road trip nyc to burlington vt

The Perfect Vermont Route 7 Road Trip: A 5-Day Itinerary

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: March 6, 2023

Categories Vermont , Destinations , New England USA , road trips , United States

Historic New England towns. Awesome swimming holes. Cute farm stands. And cows – lots and lots of cows. Vermont’s Route 7 travels 176 miles from Pownal in the south to Highgate on the Canadian border in the north.

This mostly rural stretch of pavement makes for a fabulous and scenic road trip, full of natural beauty, fun towns, and interesting attractions. We’ll start in the historic town of Bennington and bring you north as far as Burlington. 

If you have more than five days to spend on your road trip, I highly suggest continuing on and heading north to the Lake Champlain Islands, which are worthy of their very own weekend getaway!

If you’ve got five days, you can take a leisurely journey up Route 7 in Vermont, but you can also do this trip over a long weekend. We’re proponents of slow travel, when possible, but three days in Vermont is better than zero! 

Our Vermont Route 7 itinerary covers all of our favorite things: lovely walks and rambles, fun historic sites, local food and drink, and even a few awesome places to take a summer dip. 

So, start making your Vermont road trip playlist and packing the car, because this is a road trip you won’t want to miss.

We’re going to begin our Route 7 road trip in Bennington and head north on Route 7 to Burlington. Feel free to flip this itinerary around if you want to start in Burlington and head south. Not only is Bennington my hometown, but it’s just an hour from Albany International Airport and within four hours of both Boston and NYC. That makes this road trip a great getaway for just about anyone living in the Northeast!

Table of Contents

Day 1: Explore Bennington, Vermont

Today you’re exploring the beautiful and historic town of Bennington, Vermont. In Bennington, you can tour Vermont’s tallest building, visit the grave of a famous poet, and enjoy a fabulous meal on Main Street before turning in for the night. Driving time: Depends on where you’re coming from.

Explore the Old Bennington Historic District

Bennington is a small town (population 15,000) with a walkable downtown and historic sites dating back to the Revolution. Start by exploring the village of Old Bennington, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

If you park your car at the Bennington Battle Monument , you can explore the rest of Old Bennington on foot. Not only is the Bennington Battle Monument Vermont’s tallest man-made building, but it is also our most-visited state historic site. 

The Monument was completed in 1889 to commemorate the Battle of Bennington, which took place on August 16, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. 

Between May 1st and October 31st, you can ride to the top of the Monument in an elevator for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The Bennington Monument and gift shop are currently open between Thursday and Monday, from  9 am to 5 pm. 

Next, stroll down Monument Avenue past many Revolutionary War Era homes and on to the Old First Church , which was the first gathered church in Vermont. Although the lovely church that stands there now isn’t the original, it’s been around since 1805.

Behind the Old First Church, you’ll discover one of the oldest cemeteries in Vermont. Many of the gravestones here provide stellar examples of historic death imagery that was popular during the late 1700s. Robert Frost, Vermont’s most famous poet, is buried here, along with his family. Follow the signs to his grave, you can’t miss it.

Read Next: 7 Beautiful Spots to Visit in Bennington, Vermont

Lunch: Madison Brewing Company

428 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont

When we want casual fare and locally crafted beer at decent prices, we head to Madison Brewing Company on Main Street in Bennington. The food is reliably good, the atmosphere is friendly, and the service is great. They have several vegetarian options, which I appreciate, and good burgers, which Eric loves. 

The beer menu changes with the season, but you can always get our favorite, Old 76, which is an English Yorkshire-style ale. It’s very malty and strong – perfect for a fall road trip. In the summer, I almost always get the IPA.

Bennington Museum

With a strong focus on Vermont history and art, Bennington Museum includes a huge treasury of cultural artifacts and works of art, including the largest public collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world.

Grandma Moses lived just over the border in New York and was a self-taught folk artist who began her painting career when she was 78 years old. She is a local legend in these parts and experienced critical acclaim across the country during her lifetime and beyond.

Permanent collections include several galleries of fine and modern art, a textile gallery including one of the oldest American flags in existence, and an eclectic mix of special exhibitions.

Bennington Museum has variable hours, depending on when you visit. Between June and October, it is open every day except Wednesday , from 10 am to 4 pm.

Dinner: The Miller’s Toll

716 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont

We have never had a bad meal at The Miller’s Toll , although we wish that they were open more often! The Miller’s Toll offers the best cocktails around, as well as small plates, wood-fired flatbread, and lots of vegetarian options. It’s small, dark, and bistro-like, with outdoor dining in the summer.

The Miller’s Toll is open Thursday – Saturday, from 5-9 pm.

Where to stay in Bennington, Vermont

You’ve got several choices for lodging in Bennington, depending on what you’re looking for. Here are our top picks from budget to luxury:

• Upscale:   South Shire  has nine delightful rooms housed in a beautiful Victorian home within walking distance of town.
• Budget: The Harwood Hill . This lovely motel boasts one of the best views in Bennington. The rooms and the grounds are decorated with art from local artists, and they host an artist-in-residence each season. The rooms are comfy and beautifully decorated.
• Camping: If you want to pitch your tent or park your RV, definitely head east on Route 9 to Woodford State Park, where you’ll find waterfront camping, swimming, and kayak rentals. 
• Vacation rental: Need more room to spread out? Our extended family rented this renovated barn just outside of Bennington one winter and loved it. It’s very Vermonty, with lots of room for the whole family. 

Day 2: Bennington to Manchester

This section of Route 7 is only 23 miles, so take your time. There are actually two Route 7s between Bennington and Manchester. Route 7A was the original Route 7, traveling through several small towns en route to Manchester.

A larger two-lane freeway was eventually built so vehicles could travel at 55 mph and those small towns were bypassed. We call the two roads Big 7 and Little 7. For this trip, we’re hopping on Little 7 (7A) so you get the full Vermont experience. Driving distance: 23 miles

Breakfast: The Blue Benn

314 North Street, Bennington, Vermont

The Blue Benn Diner is an institution in Vermont and a must-visit when you’re in Bennington. The diner closed for a brief spell in 2020, and for a while, we all worried that it was done for. Fortunately, new owners quickly stepped in to keep it running.

This is a classic diner car, built in 1948, and complete with table-top jukeboxes and lots of items on the menu. Get there early so you don’t have to wait!

I recommend any of the creative omelets, especially the Mexican, but you also can’t go wrong with blueberry pancakes and real Vermont maple syrup!

The Blue Benn is open seven days a week from 6 am – 2 pm .

Covered Bridge Tour of Bennington County

As you head north on Route 7A through Bennington’s shopping strip, take a detour onto Route 67A to visit three covered bridges in Bennington and North Bennington. All three covered bridges cross the Walloomsac River, and they are all within a few miles of each other. You can easily view all three covered bridges in less than an hour. Here’s a quick overview. 

Silk Road Covered Bridge, Bennington, Vermont

The Silk Road Covered Bridge carries Silk Road over the Walloomsac River in Bennington. It is the first in a series of Walloomsac River bridges that are all located within two miles of each other in Bennington and North Bennington.

A bridge has spanned the Walloomsac in this location since 1790, but the current Silk Road covered bridge was built in 1840. It is the oldest covered bridge still standing in Bennington County. This is a single-span Town Lattice Truss built by Benjamin Sears, who was a prominent builder at the time.

There is a small pull-off on both the north and south side of the bridge, with short trails down to the river for better views.

Paper Mill Village Bridge, Bennington, Vermont

The current Paper Mill Covered Bridge was built in 2000 and is a replacement of the original that was built in 1889. This is a Town lattice truss spanning 122 feet along Murphy Road. The Paper Mill Covered Bridge is similar in design to the Silk Road Bridge and is the longest covered bridge in Bennington County.

The site was home to one of Vermont’s first paper mills, and the dam below the bridge provided hydroelectric power to fuel industry in the community.

The area to the north of the Paper Mill Covered Bridge is private property. On the south end of the bridge, there is a small parking area. A short trail on the west side leads to multiple viewing sites with good views of the dam and the bridge. This is also a great spot to go fishing!

Burt Henry Covered Bridge, North Bennington, Vermont

The location where the Burt Henry Covered Bridge spans the Walloomsac River has been an important crossing since early colonial times. The original covered bridge was a double-span, built in 1840, but was entirely replaced as a single-span in 1989. This is a Town lattice truss bridge that carries River Road for 121 feet across the Walloomsac.

Park in the small parking area just north of the entrance to the bridge. Of the three covered bridges in Bennington, the Burt Henry Covered Bridge provides the best access. It’s a great spot for picnicking, fishing, and cooling off (but it’s still not deep enough for swimming).

Arlington Green Covered Bridge, Arlington, Vermont

Now it’s time to leave Bennington behind and head north. Continue on Route 67A and then turn left on Route 67 until you get to the junction of 7A. From here, you will drive north through Shaftsbury and into the town of Arlington.

