8 Great Road Trips to Take in Vermont
Also known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont is one of the most scenic states in the northeast with scenic drives that wind through its spectacular landscapes, quaint historic towns, and historic landmarks. While Vermont attracts the majority of travelers in fall, when the trees turn up a palette of colors, Vermont is a great place for a road trip during any season. Whether you're a leaf-peeper in autumn, a ski enthusiast in winter, or a summer traveler who wants to hike and spend time on Lake Champlain, Vermont's roads beckon. If you are ready to get on the road, here are some of the best road trips to experience the essence of Vermont.
Vermont Route 100
Vermont Route 100 spans approximately 146 miles and runs the length of the state from Massachusetts to Canada. This route is often referred to as the backbone of Vermont because it runs south to north through the state, connecting Stowe, Waterbury, and the Mad River Valley. It also offers access to various ski resorts, including Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Snow, Killington, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Jay Peak. To this end, you can pack your skis for a few hours of skiing along this scenic route.
Named one of America’s Best Winter Drives by Travel + Leisure, this scenic drive road winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, and offers a chance to learn about the most iconic businesses from this state including the Ben and Jerry Factory in Waterbury, Cold Hollow Cider Mill where you can try authentic Vermont cider, or Cabot Farmers’ Store where you can try the best cheddar cheese in the world. While you can complete the drive in about 2-3 hours, it’s worth taking your time to explore it.
Mad River Scenic Byway
Mad River Scenic Byway is a unique New England drive that passes through charming small towns, hillside farms, and landmarks. This 35-mile drive combines Routes 100 and 100B, the two most spectacular roads in the state. The most interesting stops along this route include the Madsonian Museum of Design in Waitsfield and covered bridges like Pine Brook, Great Eddy, and Warren Falls. The route also passes through renowned ski areas, including Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen. The drive is especially captivating during mid-September through October when the foliage is at its peak.
Molly Stark Byway
Stretching around 48 miles between Brattleboro and Bennington, the Molly Stark Byway is a scenic route in Southern Vermont that meanders through valleys and historic villages in the Green Mountains. Named after Molly Stark, the wife of General John Stark, a Revolutionary War figure, the route links several small towns like Woodford (the highest village in Vermont at 2,215 feet above sea level). It's one of the best road trips in Vermont if you want to enjoy the postcard views and learn some local history. Before starting the journey, one can grab a bite at The Works Cafe in Brattleboro, while the historic Bennington Theater is a great place to end and catch a show.
Lake Champlain Byway
The Lake Champlain Byway follows the length of Lake Champlain for 185 miles south of the Canadian border. It is a real gem of northwest Vermont. On the Lake Champlain Islands, gorgeous views of the lake can be seen at almost every bend in the road. The route passes through several Vermont towns, including Burlington, Middlebury, and Vergennes.
The route traverses U.S. Route 2 through the Champlain Islands and U.S. Route 7 through Chittenden and Addison counties, providing access to many points of interest. Among them are Grand Isle State Park, a popular destination for camping, swimming, and boating; Allenholm Farm, which has apple-picking opportunities and homemade treats; and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, an interactive science and nature museum.
Northeast Kingdom Byway
Northeast Kingdom Byway offers a glimpse of one of the most remote corners of the United States near the Canadian border. The area is home to glacial lakes, towering mountains, and rolling hills. This 55-mile scenic drive from St. Johnsbury to Derby near the Canadian border is best done in September when the foliage becomes golden and red due to the high elevation of the area, well before the rest of the state. Be sure to check out Haskell Opera House in Derby, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, and Lyndon Farmers Market, which takes place year-round.
The Crossroad of Vermont Byway
A 50-mile west-east route between Rutland and White River Junction, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway has many scenic vistas as it traverses through the Green Mountains. The key attractions along the drive include Quechee Gorge, aka "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon," a 165-foot-deep gorge that boasts stunning views and some hiking trails; Billings Farm & Museum, a 19th century dairy farm in Woodstock with insights into Vermont's agricultural history; and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the only national park in the United States that focuses on conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship.
Route 17 - The Appalachian Gap
Popular with motorcyclists and adrenaline junkies because of its sharp turns, The Appalachian Gap (also known as the "App Gap”), is a mountain pass that traverses Route 17 through the Green Mountains, this route is a favorite among motorcyclists, cyclists, and scenic drive enthusiasts. The route winds through farmland in the northwest corner of Stowe, where maple trees line the road.
The Appalachian Gap intersects with Vermont's Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. Also from the gap, you can embark on a 1.3-mile trek north to Molly Stark’s Balcony; or head to Camel’s Hump, one of Vermont's most impressive peaks visible from Route 17; Mount Ellen and Mount Abraham both of which exceed 4,000 feet in elevation, also popular hiking options. Fall is the most popular time for traversing the App Gap, as the foliage transforms the landscape into a tapestry of vibrant colors, but summer driving is just as fun.
Pleasant Valley Loop
The Pleasant Valley Loop is a 20-mile drive that follows Pleasant Valley Road and connects the towns of Cambridge and Underhill. It's one of the most easily accessible scenic drives in Vermont, as it’s fully paved and well maintained throughout the year, unlike more remote roads, which can be unsafe to drive on, if you don’t have a four-wheel drive or winter tires.
The drive is especially popular during the fall foliage season, but you can explore it any time of the year to peek at Mount Mansfield and the classic Vermont countryside. Spring and summer are perfect for spotting early blooms and enjoying outdoor activities. At the same time, the clear night skies away from light pollution boast some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state. If you want to see what Vermont’s Small towns are all about, visit Cambridge or Underhill.
Final Words
Vermont’s scenic drives offer more than just postcard-worthy New England vistas. Whether you're winding your way through the Green Mountains near Stowe or cruising alongside lakes in the Northeast Kingdom and exploring historic covered bridges, Vermont offers a unique chance to slow down and notice the beauty in ordinary things. As one of the most rural states in America, Vermont is a perfect place for a road trip, where you can admire unspoiled beauty and unique history in quaint New England towns and small villages scattered along rolling hills.
