Covered Bridge Run

This is a wonderful 10-mile run along mainly back roads. It is mainly uphill for the first half, and mainly downhill for the second half. A highlight is the covered bridge at the intersection with Sterling Valley Rd. Start at the Swimming Hole parking lot off Weeks Hill Rd., about a mile from Stowe Village. The first 1.1 miles is a killer 600 foot climb. Take a RIGHT on Percy Hill Rd., continuing a steadier up hill, to a stop sign. Straight at stop sign for another 1.3 miles, with lovely trees and mountain views. Just past Maple Run Lane, take a SHARP RIGHT at Moren Loop, heading down hill. Arrive at a dramatic intersection with Sterling Valley Rd. and the red covered bridge. Pause to go under the bridge, but the run heads right onto Sterling Valley Rd., heading slightly downhill, with a lovely brook on your left, to the end. Take a right on Stagecoach Rd. (no sign), and head down. This is nice and open, with great views (and cars, so run opposite traffic). At the end, go right on Rt. 100 for a short bit, then right on West Hill Rd. (Shaw’s supermarket). After 0.5 miles, left on Mayo Farm Rd., returning to Weeks Hill Rd. and the parking lot.

You can also start in Stowe Village and take the Rec Path for 1.5 miles to Weeks Hill Rd.

Shorter version, 4.1 miles. MAP. At stop sign (1.8 mile mark), sharp right on W. Hill Rd., down the hill, right on Mayo. A shorter run, a nice up and then a nice down, but no covered bridge…