The painter Norman Rockwell, who is famous for so many scenes of New England life, made a home with his family in Arlington for 14 years. Take a short detour off of 7A and head east on Route 313 when you get to Arlington. In about four miles, you’ll come to the Arlington Green Covered Bridge. 

Drive through the bridge and park your car on the other side. The Arlington Green Covered Bridge is the most photographed bridge in Vermont. This is also a great spot to take a dip underneath if the weather is cooperating. After taking in the pastoral views, stroll down the road a piece to Rockwell’s Retreat, a historic inn that was built in 1792.

The view of the bridge from in front of the inn is the very same that Norman Rockwell enjoyed in the decade he lived here from 1938 to 1953.

Read Next: Explore the Covered Bridges of Bennington County, Vermont

Lunch: Amy’s on the Road

4361 Main Street, Manchester, Vermont

Amy’s on the Road is a food truck sensation, serving locally sourced meals out of an Airstream. Find Amy’s next to Mother Myrick’s Confectionery (perfect for dessert) on Main Street. Sit outdoors, enjoy some live music (if you’re lucky), and indulge in a fried chicken sandwich or a homemade veggie burger.  

Amy’s on the Road is open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 2:30 pm and closed on Sundays.

Northshire Bookstore

4869 Main Street, Manchester, Vermont

You can’t visit Manchester without popping into my favorite bookstore! The Northshire Bookstore on Main Street is an institution, with enough books to make your head spin, including a great used book section, a music section, and a fabulous floor dedicated to children’s books, games, and puzzles.

If you’re a book lover, a visit to Northshire Bookstore is an absolute must! And if you love shopping, you should probably spend the rest of the day meandering around Manchester, which is known for its outlet stores and boutique shopping.

Northshire Bookstore is open daily from 10 am – 7 pm.

Two Options for an Afternoon in Manchester, Vermont

Because there’s a lot to do in this little town, I’m giving you two options for spending your afternoon in Manchester, Vermont. 

Option One: Explore Mt. Equinox

Want to work up a sweat and get outdoors? I recommend hiking to the top of Mt. Equinox in the Equinox Preserve. The Equinox Preserve consists of over 914 acres on the slopes of Mt Equinox, and there are numerous hikes for all abilities.

If you want a leisurely stroll in the woods, hike the loop around Equinox Pond (.75 miles). For a serious workout to the summit of Mt. Equinox, hike 6.2 miles (round-trip) up a steep trail with 2,840 feet of elevation change. Mt. Equinox is the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range at 3,855 feet. Find trail descriptions and a trail map at Equinox Preserve Trust . 

If you want the amazing view from the summit of Mt. Equinox, but don’t want to put in the work, you can also drive to the top on Mount Equinox Skyline Drive . So many choices!

Option Two: Southern Vermont Arts Center

93 SVAC Drive, Manchester, Vermont

Located on 120 acres on the side of Mt. Equinox, Southern Vermont Arts Center includes numerous galleries that feature more than 1,000 works from regional artists in their permanent collection, as well as a rotating collection of special exhibitions and the largest outdoor sculpture park in Vermont. 

A tour of the grounds and galleries is an inspiring way to spend the afternoon, and there’s even a cafe if you need some extra nourishment. We especially love the woodland trails and outdoor sculptures!

Southern Vermont Arts Center is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.

Dinner: Seasons

4566 main street, manchester center, vermont.

We love the outdoor seating area at Seasons in Manchester, so if you’re traveling during the summer or fall, we definitely recommend it! The maple-roasted pear and arugula salad is great if you want something light, and they also have a unique selection of sandwiches and burgers. I hear the fish tacos are awesome too!

Seasons is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm – 8:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm – 9 pm , and Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm.

Where to Stay in Manchester

• Luxurious : Built in the 1880s, the Inn at Manchester is a historic bed and breakfast on four landscaped acres, but within walking distance to the town’s historic district. Beautifully appointed guest rooms all have modern comforts and luxurious linens. Children over 13 are welcome. 
• Budget: Manchester View is a cozy motel-style inn with an outdoor pool, farmhouse decor, and rooms with fireplaces. Breakfast is included.
• Camping: I f you plan on camping, head north out of Manchester to Emerald Lake State Park . This beautiful lake provides some of the west swimming in Southern Vermont, and there’s a nice hiking trail around the lake as well. 
• Vacation rental: Need more room to spread out? This historic, dog-friendly vacation rental is located right in town and sleeps four at an affordable price. 

Day 3: Manchester to Middlebury

Continuing north on Route 7, today takes you on a few outdoor adventures and an exploration of the historic city of Rutland and its fabulous murals. Total driving time: 78 miles

Breakfast: Up for Breakfast

4935 Main Street, Manchester, Vermont

Start the day off right at the bustling Up for Breakfast (cash only) on Main Street in Manchester. Treat yourself to the french toast with real maple syrup and a side of local sausage. Might as well overdose on the maple goodness with maple lattes too!

Up for Breakfast is open from Monday through Friday from 7 am – 12:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am – 1:30 pm.

Check out the Incredible Murals in Rutland, Vermont

For years, Rutland has been known as a no-nonsense, working-class city with a cute historic district and a history as one of the world’s leading producers of marble. But, Rutland has an up-and-coming art scene that is worth checking out.

Not only is the downtown area home to five unique art galleries, but downtown Rutland has also commissioned 15 larger-than-life murals that have been painted on historic buildings and walls throughout the city.

Park your car in downtown Rutland to explore the murals and the downtown area.

Lunch: Roots Rutland

55 Washington Street, Rutland, Vermont

Roots is a gem of a restaurant in Rutland with an eclectic menu from minimally processed, locally grown food. Although the menu changes with the seasons, we’ve always had the good fortune of a stellar dining experience. There are a lot of amazing vegetarian options too! Current favorites include fried Brussels sprouts, which I can never turn down, and the pan-seared tofu served over Chermulla beet & potato hash with spinach & roasted garlic aioli. Yum! 

Roots Rutland is currently open from 11:30 pm to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

After lunch, take a quick detour off of Vermont Route 7 to one of my all-time favorite Vermont State Parks. Vermont’s newest state park is appropriately named — Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails meandering over 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens. 

This is an undeveloped park with no amenities, but it is worth visiting for the stellar views, the cool Japanese gardens, and the fun/challenging trails. Find out why we love Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park and then put it on your itinerary! Give yourself a few hours to explore here.

Dinner: Fire and Ice

26 Seymour Street, Middlebury, Vermont

From Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park, drive north on Route 30 for about 25 miles until you get to Middlebury, which you’ll be exploring tomorrow.

Fire and Ice is a uniquely decorated restaurant with delicious food – mostly steak and seafood, but there are a few nice vegetarian options as well. They’ve been a Middlebury institution for almost four decades! Eat in the cozy dining room or outdoors on the patio, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Oh, and for dessert, get the Vermont Mud Pie!

If you are looking for more casual fare, the attached Big Moose Pub has a tavern menu and bar seating. Fire and Ice is open for dinner Wednesday through Friday from 4 – 8 pm, and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon.

Where to Stay in Middlebury, Vermont

• Luxurious: Swift House Inn is located just two blocks from downtown in a former governor’s mansion on four acres of land. The upscale rooms are spread across three historic homes.
• Budget: I have always wanted to stay at Middlebury Sweets Motel , which is a budget-friendly motel with a candy theme! You’ll find Middlebury Sweets on the property – the largest candy store in Vermont! 
• Camping: Rivers Bend Campground provides waterfront camping with full hook-ups and an outdoor pool in nearby New Haven. It’s one of the very few private campgrounds we recommend. 
• Vacation rental: Need more space? Rent this three-bedroom home within walking distance to downtown Middlebury. It’s pet-friendly and includes a fully-stocked kitchen.

Day 4: Middlebury to Shelburne

Today you’ll explore Middlebury and then drive north to Shelburne. As you drive north on Route 7, you’ll finally get a glimpse of our beautiful Lake Champlain, which is 124 miles long and covers 490 square miles! Lake Champlain is the sixth largest lake in the US, after the five Great Lakes.

Be on the lookout for our loveable lake monster, Champ, who is said to be a cousin of the Loch Ness Monster. Total driving time: 29 miles

Breakfast: Otter Creek Bakery

14 College Street, Middlebury, Vermont

Whether you want to relax with a croissant and a cup of coffee or go all out with a breakfast pizza, you can do it at Otter Creek Bakery. Great outdoor seating, and delightful coffee drinks. It’s centrally located on College Street.

Otter Creek Bakery is open from 7 am – 2:30 pm from Monday through Saturday, 7 am – 4:00 pm

After breakfast, take some time to stroll around downtown. Pop into a few shops and check out the view of Middlebury Falls. 

UVM Morgan Horse Farm, Weybridge, Vermont

Did you know that the Morgan horse is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States and that it is the state animal of Vermont? I’ve been visiting the Morgan Horse Farm ever since I was a kid and read Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry. This is a working horse farm that was created in 1907 to improve the breed. In 1951, it was transferred to the University of Vermont. 

