Can you drive to the top of Mount Equinox?

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Vermont, smack-dab in Bennington County, ready to tackle Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. This paved toll road, a little over 5 miles long, kicks off right from Route 7A in Sunderland and is owned by the Carthusian Order.

Heads up – it's closed from November to April, and no buses, RVs, or vans carrying more than 8 people allowed. Bikes, canoes, and kayaks? Leave 'em at home. But from Memorial Day Weekend to the end of October, you can hit it up between 9 AM and 5 PM, weather permitting. Pro tip: pack a jacket – it's usually breezy up there!

Now, let's talk about the climb. You're gaining over 3,100 feet in elevation, with some sections hitting a seriously steep 14%. It's known as one of the toughest bike climbs around! But don't worry, there are plenty of paved pull-offs where you can park up and soak in the views as you wind your way up the mountain, which sits inside the Green Mountain National Forest.

Once you hit the summit, you're treated to a full 360-degree panorama. We're talking Vermont, the Adirondacks, New Hampshire, and on a clear day, you can see five states and even Canada. There are communication towers, an old Cold War-era radar station, and an unmanned info center to check out. And when you're heading back down, take it slow, give your brakes a break, and use that low gear to let the engine help you out. Trust me, you'll want to take your time and enjoy the ride!