Vermont Best Road Trips
Vermont’s Scenic Road Trips: Unforgettable Journeys Through the Green Mountain State
Vermont, a state synonymous with rolling hills, vibrant foliage, and charming villages, offers an unparalleled road trip experience. Its well-maintained roads wind through picturesque landscapes, showcasing a rich history, agricultural heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. This comprehensive guide details some of the best road trips Vermont has to offer, catering to various interests and timeframes. From classic foliage tours to culinary explorations and historical adventures, these routes promise an immersive journey into the heart of the Green Mountain State.
The Classic Foliage Trail: A Tapestry of Autumn Colors
The quintessential Vermont road trip is undoubtedly the fall foliage tour. From late September to mid-October, the state transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of red, orange, and yellow. The most celebrated route for this seasonal marvel is the Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Byway (Route 108), a dramatic and winding mountain pass connecting Stowe and Jeffersonville. During the fall, this road is an absolute must-drive. The steep inclines and sharp turns offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains ablaze with color. Be prepared for slower travel due to the popularity and winding nature of the road, but the vistas are more than worth it.
Beyond Smugglers’ Notch, extend your foliage exploration by venturing onto Route 100. This north-south artery is often cited as one of the most beautiful drives in America. Traveling south from Newport on Lake Memphremagog, you’ll pass through quintessential Vermont towns like Montgomery, Eden, and Hyde Park. As you continue south towards Waterbury, consider detours to the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour and a cone, and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider, donuts, and local Vermont products. Further south, the villages of Stowe, Waterbury, and Waitsfield offer abundant opportunities for leaf-peeping, with opportunities for hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and visiting local artisan shops.
For a more western foliage experience, consider the Green Mountain Scenic Byway (Route 100), which continues south through towns like Warren, Rochester, and Pittsfield. This stretch offers a different perspective of the Green Mountains, with less dramatic peaks but equally stunning wooded landscapes. Keep an eye out for opportunities to stop at local farms, cheese makers, and craft breweries. The journey can culminate in Ludlow, with its charming village center and proximity to Okemo Mountain Resort, another excellent spot for fall colors.
The Cheese & Craft Beer Trail: A Gastronomic Adventure
Vermont’s reputation for exceptional dairy products and craft beer is well-deserved. This road trip focuses on indulging in the state’s finest culinary offerings. Begin your journey in the central part of the state, near the Mad River Valley. Start with a visit to the Cabot Creamery Visitor Center in Cabot for a tour and to sample their award-winning cheddar. From there, head towards Worcester and explore the Vermont Cheese Makers Trail, a self-guided network connecting numerous creameries. Some notable stops include Plymouth Artisan Cheese in Plymouth, known for its traditional cheddar, and Shelburne Farms, a historic working farm and educational center offering cheese tastings and beautiful lakeside views.
For the beer enthusiasts, Vermont is a pilgrimage site. The Vermont Brew Trail is an unofficial but highly recommended route. Starting in the Burlington area, a hub for craft breweries, visit establishments like The Alchemist (home of Heady Topper), Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and Fiddlehead Brewing Company. As you move south, explore breweries in the Green Mountains and beyond. Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro is consistently ranked among the best in the world, though its remote location requires a dedicated detour. Closer to central Vermont, Stone Corral Brewery in Richmond and 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Co. (offering both spirits and beer) in Stowe are excellent choices.
Consider incorporating stops at local farmers’ markets, often found in town squares on weekends, for seasonal produce and artisanal goods. Many of these markets also feature food trucks and local vendors offering prepared foods, allowing you to sample a variety of Vermont flavors. The combination of scenic drives and exceptional food and drink makes this trail a true feast for the senses.
The Lake Champlain Loop: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty
This scenic route encircles Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the United States, offering a mix of historical landmarks, charming lakeside towns, and stunning water vistas. Begin in Burlington, Vermont’s largest city. Explore the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, enjoy the waterfront parks, and consider a ferry ride across the lake to New York State for a different perspective.
From Burlington, head north along the western shore of Lake Champlain via Route 2. This route will take you through towns like North Ferrisburgh and Vergennes. Consider a stop at Fort Cassin for historical insights and lake views. Continue north towards the islands. The Isle La Motte is home to the St. Anne’s Shrine and offers fascinating geological formations. Further north, the Lake Champlain Islands, including South Hero and North Hero, are accessible by bridge and offer a more rural and tranquil experience. Explore local farms, antique shops, and enjoy the expansive lake views.