Take a tour of this beautiful farm and learn about the history of the Morgan horse. The views alone are worth the trip, but the horses make it extra special! Advanced registration for tours is currently required. 

Read Next: 95+ of the Best Things to Do in Vermont

Lunch: 3 Squares Cafe

141 Main Street, Vergennes, Vermont

3 Squares Cafe is a casual, eclectic cafe in Vergennes Vermont, which you’ll drive through on your way to Shelburne.

Follow the signs to Vergennes as you’re driving on Route 7 and make the left-hand turn into town. You can’t miss it! While you won’t have time to explore Vergennes with this itinerary, I recommend giving more than a drive-by if you have time.

3 Squares has been around for at least a decade, and it’s one of our favorite stops when we’re road-tripping on Route 7. They’ve got a fun selection of hot sandwiches, burgers, and vegetarian options, and a great atmosphere inside and out. 

3 Squares is open Thursday to Monday, from 8 am to 3 pm.

Relax and Rejuvenate at Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms is one of my favorite places in the world.

Not only is it a beautiful working farm, but the views are beyond incredible, there are lots of walking trails, and you can spend the night! We have visited Shelburne Farms for kids’ programs and for lots of special events, but it’s such a great destination to just unplug and soak up the Vermont vibes. 

Your next few days will be very busy exploring Shelburne and Burlington, so for this afternoon, I’m advocating that you take it easy and spend the rest of the day, dinner, and night at Shelburne Farms.

Dinner: Folino’s Wood-Fired Pizza

6305 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont

Folino’s makes the best wood-fired pizza we’ve ever had in Vermont. The slightly charred, crispy crust is so yummy, and you can get fun combinations of toppings.

Another bonus: Folino’s is BYOB, and is located right next door to Fiddlehead Brewing Company, making this a great stop for craft beer lovers! 

Folino’s is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 pm – 8 pm , and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm – 9 pm.

Where to Stay in Shelburne, Vermont

• Luxurious: The Inn at Shelburne Farms is a special treat if you can get a room. Be sure to watch the sunset over Lake Champlain!
• Budget: Days Inn Shelburne is a budget-friendly motel with clean rooms and a nice outdoor pool. It is just north of the village. 
• Camping: Mt. Philo State Park is such a gem! It’s about eight miles south of Shelburne with just a handful of sites. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and the campsites are really quiet. 

Day 5: Shelburne To Burlington

Today you’ll be exploring the renowned Shelburne Museum and then heading north to Vermont’s biggest city. Total driving time: 8 miles

Breakfast: Rustic Roots 195 Falls Road, Shelburne, Vermont

Ready to fill up on some seriously good eats before today’s adventures? Rustic Roots is a chef-owned restaurant serving delectable breakfast and lunch on the village green in Shelburne. Patio seating is available and breakfast and lunch are both served all day. The breakfast sandwiches and popovers are my two favorites, but the menu has all kinds of goodies, so bring a big appetite!

Rustic Roots is open from Wednesday through Sundayy from 9 am – 2 pm.

Explore the Shelburne Museum

I’ve been visiting Shelburne Museum since I was a kid so there’s a lot of nostalgia attached to my visits, but I’ve also brought first-time visitors and everyone agrees that it is one of the best museums in Vermont. 

The collections at Shelburne Museum are an eclectic mix of historical artifacts, folk art, circus pieces, textiles, and other interesting bits of Americana. Galleries are spread across 39 historic buildings on 45 beautifully landscaped acres.

As a kid, I especially loved hopping aboard the Ticonderoga steamboat, which roamed Lake Champlain from 1906 until 1953. I loved that such a huge boat was parked on the museum lawn and that I could actually climb on board to see what it would have been like in 1923. 

While the Ticonderoga will surely be a favorite for you too, you can also visit a covered bridge, a jailhouse, a locomotive, a huge round barn, a blacksmith shop, and a lighthouse. You can spend a full day at the Shelburne Museum, and we wouldn’t blame you a bit if that’s what you decide to do! 

Insider tip: If you do decide to spend the day at the museum, you can get window take-out service at Weathervane Cafe. The menu is pretty basic, but they do have soup, sandwiches, and ice cream, which is more than enough. 

Rent Bikes and Explore the Bike Path in Burlington

Assuming you had lunch at the museum, your next stop will be Local Motion to rent bikes for the afternoon.

If you haven’t eaten, you will find lots of eateries on Church Street, which is a pedestrian-only shopping area. Public parking is available on the street or at a number of parking garages around town (just follow the parking signs).

Local Motion is a nonprofit organization that advocates for active transportation and safe streets. It’s located right on the Burlington bike path along Lake Champlain. At Local Motion, you can rent regular bikes, tandem bikes, child bikes and trailers, and E-bikes. You should reserve your bikes ahead of time so that you don’t miss out. 

Once you have your bike rental, head north on the Burlington Greenway (bike path), which runs for 14 miles along Lake Champlain. You will see lots of places to stop and explore on your journey, including the Burlington waterfront and a few small beaches.

Here’s a trail map to help with planning.

Anywhere along the bike path makes the perfect sunset spot, so if you have your bike rental for more than a single day, definitely take advantage!

Dinner: Honey Road

156 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont 

There are a lot of great restaurants in Burlington, and it was so hard to choose a favorite spot to recommend, but I’m going with Honey Road because I’ve been craving their small plates and cocktails for months. If you can’t get a table at Honey Road, reach out and I’ll try and recommend something else. 

I’ve been pretty much obsessed with Honey Road since they opened a few years ago. Featuring Eastern Mediterranean cuisine in a small, but bustling restaurant, Honey Road is one of the top-rated restaurants in Burlington and 100% worth the effort it takes to get a table.

If you think of it, reserve several days in advance, so you don’t miss out. Small plates make it easy to mix and match your meal with your travel companions, which also means you can try more food!

Honey Road is open for lunch and dinner between Sunday and Thursday, 4 – 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 4- 10 pm.

Enjoy Nightlife in Burlington

Up until now, you’ve been driving through rural Vermont and enjoying small villages and outdoor recreation, but Burlington is our big city and it has real nightlife! If you’re craving a night on the town, tonight is your chance!

While I can’t predict what the music scene will look like during your trip, here are some great spots to imbibe. Pick up a copy of Seven Days when you get into town for a taste of what’s happening while you’re there. Here are some of the local hot spots.

• The Archives: Beer, cocktails, and vintage arcade games are exactly what you’ve been looking for. 
• ArtsRiot: Indoor/outdoor seating, great cocktails, a robust food menu, and art. What more could you ask for?
• Red Square: Known for its robust drink menu, live music, and DJs, Red Square is perfect for late-night adventures!
• Three Needs Taproom: A Burlington staple for decades now, the Three Needs is the place to go for craft beer and cocktails, a game of pool, and cozy outdoor seating. This gem of a place is not to be missed!

Where to Stay in Burlington, Vermont

You have a lot of choices for lodging in Burlington. While I recommend staying somewhere within walking distance of downtown, those choices are a bit on the pricey side. I’ve included a favorite motel in Colchester if you want a budget option.

• Luxurious: Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain has gorgeous views of the lake and is within walking distance of Church Street, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Budget: Starlight Inn is actually in Colchester, a few miles outside of Burlington, but it’s right next to the drive-in movie theater and all the rooms have a movie theme. We are huge fans of quirky motels and this one is awesome!
• Camping: You can actually camp right in the city at North Beach, right on the bike path. Sites are not secluded, but this is a great way to stay on the water for an affordable price. 
• Vacation rental: Need more room to spread out? This historic home on VRBO sleeps six and is within walking distance of downtown. It’s got three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and two parking spots. 

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Burlington, Vermont in the Summer

Day 6: More of Burlington

Got an extra day? Explore more of Burlington! On your bonus day, you’ll explore more of Lake Champlain and learn more about its ecology and history. There will be time for ice cream, shopping, and great food as well! Total driving distance: 0 miles

Breakfast: The Grey Jay

135 Pearl Street, Burlington, Vermont

This is not your ordinary breakfast joint! The Grey Jay on Pearl Street makes the most delectable baked goods and fantastic Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and lunch items. The menu is an eclectic mix of breakfast and lunch specialties with lots of vegetarian options.

The Grey Jay is open every day from 9 am-2 pm.

Get Out on the Water at the Community Sailing Center

Explore Burlington Bay in a human-powered watercraft. At the Community Sailing Center, you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, and even book a private lesson if you need it. Want to try sailing? You can book a private lesson for you and your family aboard a boat from their fleet of sailing vessels.

This is a great way to see Burlington from a whole new perspective, and it’s the perfect way to get out on the water, especially in the summer! Learn more about renting a boat at the Community Sailing Center. 

Lunch: August First

149 S. Champlain Street, Burlington, Vermont

August First, located on the corner of S. Champlain and Main Street, is known for its crazy-delicious baked goods, especially maple biscuits! I have had many a relaxing cup of coffee at August First, but I’ve only recently discovered their lunch menu.

