Middlebury Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middlebury Gap |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,144 ft (653 m) |
| Traversed by |  Vermont Route 125 |
| Location | Hancock, Addison County, Vermont, United States |
| Range | Green Mountains |
| Coordinates | 43°56.19′N 72°56.98′W / 43.93650°N 72.94967°W |
| Topo map | USGS Bread Loaf |
Middlebury Gap is a special place in the Green Mountains of Vermont. It is a mountain pass, which means it's a low point between two mountains. This makes it easier for people and roads to cross the mountains.
The highest point of the pass is in Addison County. It's like the top of a hill that water flows down on both sides.
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What is Middlebury Gap?
Middlebury Gap is a natural opening in the Green Mountains. These mountains run through the state of Vermont. A mountain pass helps people travel across tough mountain areas. It's like a natural highway through the hills.
The pass is 2,144 feet (653 meters) high. It is located in a town called Hancock. This area is part of Addison County in Vermont.
How Water Flows from the Gap
Middlebury Gap is a watershed divide. This means that rain or snow that falls here flows in two different directions. It's like a roof where water splits and goes down two sides.
On the southeast side, water flows into the Robbins Branch. This stream joins the Hancock Branch of the White River. The White River then flows into the Connecticut River. Finally, this water reaches Long Island Sound in Connecticut.
On the northwest side, water forms the South Branch of the Middlebury River. This river flows into Otter Creek. Otter Creek then empties into Lake Champlain. From Lake Champlain, water travels north into the Richelieu River in Québec, Canada. The Richelieu River flows into the Saint Lawrence River, which then reaches the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring Middlebury Gap
Middlebury Gap is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy hiking and skiing here.
The Long Trail
The famous Long Trail crosses Middlebury Gap. This hiking trail is 272 miles (438 kilometers) long. It runs all the way through Vermont, from south to north.
When hikers cross the gap, they are between two mountains. To the south is Worth Mountain, which is 3,234 feet (986 meters) tall. To the north is Boyce Mountain, which is 3,323 feet (1,013 meters) tall.
Nearby Wilderness Areas
There are special protected areas near Middlebury Gap. These are called wilderness areas. They are kept wild and natural for plants and animals.
North of Middlebury Gap is the Breadloaf Wilderness. This area stretches all the way to Lincoln Gap. South of the gap, you'll find the Joseph Battell Wilderness. These places are great for enjoying nature.
Middlebury College Snow Bowl
Just south of Middlebury Gap is the Middlebury College Snow Bowl. This is a ski area where people can enjoy winter sports. It's a popular place for skiing and snowboarding when there's snow.
