Scenic Road Trips in Vermont

Whether seen under blankets of snow, patchworks of blazing fall leaves or the exuberant greens of spring and summer, Vermont’s blend of bucolic farmland, mountains, and picturesque small villages makes it one of America’s most appealing states.

Vermont attracts leaf-peepers to goggle at highlights including the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley as they light up with bright oranges and yellow hues. Leaf-peeping is such a popular activity in the region that Vermont has a leaf color tracker, a great reference for planning your itinerary.

Five Stunning Destinations for a Scenic Road Trip

Green Mountain Byway

Start: Waterbury Village; End: Cambridge; Distance: 71 miles

Following Vermont’s Green Mountain spine through the rural heart of the state, the Green Mountain Byway rambles past rolling pastures dotted with cows, covered bridges, and white-steepled churches. This scenic drive takes you along the famed VT Route 100 and continues to Routes 15 and 15A, passing through historical villages and tiny towns with charming country stores.

This drive is particularly popular during leaf-peeping season, so expect to enjoy a leisurely pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through six Byway towns including Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Johnson, Hyde Park, and Cambridge, all offering local shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

Even if your time is limited, don’t miss the stretch between Waterbury and Stowe Village. Stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a delightful tour, visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for delicious donuts, and check out the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

The Notch

Start: Stowe; End: Cambridge; Distance: 3.5 miles

The Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway is a small segment of the Green Mountain Byway, characterized by its dramatic twists and turns. This section of Route 108, affectionately known as “The Notch,” is only open seasonally for cars from May through October.

This spectacular drive is bordered by large boulders and takes you through the Mount Mansfield State Forest. With multiple opportunities to capture stunning photos, this short journey connects two of Vermont’s renowned ski resorts.

Begin just past the Stowe Mountain Resort and end at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Cambridge. At about the halfway mark, consider hiking the Sterling Pond Trail (2.3 mi), a moderate trek featuring steep rock stairs and a mountain pond perfect for swimming.

Lincoln Gap Road

Start: Lincoln; End: Warren; Distance: 7.6 miles

The Lincoln Gap, standing at 2424 ft, is the highest mountain pass accessible by cars in Vermont. This steep and curvy road between Lincoln and Warren is closed in winter but provides a refreshing summer route, complete with a popular Vermont swimming hole.

Beginning your drive from Bristol on VT-116, turn onto Lincoln Gap Road after crossing the New Haven River. Just less than a mile in on the right, stop at Bristol Falls (also known as Bartlette Falls), featuring a large waterfall and deep pools for a refreshing dip. This drive culminates on VT-100 near the renowned Warren Store, a prime spot for lunch.

Camel’s Hump

Start: Burlington; End: Huntington; Distance: 26.3 miles

Camel’s Hump, the state’s third-highest mountain, is a well-known image among Vermonters: its silhouette is visible from Burlington and along I-89. Yet, it retains a wild essence, being one of the few significant Vermont peaks not developed for skiing.

To reach Camel’s Hump from Burlington, detour south off I-89 at Richmond (between Burlington and Waterbury), taking US 2 east. Proceed south on Bridge Street through town for food and drinks at Richmond Market.

Then, drive for 10 miles to Huntington Center, and make a left (east) for a scenic 3-mile drive that leads to the parking lot and trailhead for the 6-mile Burrows – Forest City loop to the summit. The ascent through the forest concludes with breathtaking views of the Adirondacks as well as the Green and White Mountains.

Vermont’s Covered Bridges

Vermont boasts more covered bridges per square mile than any other state. Here are some favorites worth visiting:

• Northfield Falls (northern Vermont): This charming town, located just 8 miles south of Montpelier, features the unique distinction of three covered bridges in a row: Station Bridge, Newell Bridge, and Upper Bridge.
• Montgomery (northern Vermont): This village houses an impressive seven covered bridges, the most of any town in the state.
• Windsor (central Vermont): The Cornish-Windsor Bridge spans the Connecticut River and holds the title of the longest historical covered bridge in America still open to vehicle traffic, measuring 449 ft.
• Bartonsville (southern Vermont): The original bridge washed away during Hurricane Irene in 2011, but a replica was reconstructed and reopened to the public in January 2013, located 7 miles northeast of Grafton on VT-35N.

This article was first published in September 2020 and updated in September 2021.