There are lots of vegetarian options, including my current favorite, the ramen noodle salad, which consists of chilled noodles, a jammy egg, and veggies with the yummiest sesame tamari dressing. The space is a renovated garage and the atmosphere is very cozy-industrial. 

August First is open seven days a week from 7:30 am – 3 pm.

Spirit of Ethan Allen

You’ve already done a bit of exploring on Lake Champlain, but hopping aboard a cruise ship for a narrated boat ride is a great way to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the lake. The Spirit of Ethan Allen provides fun narrated cruises, and you can buy beer and refreshments for relaxing on the deck. Dinner cruises and sunset cruises are offered too. 

In my opinion, this is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your last afternoon on Lake Champlain. You’ll be treated to fantastic views of the Burlington waterfront as well as the Adirondack Mountains in New York and the Green Mountains east of Burlington.

Dinner: A Single Pebble

133 Bank Street, Burlington, Vermont

Tonight’s dinner is upscale authentic Chinese made with the freshest ingredients served family-style. A Single Pebble is a treat, whether you’re in the mood for seafood, beef, or a completely vegetarian meal, a Single Pebble prepares everything from scratch for a delectable meal like you’ve never experienced.

A Single Pebble is currently open from Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 4:30 pm. Reservations are suggested

Vermont Route 7 Road Trip FAQs

We get a lot of questions about traveling through Vermont, so we just wanted to take some time to answer the ones we get most often. If you have any other questions about road-tripping in Vermont, simply leave a comment and we’ll answer ASAP.

Should we drive Route 7 in Vermont from south to north or north to south?

Honestly, for this particular road trip on Vermont Route 7, it doesn’t really matter which direction you choose. If you are flying to the area and renting a car, you may want to base your decision on where you can get the cheapest, or easiest flight. 

If you fly into Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York State, you will be an hour from Bennington in Southern Vermont. We find lots of great flight deals in and out of Albany, which is the closest major airport from home. If you’re a fan of Southwest Airlines, like we are, then Albany Airport is a great choice.  

Burlington International Airport (BTV) also has good flight deals and car rentals too! Want to compare flights and car rental prices? Kayak is a great resource for finding the cheapest flights and car rentals to help you plan and budget for your trip.

When is the best time to travel on Route 7 in Vermont?

Route 7 is a well-maintained US highway, so technically, you can drive it during all four seasons. We recommend taking this Vermont road trip between May and October so you can take full advantage of farm stands, hiking, and swimming (okay, you may not want to swim in October, but you get the idea). 

The speed limit on Route 7 varies from 25 mph in towns and villages to 55 mph on certain stretches between towns, so no matter what time of year you plan to drive it, plan on taking your time!

When should we drive on Route 7 to see Vermont’s fall foliage?

That’s the million-dollar question! Instead of mountains along the Route 7 corridor, you’ll mostly get rolling hills and farmland. Because of the lower elevation, the trees tend to change a bit later than in the mountains. Fall foliage is reliably beautiful during mid-October. 

Will we have access to amenities while driving on Route 7?

Definitely! Route 7 connects a number of small towns, plus the relative metropolises of Rutland, Burlington, and St. Albans. In just about every town, you will find gas and groceries, and many towns also have numerous hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Yes, Route 7 in Vermont is mostly rural, but you’re never very far from civilization. 

What to Pack for Your Vermont Route 7 Road Trip

Wondering what to pack for your Route 7 road trip? I recommend keeping it casual. This part of Vermont includes lots of opportunities for outdoor exploration, and very few opportunities for nightlife unless you count chasing fireflies and relaxing under the stars. 

One exception is Burlington, which is a hip college town with live music happening somewhere every night of the week. One outfit for “going out” should be enough. Here are some more packing must-haves to help you make the most of your trip.

Activewear – Since you’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack comfy clothes that are suitable for hiking. Opt for sturdy non-cotton pants ( like these ) and a breathable, moisture-wicking shirt. Merino wool shirts will keep you cool when it’s hot out and warm when it’s cold out, plus they don’t stink like polyester blends and they dry quickly.

Sturdy shoes – In summer, sandals that can double as water shoes are awesome for the lakeshore and rocky swimming holes. A pair of rugged hikers will be great for everything from walking in the woods to strolling through town.

Swimwear – Do not come to Vermont in the summer without a swimsuit! There are just so many great places to cool off! We use these quick-dry towels when traveling because the heavy cotton ones take too long to dry.

Jackets – Yes, the weather in Vermont is fickle, even in the summer. Between late May and August, you will be fine with a fleece and a rain jacket. For early spring and fall travel, add a down puffy jacket and a wool hat. These down jackets pack down really small and are perfect for travel.

Your Camera – Perhaps your phone doubles as your camera. Awesome! If your phone camera leaves something to be desired, consider bringing a separate camera to capture all the beautiful scenery. If you want a dedicated point-and-shoot camera that packs neatly into a backpack, check out the Canon PowerShot SX740 . Overall, this little camera takes better photos than the best smartphone with a powerful zoom and 4K video. I love traveling with mine!

Where to Next?

After traveling along Vermont’s eastern border and the shoreline of Lake Champlain, you can continue north into the Lake Champlain Islands, or head east into the Green Mountains. A Route 100 road trip would bring you south again, and we have another 5-day road trip itinerary for Route 100 if you want to extend your trip.  

If this is the end of your Vermont vacation, you can easily hop on Interstate 89 south toward Boston, or cross into New York and drive south on Interstate 87 to Albany International Airport. 

Planning a trip to Vermont? Be sure to check out our sister site, Vermont Explored , which covers all the best things to do in our home state!

Follow us on social media for more road trip ideas!

Tara is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

23 Scenic Stops on a Route 100 Vermont Road Trip Itinerary

A Route 100 Vermont road trip is often considered one of the most scenic drives in the Green Mountain state and the prettiest fall foliage road trips in New England. At just over 200 miles, Vermont’s Route 100 meanders through small towns, follows the path of winding rivers, and travels past both ski resorts and splashy waterfalls.

You can travel this route in just over five hours, but to fully enjoy this scenic drive, you will want to spread it out over a long weekend or more. This scenic Route 100 road trip itinerary will introduce you to what makes Vermont so special with stops at maple sugar houses , craft breweries , country stores , cheese makers , historic sites , gorgeous waterfalls , and charming Vermont villages .

Growing up, I spent all of my family vacations in Vermont, taking day trips and scenic drives throughout the state. More recently, I have driven this route many times in the last couple of years on various trips to Vermont. After exploring all of its nooks and crannies, I’m excited to share some of my favorite stops along the beautiful Route 100 Scenic Byway.

Vermont Route 100 Road Trip Stops

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

This Vermont Route 100 road trip itinerary covers the section from Wilmington, in Southern Vermont, up to Stowe. While Route 100 continues up into the Northeast Kingdom, the section covered here is the most popular and you can easily extend your trip or take a day trip from a home base in Stowe if you want to explore further.

Vermont Route 100 Route Trip Map

This map was created using Google My Maps and covers your Route 100 road trip and the stops suggested below. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. Click on any of the icons to learn more about that destination or attraction.

Wilmington, Vermont

Wilmington is located on the Molly Stark Byway, halfway between artsy Brattleboro and historic Bennington in Southern Vermont. Located near the base of the Scenic Route 100 Byway, this charming town makes a perfect starting point for your road trip itinerary.

The Wilmington Village Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places with a number of well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Downtown you will find a statue of Molly Stark, a local figure made famous by her husband, General John Stark, a Continental general of the American Revolution, who famously gave the battle call of “There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow!” before engaging with the British and Hessian army in the Battle of Bennington.

In downtown Wilmington, you will find gift shops, boutiques, cafes, and independent book seller Bartleby’s Books. For a simple meal, try the old-school diner vibe of local favorite Dot’s, or the Village Roost is a trendier coffee shop and cafe in the heart of downtown.

Be sure to take a walk across Reardon’s Crossing bridge for lovely views of the Deerfield River. In the summer, you can also explore the shores of Lake Whitingham and in the winter, you will find skiing nearby at the private Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain or Mount Snow a bit further north.

If you want to stay overnight before starting this road trip, The Vermont House is located right in downtown, and the White House Inn is very close by.

Mount Snow, Dover or Okemo, Ludlow

As you head north on Route 100, you will know you are near the ski resorts when instead of barns beside the road, you start to see ski shops and restaurants. If you get hungry, you can stop for some wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread , a popular New England chain. Sticky Fingers Bakery is the place to go for homemade cinnamon rolls, croissants, danish, cookies, breads, and more.

You can easily pass these right by, but if you are splitting your trip up over multiple days, you might want to make time for a stop at either Mount Snow in Dover (15 minutes north of Wilmington) or Okemo , further north in Ludlow. Luckily, these are both located right off of Route 100 and offer great skiing and winter snow sports in the winter, but in the summer or select days during leaf peeping season you can still enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or scenic chairlifts.

If you hold out until you get to Okemo, you can also enjoy additional activities such as the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, Haulback Ropes Challenge Course, Coleman Brook Mining Company, or Lumberin’ Cal Miniature Golf. Winter also brings ice skating, snow tubing, snow shoeing, or fat biking.