As you loop around the northern tip of the lake, you’ll eventually head south along the eastern shore. Towns like Swanton and Alburg offer glimpses into traditional Vermont life. Consider a detour to the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and scenic trails. Continue south towards St. Albans, a historic town with a well-preserved downtown and a significant railroad history. From St. Albans, you can easily connect back to Burlington or explore further inland.
This loop is particularly beautiful during the summer months when the lake is ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing. The gentle pace of the eastern shore offers a stark contrast to the more bustling activity around Burlington. Be sure to look for signs indicating scenic overlooks and pull-offs to fully appreciate the grandeur of Lake Champlain.
The Southern Vermont Heritage Trail: History, Arts, and Antiquity
Southern Vermont offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, artisanal studios, and antique shops, making it an ideal destination for a heritage-focused road trip. Begin in the picturesque town of Bennington, home to the iconic Bennington Battle Monument, commemorating a pivotal Revolutionary War victory. Explore the Old First Church and the historic Bennington Museum, which houses an impressive collection of American folk art, including the original Stars and Stripes flag that inspired the national anthem.
From Bennington, head east on Route 9, also known as the Molly Stark Byway, a scenic route that winds through the Green Mountains. Along the way, stop in Wilmington, a charming village known for its vibrant arts scene and the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a unique bi-national landmark straddling the US-Canada border (though this specific location is further north). Continue east to Brattleboro, a bohemian town with a thriving arts community, independent bookstores, and the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
For a taste of history and architecture, consider a detour to Glastenbury, an abandoned townsite offering a haunting glimpse into Vermont’s past. Further south, explore Dorset, known for its marble quarries and its picturesque village green. The Dorset Playhouse is a historic venue that often hosts live performances.
Antique enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities throughout southern Vermont. Towns like Manchester boast a concentration of antique shops and boutiques. The Orvis Flagship Store in Manchester is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The southern part of the state is also home to numerous country stores and farmers’ markets, offering local crafts and artisanal products. This heritage trail is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to explore historical sites, browse antique shops, and soak in the timeless charm of these southern Vermont communities.
The Northeast Kingdom Explorer: Untamed Beauty and Rural Charm
The Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont is the state’s least populated and arguably most wild region. This road trip is for those seeking solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a genuine taste of rural Vermont. Begin your exploration in St. Johnsbury, the largest town in the NEK, and visit the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, a historic gem showcasing natural history and scientific exhibits.
From St. Johnsbury, head north towards Island Pond, a picturesque village on the shores of its namesake lake. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Continue north along the Eastside Trail on the eastern shore of Lake Willoughby, a glacially carved lake with dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails.
Venture west towards Craftsbury Common, a quintessential New England village and a hub for outdoor recreation, particularly known for its nordic ski center and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s waterways. Further west, explore the Barton area, with its charming village center and proximity to Lake Salem.
For a truly remote experience, consider driving some of the unpaved logging roads (ensure your vehicle is suitable and check road conditions). The Groton State Forest offers a network of trails, campgrounds, and beautiful lakes. The NEK is also home to numerous small farms and maple sugar houses. Look for signs advertising local products and consider visiting a working farm or sugar maker for a firsthand experience. The Northeast Kingdom is best explored during the warmer months, though its stark beauty in winter can also be appealing to the adventurous. This region offers a respite from the modern world, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the authentic charm of rural Vermont.
Planning Your Vermont Road Trip: Essential Tips
When planning your Vermont road trip, consider the time of year. Fall foliage (late September to mid-October) is exceptionally popular and requires booking accommodations well in advance. Summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and lake-based excursions. Spring can be muddy (mud season) but offers fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, with many scenic routes accessible by car, though some mountain passes may be closed seasonally.
Accommodation options in Vermont range from cozy bed and breakfasts and historic inns to modern hotels and campgrounds. Many of these are located in the charming villages that punctuate the state’s landscape. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
For navigation, while GPS is reliable, having a physical map is always a good idea, especially in more remote areas where cell service can be spotty. Be mindful of speed limits, as Vermont’s country roads often have lower limits, and it’s important to respect the local pace of life.
Vermont’s road trips are more than just a drive; they are an immersion into a state that has masterfully preserved its natural beauty, historical integrity, and unique cultural identity. Each route offers a distinct experience, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the rich flavors of its culinary scene, the tranquility of its lakes, and the deep roots of its history. These journeys promise not just beautiful scenery, but a profound connection with the heart and soul of the Green Mountain State.
