trail starts at the gap: the Long Trail runs north 0.4 mile to a blue-blazed spur, which climbs 0.1 mile up rock steps to the Great Cliff.

Along the way

  1. Rochester (VT-100)
  2. Brandon Gap
  3. Brandon (US-7)
Elevation
1,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,200 ft
RochesterBrandon
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
RochesterBrandon
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Mt. Horrid overlook and trailhead parking are just east of the top of the gap, and the Forest Service warns of vandalism at the lots, so keep valuables out of sight.
  • There are no restrooms or drinking water at the overlook or trailhead.
  • The Great Cliff is sometimes closed from March to August to protect nesting peregrine falcons; look for closure posters.
  • The spur to the Great Cliff is steep.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check New England 511: Vermont road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Vermont Route 73 over Brandon Gap take?

From Rochester to Brandon is 16.8 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Where is the Mt. Horrid overlook on Route 73?

It is on the east side of Brandon Gap, about 8.7 miles from Route 100 in Rochester, and looks across a beaver pond to the cliffs of Mt. Horrid.

Can you hike to the Great Cliff from Brandon Gap?

Yes. Follow the Long Trail north 0.4 mile to a blue-blazed spur, then climb 0.1 mile up rock steps. The cliff is sometimes closed March to August for nesting peregrine falcons.

Is Route 73 over Brandon Gap twisty?

No. It is mostly gentle curves.

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Brandon Gap: Route 73, from Rochester to Brandon