Jamaica State Park & Hamilton Falls, Jamaica

As you head north on Route 100 from Dover, you will pass through the outskirts of the Green Mountain National Forest. This scenic stretch of road is some of the prettiest, especially when it follows the course of the West River, cascading over the rocky river bed. If you want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature, make a stop at Jamaica State Park (30 minutes north of Dover.) Before you get there, you may want to stop at the Scott Covered Bridge .

From the campground, it is a three-mile (one-way) hike to Hamilton Falls , one of Vermont’s largest waterfalls. Here Cobb Brook cascades 125 feet down a mountain slope, through a woodland, and into a series of large potholes. There are several falls here, one of which drops 40 to 50 feet into a large pool. While this is a popular swimming spot, it is also quite dangerous and many have lost their lives so I wouldn’t risk it.

Jamaica State Park is located at 48 Salmon Hole Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343

If a hike makes you hungry, 10 minutes further up the road you should stop at Honeypie , a local fast food restaurant specializing in burgers, sausages, sandwiches, and milkshakes from the couple behind James-Beard nominated SoLo Farm and Table. You can also pick up some local Vermont beers at Meulemans’ Craft Draughts across the street. If you just want something sweet, stop at Grandma Miller’s Pies and Pastries instead.

Honeypie is located at 8811 VT-30, Jamaica, VT 05343. Meulemans’ Craft Draughts is located at 8814 VT-30, Rawsonville, VT 05155. Grandma Miller’s Pies and Pastries is located at 52 Hearthstone Ln, South Londonderry, VT 05155

Taylor Farm, Londonderry

When you get to Londonderry, take a short side trip on Route 11 to Taylor Farm . The farm store features a variety of local and artisanal products including an extensive selection of Vermont cheeses, homemade bread, Vermont maple syrup, jams, and handcrafts.

Each season brings something new to Taylor Farm. Summer brings concerts, animal visits, lawn games, and maybe even a wagon ride. In the fall, the farm is bursting with farm-grown apples and pumpkins and in the winter, Taylor Farm offers sleigh rides. These 45-minute rides travel through the fields and into the woods to a fire and warming hut where you can enjoy some hot cider.

If you really want to break up your drive, take a day to enjoy nearby Manchester and stay overnight at one of the village’s many charming inns and hotels.

Taylor Farm is located at 825 VT-11, Londonderry, VT 05148

Vermont Country Store, Weston

From Londonderry, it is only 10 minutes further up Route 100 to Weston and the Vermont Country Store . Established in 1946 by the Orton family, this iconic spot is like visiting the L.L. Bean of Vermont. You will find a huge array of Vermont-made products including clothing and housewares, along with food products.

This is a spot to buy Vermont maple syrup, Vermont cheeses, jams, and other specialty products. It is fun to wander the wood-planked rooms to discover what treats await…like hard candy sticks and old-fashioned hard candies and fudge.

The Vermont Country Store also has a snack bar and cafe, along with picnic tables. So pick up a treat, grab a rocking chair on the porch, and travel back in time at this quintessential country store.

The Vermont Country Store is located at 657 Main St, Weston, VT 05161

Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow

Just north of Okemo Mountain Resort, 20 minutes north of Weston, turn left onto Route 103 to Buttermilk Falls . You can access the falls via a short walk. While it is a popular swimming spot in the summer, it is especially beautiful in the fall.

Green Mountain Sugarhouse

Back on Route 100, it is only a couple of minutes further to Green Mountain Sugarhouse . This red-roofed sugarhouse overlooks the beautiful Lake Pauline so order a maple creemee (maple-flavored soft ice cream) and grab a seat on an Adirondack chair to enjoy the view. They make and sell everything from maple syrup to maple fudge, and it is also a Vermont country gift shop (albeit much smaller than the Vermont Country Store.)

Green Mountain Sugarhouse is located at 820 Route 100 N, Ludlow, VT 05149

Calvin Coolidge Historic Site

When you get to Plymouth Notch, take a side trip up Route 100A towards Bridgewater for a visit to the President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site . Also known as the Coolidge Homestead, this was the childhood home of the 30th president of the United States and the place where he first took the presidential oath of office.

Visitors can see the Coolidge Birthplace, Coolidge Homestead, Union Christian Church, Schoolhouse, and Plymouth Cemetery, along with permanent exhibits and enjoy the nature trails throughout the grounds.

Calvin Coolidge Historic Site is located at 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056

Plymouth Artisan Cheese

Plymouth Artisan Cheese is home to America’s oldest cheddar, made from the original 1890 Vermont recipe. The Plymouth Cheese Factory was built in 1890 by Colonel John Coolidge, a dairy farmer who was looking to extend the shelf life of his milk. Today, the company makes multiple flavors of cheddar including Farmer Fred’s Favorite, black truffle, sage and herb, hot pepper, and cheese curds. The shop is open 11 – 4 everyday, keep that in mind because somehow I always seem to get there minutes after they close!

Plymouth Artisan Cheese is located at 106 Messer Hill Rd, Plymouth, VT 05056

Killington, Vermont

Killington is the perfect halfway point on your Route 100 Vermont road trip to stop for the night, as there are so many options for places to stay (although it will be pricier during ski season.) I’ve stayed at The Mountain Inn in Killington. It is a newly renovated hotel that sits on top of a distillery and restaurant. It wasn’t fancy but it had modern decor and a fun vibe (and good price!)

Find more places to stay in Killington:

Long Trail Brewing Co.

Brewing since 1989, Long Trail Brewing Co. is one of Vermont’s early craft brewers, specializing in German-style beer. I first visited Long Trail in the early 1990s, but today you can eat and drink at its spacious riverside pub and restaurant, which was inspired by the Hofbräu House in Munich, Germany. You can either continue up Route 100A to Long Trail for a drink before checking in to your hotel at Killington, or go back out for dinner.

Long Trail Brewing Co. is located at 5520 US Rte. 4, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont 05035

Thundering Brook Falls, Killington

Start off your day with a short hike to Thundering Falls , which is said to be the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. Start at the River Road parking area and follow a boardwalk over the Ottauquechee River and through the open Ottauquechee River floodplain. The trail then ascends to a viewing platform overlooking the Falls via an accessible switchback and spur trail.

Thundering Brook Falls is located at 2295 River Rd Fork, Killington, VT 05751

Rochester Country Store, Rochester

Thirty minutes north of Killington you will come across the small town of Rochester, home to the Rochester Cafe and Country Store . This homey cafe has been serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites for over 30 years. Even if you aren’t hungry yet, the quaint country store is filled gifts and local goodies. It is also a good spot to pick up a picnic for your next stop!

The Rochester Cafe and Country Store is located at 55 N Main St, Rochester, VT 05767

Texas Falls Recreation Area, Hancock

It is only 10 minutes from Rochester to the Texas Falls Recreation Area , but there isn’t cell service in the area, so be sure to map it in advance. You will need to turn off Route 100 at Route 125 West to reach the falls. This area features a one-mile nature hike through the woods, but you don’t even need to do that to see the stunning waterfalls that have been carved through the rock over the generations. The best views are right at the beginning of the hike, just past the bridge that connects the trail to the parking lot. 

Moss Glen Falls, Granville

Head back to Route 100 North and continue 15 minutes further to Moss Glen Falls , a pretty 30-foot waterfall. The Falls are located on the west side of Route 100, so the parking lot is easier to access from the southbound side. When traveling north, you will need to keep your eyes peeled or you will miss it.

Warren Falls, Warren

Another 10 minutes further north, you will come to Warren Falls . This is a series of waterfalls, rather than a tall and more dramatic waterfall like Moss Glen Falls, however, it is still a beautiful spot to stop if you love waterfalls. If you have already had your fill, feel free to skip this spot. The parking lot can get a little crowded on a busy day because this is a popular spot for families, picnickers, and hikers. But a short walk towards the cascades will bring you to a beautiful view of the water rushing through rocks. Stake out a spot on the rocks and sit and enjoy a picnic or just take in the view.

A bit further north brings you to the Warren Store , a former stagecoach inn and boarding house that is now a charming general store.

Warren Falls is located at 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674

Lawson’s Finest Taproom, Waitsfield

The cute, artsy town of Waitsfield , near Mad River Glen Ski Area, is the beginning of the Mad River Scenic Byway. This is a great spot to stop for lunch, or even stay the night if you have more time for your Vermont road trip itinerary. You will find art galleries as well as pottery and glass artisans. You can grab lunch at the Three Mountain Cafe, American Flatbread, or Mad Taco, or treat yourself to a maple ice cream cone at Canteen Creemee. 

Waitsfield is also home to Mad River Distillers and a few craft breweries, including one of my husband’s favorites, Lawson’s Finest Liquids . The taproom serves up tasting flights and light bites and is a must stop for New England IPA lovers.

