Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Somewhere along rte 9 in Vermont."
Motorcycle
Road Scenery:
This
roadway runs through terrain ranging from low elevation
valleys to hilly and mountainous regions. Spectacular
views are available, especially at Hogback Mountain Scenic
Lookout that faces south over Southern VT and into the
Berkshires of MA. Massachusetts is less than twenty miles
away and on a clear day the view is expansive. The Molly
Stark Trail (VT Route 9)is one of only a few roadways
designated a Scenic Byway by the state of Vermont. During
the autumn leaf-peeping season the views are dramatically
enhanced but expect slow moving traffic and increased
vehicle congestion on the roadway.
Update/Addition
from an anonymous visitor: Rt 9 twists through the beautiful
green mountains along the way you will crest atop skyline
were you have a 100 mile view to the south, moving into
historic down town Wilmington then you start up to Searsburg
and have views of the summerset reservoir and then you
head into historic Bennington.
Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Taken in Bennington."
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
Heading
west out of Brattleboro the road runs in the lower elevations
along several river drainages and gradually rises to higher
mountainous elevations. A variety of conditions are
encountered along this route, including winding curves
that follow meandering rivers and exciting twisting switchbacks
with uphill and downhill grades. There are also some
stretches of riding that present long ascending and descending
slopes with gradual cornering. The road surface is
in excellent condition through the majority of the routes
length. The road is also noticeably well maintained
with a large section having been completely resurfaced
within the last few years.
Update/Addition
from an anonymous visitor:Rt 9 has for the most part in
the last 2-3 years been completely re-paved and is a very
beautiful road, But be careful as you crest any high points
due to winter weather taking its toll on the road.
Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Taken from the Hogback Mt. deck."
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
Vermont
in general is a very rural state but given the relative
short distance of this route amenities are easy to come
by. VT Route 9 begins in the east in Brattleboro and ends
in Bennington in the west. Both of these cities are relatively
large and offer any services that a rider would want, fuel,
food, accommodations etc. There are several small antique
shops in this region and along Rt. 9as well as restaurants.
Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook features a small variety
store and gift shop and an outdoor viewing area that is
comprised of large connected wooden decks.
Update/Addition
from an anonymous visitor:There are plenty of gas stations
and places to eat on the way, also there are plenty of
gift shops to get your friends souvenirs.
Vermont
Route 9, also known as the Molly Stark Trail,
runs East-West across the entire width of
Southern Vermont. This route is very easy
to start and follow. Depending on which
way you want to head, you can either start
in Brattleboro and head west on Route 9
to Bennington, VT. Or you can start in Bennington
and head east to Brattleboro on Rt 9.
Other
direction notes: If you start in the
East in Brattleboro Vt, that town lies on
the West bank of the Connecticut River which
forms the border between Vermont and New
Hampshire. Route 91 North provides easy
access for riders coming north through Western
Massachusetts. Route 119 West provides easy
access for riders traveling from New Hampshire
or Central and Eastern Massachusetts. In
the West, Vermont Route 9 can be accessed
through New York Route 7 West out of Albany,
NY or Massachusetts and Vermont Route 7
North (Ethan Allen Hwy)out of Williamstown
MA. Both roadways converge on Bennington
Vt .
Additional
Information:
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