Lawson’s Finest is located at 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673

Waterbury, Vermont

Waterbury also offers plenty of options for lunch or dinner, including Prohibition Pig or  Maxi’s , a local favorite for breakfast and brunch. If you stick around for dinner, try to get a reservation at Hen of the Wood . I’ve eaten at their location in Burlington and this farm-to-table restaurant is fabulous.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury

Ben & Jerry’s Factory is one of the most popular attractions in Vermont and a must visit for ice cream fans. You can take a 30-minute guided tour through Ben & Jerry’s first factory. Built in 1985, this factory continues to manufacture upwards of 350,000 pints per day and you may get lucky to see the production in action during the tour. The tour ends in the Flavor Room with a tasting of one of the famous flavors.

Even if you don’t take a tour, you can still visit the small Scoop shop and retail area. One thing you do NOT want to miss is a stroll through the Flavor Graveyard. I know it sounds a little creepy, but it is actually quite fun to see all the flavors that have been “de-pinted.” Just keep in mind that tour tickets are released two weeks in advance and pre-purchasing is highly encouraged.  

Ben & Jerry’s Factory is located at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676

Cabot Creamery, Waterbury

Any cheddar cheese fan will want to make a stop at the Cabot Creamery Store in Waterbury, just up the road from Ben & Jerry’s. In addition to a selection of delicious cheeses, the store sells many other Vermont specialty foods including maple products, Vermont microbrews, and hard ciders. While you are there, grab some extra creamy sea salted butter to spread on freshly baked bread. 

Cabot Creamery is located at 2657 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Lake Champlain Chocolates, Waterbury

Located right next door to Cabot Creamery is the Waterbury location of Lake Champlain Chocolates . Not only is this a chocolate shop, but it is also a chocolate cafe offering hot chocolate, coffee, and ice cream. I’ve visited the main Lake Champlain Chocolate store in Burlington and I was so impressed with the quality and ethical-sourcing offered by this family run company. You can also grab some factory seconds for a steal!

Lake Champlain Chocolates is located at 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Just thinking about the freshly cooked apple cider donuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill makes me hungry! I’d suggest starting at the hard cider tasting room. When I visited, if you purchased a tasting flight you got a coupon for six free donuts next door. After your tasting, visit the main store for apple cider, apple cider donuts, and a wide selection of Vermont products.

The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch with breakfast sandwiches on homemade cheddar cheese biscuits, wraps, fresh salads, our homemade soups, grilled Paninis, and sandwiches served on homemade white or sweet potato bread.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill is located at 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Stowe, Vermont

I’d suggest finishing up your Route 100 road trip in the ski town of Stowe. There are many places to stay nearby that offer a great selection of outdoor mountain activities including Topnotch Resort , Stoweflake Lodge , and the Trapp Family Lodge . The Bench in Stowe is a great spot for lunch or dinner.

From Stowe, you can enjoy hiking and outdoor summer or winter activities at Stowe Mountain Resort. You can also take day trips to shop at the Vermont Flannel Store and Johnson Woolen Mills in Johnson

Find more places to stay in Stowe:

Vermont Route 100 Road Trip Tips

If you are driving an electric vehicle, you will want to be strategic about where and when you charge. While Vermont has the highest per capita rate of public charging availability in the United States, you need to know where to look . There is a large bank of Tesla super chargers in Brattleboro, which you could use to charge before starting out. You will also find chargers in Wilmington, Ludlow, Killington, Rochester, Warren, Waitsfield, Waterbury, and Stowe, along the route.

Gas powered cars should also keep an eye on the fuel gauge when driving the scenic byways of Vermont, but you will find gas stations in small towns along the way. Just keep in mind that some may have limited hours.

Drive South to North

It really doesn’t matter which direction you drive Vermont’s Route 100, but unless you are flying into Burlington, I think it is more fun to drive the scenic route north and then take the highway back south. Plus, if you start in Wilmington, you are closer to more airports if you are flying in (3 hours from Boston, 1.5 hours from Hartford CT, 2 hours from Manchester NH, and 1.5 hours from Albany NY.)

Be Weather & Traffic Ready

Route 100 is known as the “Skier’s Highway” since there are so many ski resorts located on or near the scenic byway including Mount Snow, Okemo, Stratton, Killington, Pico, Mad River Glen, Stowe, and others. If you are taking this trip in the winter, be prepared for crowds and for snow. Make sure you have good all-weather tires (or consider snow tires) and bring along an ice scraper and portable snow shovel. Twice I’ve gone on a ski trip and had to shovel out my car with my hands so don’t make my mistake!

Plan Early for Leaf Peeping

In the autumn, leaf peepers line the scenic byways of Vermont and crowd the small trail parking lots and attractions. If you want to visit during prime fall foliage season, you need to book your accommodations in advance! Peak foliage times vary but typically the last week of September through Columbus Day Weekend / Indigenous People’s Day is the busiest. You should use a fall foliage tracker to follow the color change progress each year.

Bring a Map

Many portions of Route 100 do not have cell service so it helps to bring along a paper map, which you can pick up at a Vermont visitor center or many country stores and attractions. If you don’t have a map, be sure to map out your route, with the stops, before you leave WiFi or cell service. Technically you don’t need a map if you stick to Route 100, but it does take a few twists and turns, and there are a few stops that are slightly off the route that are still worthy of a stop.

VISITING VERMONT? YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN…

• Things to do in Burlington, Vermont
• Things to do in Manchester, Vermont
• Basin Harbor Resort on Lake Champlain
• Glamping in Vermont at Highwood Retreat
• 17 Stops on a Vermont Road Trip
• 20+ Spots to go Glamping in New England
• Best fall getaways in New England
• Things to do in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: October 6, 2023

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Vermont Route 100 Road Trip: our ultimate itinerary (with map)

On this unforgettable road trip through Vermont's Route 100, you'll experience charming towns, breathtaking waterfalls, lakes, forests, cliffs, mountains, and relaxing beaches. Even though you stay within one state, this route has it all. So pack up the car, put on some tunes and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime.

This incredible journey on Vermont Route 100 will take you 200 miles with 4 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. You'll see Vermont's top destinations like Heartwellville, Dover, Ludlow, Pittsfield, Stowe, Troy, Burlington and Lake George.

On your drive, you'll create so many memories, all within one state. Keep reading to learn more about the best routes, places to stay, and top destinations along the way.

Where is Vermont Route 100?

Vermont Route 100 is unsurprisingly located in Vermont and runs from the southern tip of Vermont to the state's northern border with Canada. It's an incredibly scenic and very manageable trip, perfect any time of year and offering a gorgeous travel experience through the adorable towns and forests this state is known for.

The route will pass beautiful towns like Burlington, Stowe, Troy, and many others. You'll get to enjoy nearby parks like Green Mountain National Forest and Mt. Mansfield State Forest.

Where does Vermont Route 100 begin and end?

Vermont Route 100 begins in the beautiful town of Heartwellville, near the border of Massachusetts. Heartwellville is near the popular Dutch Hill Ski Area and scenic Herriman Reservoir.

The end of the route is the northern town of Troy. This delightful town is just a few miles from the Canadian border and is surrounded by natural scenery.

How long is Vermont Route 100, and how long will it take to drive its entire length?

The Entire Length Route will cover 200 miles and only takes place on Vermont Route 100 from the southern end of the state to the north, near the Canadian border. You'll be driving for 4 hours and 40 minutes.

The Round Trip from Burlington Route covers 420 miles of Vermont landscapes. You'll drive for 9 hours and 20 minutes on this incredible loop through the Green Mountain State.

This journey covers a vast amount of territory all within a small state. To get the most out of it, we recommend taking two to three days for the whole length of the scenic road. To get the most out of a slower round-trip drive, it would be best to take four to five days.

Best way to drive on Vermont Route 100

There are two routes that will cover the best of Vermont Route 100 and the gorgeous area that surrounds it. One takes you directly along the route while the longer one takes a different way back on a circular road trip.

The Entire Scenic Route is the best way to explore the stunning Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, as well as the many charming New England villages and towns that this state is known for.

While you could do part of this route and still get a great experience, part of the charm is getting to see the variety of villages along the way, including Dover, Ludlow and Stowe amongst others.

There are lots of lakes and rivers along the route, such as the Harriman Reservoir at the southern end of the route to the Missisquoi River near Troy near the northern border.

The Round Trip from Burlington Route allows you to drive the entirety of Route 100 but still get to discover a larger city in Vermont like Burlington, which is located on the scenic coast of Lake Champlain.

Another benefit of this round trip is that you can choose whichever direction you'd like to take it. You can choose to descend from Burlington and make your way up Route 100, or descend down Route 100, making your way back to Burlington.

Driving the entire length of Vermont Route 100

Starting in Heartwellville, jump on the famous Vermont Route 100 east. Head past the south shores of the Harriman Reservoir and into the town of Jacksonville.

Continue north and drive to the lovely town of Dover. From here, make your way through the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest.

Drive past the popular Stratton Mountain Ski Resort and continue north to the town of Ludlow. From here, head through the beautiful Coolidge State Forest and into the wonderful town of Pittsfield.

From here, continue on north through some of the most unspoiled forests in America. Soon, you'll pass the striking Moss Glen Falls.

Keep heading north, past the Waterbury Historic District and into the town of Stowe. After spending some time in Stowe, get back on the route and continue on until you hit your destination in Troy.

Driving on Vermont Route 100 on a round trip from Burlington

From Heartwellville, take the epic Vermont Route 100 around the beautiful shores of the Harriman Reservoir. From here drive through the town of Jackson and into Dover, the quiet gateway to the Green Mountain National Forest.

Continue north past the Stratton Mountain Ski Resort and into Ludlow. Head into the Coolidge State Forest and drive on until the town of Pittsfield.

From here, drive north past Moss Glen Falls, Waterbury Historic District, and into the town of Troy. After Troy, head on highway 242 past Jay State Forest.

Drive to the forests and communities of beautiful Lake Champlain. Continue on into the city of Burlington, Vermont's largest city and one of the most vibrant small cities in America.

After exploring Burlington, head back on route and continue south on Route 7, past the western edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, and into the town of Bennington to complete the loop.

Best places to stay along Vermont Route 100

You'll find so much to do and see on this road trip through Vermont. Because of the length of the drive, we've selected two wonderful locations to stop for the night.

A taste of ice cream and nature in Stowe

About halfway on the Entire Scenic Route is the town of Stowe. This wonderful little community is one of the highlights of Vermont Route 100. Stowe is a stunning town known for its beautiful scenery, rich skiing culture and year-round events. There are plenty of highlights to experience in the town.

First, head to Stowe's iconic Main Street. Here you'll experience tons of cute shops, restaurants, and more. You can find all kinds of Vermont products like maple syrup and even wine.

For lovers of ice cream, a must-visit destination is the original Ben & Jerry's factory. Take a tour of where it all began in nearby Waterbury. You'll get to see how B&J's famous ice cream is made, as well as visit an adorable ice cream graveyard for flavors-gone-by.

Once you reach Stowe, we recommend staying at the Trapp Family Lodge . This iconic hotel offers old-world comforts and stunning mountain views.

The hotel is named after the famous Von Trapp family (which manages it), largely fictionalized by the famous film The Sound of Music. It has beautiful Austrian-inspired architecture and European-style accommodations.

There are two swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar to help you relax. There's also free parking, so after your long drive, you can be sure to get right to R&R.

There are tons of skiing trails, local wineries, and scenic hiking paths nearby. You can spend days exploring the nearby trails and quiet streets of Stowe.

Relax and explore the history of Bennington

About halfway along the Round Trip Route is the town of Bennington. This is an ideal stopover on the round-trip route, close to the start of Route 100, so you can rest up before embarking on the stunning drive across Vermont Route 100.

Bennington is mostly known for the Bennington Battle Monument, one of the prominent historic sites in Vermont. It also boasts several museums and art galleries.

There are other beautiful sights to explore but first, explore the Bennington Battle Monument. This 306-foot-high obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary war.

From here, head to the Bennington Museum. The museum offers you the perfect opportunity to explore the history of this unique and picturesque town.

When you arrive in Bennington, our top choice for lodging is the luxurious Four Chimneys Inn . Housed in a mansion on an 11-acre property with extensive gardens, this hotel stay is sure to be memorable. The hotel is just over a mile from the center of town and is surrounded by quite natural areas.

Once you're ready to explore, just head outside as the hotel is within walking distance to the Bennington Battle Monument as well as the Bennington Museum. Once you're done sightseeing, there's a garden and on-site bar to enjoy.

Things to see on a road trip on Vermont Route 100

Both routes are full of adventure and fabulous sights along the way. Below we've included our top highlights on the way, so you can make the most out of your journey through Vermont.

The entire length of Vermont Route 100

• Wilmington - Make sure to visit this stunning little village, known as a “shoppers mecca” for it's many quirky stores, delicious restaurants and art galleries.
• Dover - A celebrated skiing spot along Route 100, Dover also offers tons when it comes to small-town charm. Visit one of several museums in this village, or simply spend a couple hours exploring.
• Ludlow - Another unique town along this route, known for nearby Buttermilk Falls as well as many gorgeous mountain and forest trails.
• Pittsfield - There is tons to do in this adorable town, from exploring the Berkshire Museum to enjoying the slopes of the Bousquet Mountain Ski Area.
• Stowe - Stowe is chock-full of attractions, though you might most enjoy walking through the town center and visiting a variety of breweries and restaurants.
• Waterbury - Visit the celebrated Ben & Jerry's factory, where you can get a sneak-peek into this ice cream goliath's world-famous sweet treat recipes.
• Sherbrooke - Located across the border to Canada but well-worth bringing your passport for, Sherbrooke is a stunning city about an hour off your route that boasts gorgeous nature and a celebrated Natural History Museum.

Things to see driving on a round trip from Burlington

• Vermont Teddy Bear Factory - This colorfully painted toy factory near Burlington, Vermont offers informative tours as well as a build-your-own-bear experience.
• New England Maple Museum - Discover the secret behind a delicious bottle of maple syrup at the New England Maple Museum, a popular stopping point along this route.
• Green Mountain National Forest - Take in the beauty of this massive national forest, where you can find dozens of ponds, cliffs and waterfalls that can be reached through several walking trails.
• Lake George - Discover this stunning lake, located across the Vermont-New York State border and boasting beautiful blue waters.
• Saratoga National Park - The site of an unprecedented Revolutionary War victory, the Saratoga National Historical Park offers educational tours of its battlefield and monument. Visit this park for just an extra 30 minutes of travel time.
• Billings Farm and Museum - Thirty minutes off-route find the Billings Farm and Museum. This working farm offers attractions perfect for adults and children alike, including wagon rides, a gift shop, and barns full of farmyard animals.

Best time to drive on Vermont Route 100

Both wonderful routes are traversable any time of the year, though we recommend visiting during the late spring/early summer or during the fall for the best combination of driving conditions and tourist attractions.

Summers in Vermont are warm and quite sunny, with minimal rain. This is generally the busiest season when it comes to tourism, so expect slightly pricier accommodations and busier attractions (especially if you're visiting parks or forests). The temperature in the summer is between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vermont Route 100 is well-known for its many winter offerings, so travelers shouldn't worry about not having anything to see or do during the season.

The route's many surrounding forests are arguably at their most beautiful when they are covered with the heavy snow typical of a Vermont winter; just be sure to have chains or winter tires on, and to avoid driving during a winter storm as conditions can get quite bad. The winter temperatures are around 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fall is a wonderful time to travel Vermont Route 100, especially if you're driving during the last weeks of September and the first few weeks of October when the leaves begin changing and surrounding foliage takes on warm reds and yellows.

Spring is also a great time to visit, and one of the seasons with a lower tourism rate, so you'll have lots of privacy visiting the many attractions along your route.

There are tons of events happening year-round along route 100, from Christmas and holiday events during the winter months to outdoor events during the summer.

Some highlights include the Vermont Renaissance Faire (Stowe, June), the Stowe Tango Music Festival (August), and the Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival (Ludlow, Summer).

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Vermont is one of few states that you can drive from one end to the other in a day or less, lending itself perfectly to a Vermont road trip! I love how quick and easy it is to get around the Green Mountain State, but Vermont is meant to be explored, with its mountain vistas, winding roads, and the unique businesses that call it home. 

I suggest you take a few days (or better yet, a week or more) and discover all that Vermont has to offer – from well-known attractions to the lesser-known, but certainly not lesser-loved. 

I love Vermont and I have been exploring the state since 2001. In that time I’ve discovered the best spots worth visiting, and I’m sharing those with you today.

Vermont trip itinerary starts in Southern Vermont, but make this excursion your own and start from the north, or begin your journey in central Vermont!

Table of Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Vermont?

If you’re looking to maximize your bang for your buck during your Vermont road trip, then fall is absolutely the best time to make your road trip to Vermont . There’s nothing quite like a New England road trip, and while you’ll find plenty of lovely things to see and do throughout the rest of the year, fall foliage in this region is unlike anything else and a road trip in Vermont in the fall is the perfect way to see for yourself!

Vermont Road Trip Day One – Bennington 

We recommend starting your Vermont adventure in Bennington , a quaint town located on Vermont’s southern border. Bennington is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and museums. Grab breakfast at Papa Pete’s (home of the giant pancakes!) or the historic Blue Benn Diner . Then, head to Fiddlehead at Four Corners art gallery or Bennington Potters . Spend some time exploring Hawkins House Craftsmarket and satisfy your sweet tooth at Village Chocolate Shop . 

If you are taking your road trip through Vermont from May through October, we recommend making a stop at the Bennington Battle Monument and taking the elevator to the top for panoramic views of three states.

In the afternoon, hit the road on Historic Route 7 to Manchester. Manchester is well-known for its outlets, so plan to spend the afternoon shopping. You don’t want to miss the treasures you find in Manchester’s local offerings though, so a stop at Northshire Bookstore , Manchester Wood , or Perfectpiece consignment shop are a must.

While you’re there, stop at Orvis to feed the trout (or try your hand at fly fishing). Stop by Double Hex or Depot Street Burgers for dinner and rest your head at the Inn at Manchester or one of the other top hotels in the area . If you are taking your VT road trip in summer, a trip up Skyline Drive to Mount Equinox will make your day.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!

Vermont Road Trip Day Two – Manchester

The Inn at Manchester makes a great breakfast, or you can climb the stairs of Up for Breakfast , a quaint eatery in the heart of Manchester. After you eat, head to Londonderry and explore Stratton Mountain . At 3,875 feet, Stratton offers unparalleled skiing and riding in southern Vermont and is one of the top ski resorts in the state . In the warmer months, discover Stratton Village that’s home to shops, restaurants, an iconic clock tower, and more. 

In the afternoon, make the trip to Weston – home of The Vermont Country Store . The Vermont Country Store sells Vermont-made products, as well as hard to find toys, trinkets, and treasures. It’s a quintessential Vermont experience, and we guarantee you’ll spend a few hours here. Before dinner, head to Ludlow and get settled into your room for the evening at the Echo Lake Inn , Main + Mountain Motel , or The Pettigrew Inn . For the best bites, get a table at Sam’s Steakhouse or Mr. Darcy’s Bar & Burger . If you’re ahead of schedule, plan to have a little fun at Okemo Mountain Resort . 

Vermont Road Trip Day Three – Plymouth, Woodstock

Wake up early and head to Plymouth, where the 30th President of the United States was born and raised. The Calvin Coolidge Homestead is a National Historic Landmark, featuring an old church, school house, cheese factory, store and post office, barns, walking trails, and more. Coolidge and seven generations of his family are laid to rest in Plymouth. You could spend the whole day here, but we recommend picking up after lunch and heading to Woodstock. 

Woodstock is home to a variety of shops, art galleries, and some of the cutest covered bridges in VT , and is the perfect addition to any trip to New England. Explore its walkable downtown lined with shops or head to Billings Farm & Museum and get face-to-face with horses, cows, sheep, and other animals – small and large. 

There are many incredible inns and hotels in the area , but you won’t go wrong hanging your hat at The Woodstocker B&B , Sleep Woodstock Motel , or 506 on the River Inn . If you’re looking for a luxury place to stay for a romantic New England road trip stop, consider The Woodstock Inn and Resort ; it’s pricy, but the WOW factor is through the roof! For dinner, we recommend Worthy Kitchen and its farm-to-table New American eats, or for a more eclectic menu, The Prince & The Pauper Restaurant .

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Vermont Road Trip Day Four – Montpelier, Waterbury

Rise and shine. Day 4 of your road trip through Vermont starts with a car ride to Montpelier , Vermont’s capital city and one of the best places to live in the state. Stop by our Statehouse and marvel at the building’s gold dome and the Greek Goddess of Agriculture. In the warmer months, tulips and other flowers line the entrance to the capital building, making it even more beautiful. Then head down to The Vermont History Museum . Don’t expect fast food for lunch though. Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonalds. We suggest saving your appetite until you reach Waterbury, the next stop in your journey. 

Waterbury is a culinary gem and we’re sure there’s not a bad place to eat there. Try The Reservoir , Prohibition Pig , or the ZenBarn . For a super unique VT road trip experience, visit The Blue Stone . The restaurant is home to a vintage well stone resurrected from a farmhouse near Rutland, Vermont. It now serves as a communal bar table and is the perfect spot to share a pizza with friends and family. And of course, no Vermont road trip is complete without a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory . They offer a cool tour that provides an inside-look at how America’s favorite ice cream is made, and the grounds are a fun place for adults and kids alike. Stop by the scoop shop to grab your favorite in a cone. 

Head to Burlington and check in at Hotel Vermont , an independent hotel offering an authentic Vermont experience with Vermont-made products in each room. Rest up; you’ve got a busy day tomorrow. 

Vermont Road Trip Day Five – Burlington

It’s no coincidence that Burlington is affectionately known as the Queen City. It’s up there as one of the coolest places to visit in not only Vermont, but New England. Burlington is a four-season destination, offering a variety of activities for all ages. 

While you’re here:

• Explore Church Street Marketplace and join the 1.5 million visitors that come here annually to shop, eat, and play
• Take your kids to visit ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain , a nature and science museum on the waterfront
• Relax at Waterfront Park, or catch jam band Twiddle’s two-day Tumble Down festival or Grace Potter’s Grand Point North music festival. 
• Get out and swim, kayak, or boat on Lake Champlain, the sixth largest body of water in the United States 
• Ride your bike down the Burlington Bike Path
• Catch a show at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts , which has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews Band, and more.
• Take a hike at one of these top spots around Burlington
• Meander the grounds at Shelburne Museum , its iconic round barn, and its 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. 
• Attend a UVM basketball game
• Check out the Burlington brewery scene and eat at some of their top restaurants and coffee shops

Vermont Road Trip Day Six – Stowe

On day 6, you will head to one of the top Vermont destinations: Stowe. This quaint and classic mountain town is a must-visit on any New England road trip itinerary. If you’re into winter sports, the nearby ski resorts will fulfill all your snowy needs. Or if you’d prefer to relax at a luxurious spa, sip craft beers with mountain views, or simply take in the gorgeous scenery, Stowe has all that going on. 

Some of the best things to do in Stowe include: 

• Visiting the Trapp Family Lodge , the resort founded by the real family from The Sound of Music. This property has amazing cross country skiing, an authentic-style bierhaus, and just an all around cozy vibe. It’s utterly Vermonty.
• Riding the bright red gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak.
• Eating at delicious Stowe restaurants’
• Go hike beautiful Stowe!

There are many cool places to stay in Stowe, whether you’re looking for inns, hotels , or vacation rentals , but a stay at Trapp Family Lodge is an incredibly unique Vermont road trip experience!

Vermont Road Trip Day Seven – Continue or End

At this point in your journey, you might decide to keep heading north because there’s so much more to see in Vermont. Or, if your road trip is ending, perhaps it’s time to head south again.

We recommend taking scenic Route 7 south, passing through the towns of Middlebury, Brandon, Rutland , and eventually, reaching Manchester once again. Other suggested Vermont scenic drives can be found here if you want to continue your journey.

Want to make a few more stops?

Middlebury has one of the best downtowns in Vermont, and is also home to the UVM Morgan Horse Farm , the oldest continually-operating Morgan horse breeding programs in the country. Stop by historic Marbleworks and grab a bite at Noonie’s Deli and a new-to-you book at Otter Creek Used Books . 

Brandon has been called “the art and soul of Vermont” and is another must-see downtown, with a number of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. Brandon also offers amazing recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and winter sports at Moosalamoo National Recreation Area . 

Whether you have one day or seven, Vermont is your playground. From world-class recreation to unbeatable arts and cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone on a Vermont road trip. Pick your starting point and explore!

Vermont is also great for trips from NYC or trips from Boston , so be sure to consider adding the Green Mountain State to your list of must visit New England road trip vacation destinations!

Explore more of Vermont:

• Most Charming Small Towns in Vermont Not to Miss
• Perfect Spots for a Vermont Weekend Getaway
• Cozy Cabins in Vermont: Perfect for a New England Getaway
• Fun Things to do in Vermont with Kids

45 Places to Stop on Your Ultimate Vermont Road Trip

We’ve used our experience and research for road tripping in Vermont to put together the Ultimate Vermont Road Trip Guide. Use these suggestions to plan your trip and you’re sure to have an amazing time!

Table of Contents

Northern Vermont

Our Vermont road trip plan starts in the northern part of the state. In our opinion, this is the best place to go for outdoor fun. Not only are there plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and waterfalls in the area, you’ll also find the beautiful Lake Champlain in northern Vermont, meaning water recreation is an option. Of course, the ski resorts are also fantastic if you find yourself visiting during the winter months. 

Not into the outdoors? Not to worry, there are also plenty of museums, tours, delicious cider mills, maple farms, and more in northern Vermont. You’re sure to find plenty to do while you’re there. 

Here we are kicking off our east coast road trip with our first stop in Vermont:

Stowe Vermont

Start your Vermont road trip in Stowe,VT. Stowe is easily one of the best towns in the state to visit. It is chock-full of amazing things to see and do, and the variety really keeps things interesting. This place has been dubbed the “Ski Capital of the East,” but we find it’s a wonderful place to check out no matter the time of year. 

Some of our favorite Stowe attractions include:

Highway 108 Scenic Drive

Those who want to take in all the beauty of the Vermont countryside should really consider a drive through Smugglers Notch on Highway 108. This scenic route provides some of the prettiest views in the state, especially if you happen to be taking the scenic drive during autumn when the fall foliage creates a rainbow of colors along the way. 

Moss Glen Falls Hike

Hiking is everywhere in northern Vermont. One of the very best options is the Moss Glen Falls Hike. This is a fairly easy trail that takes you through the woods to a beautiful waterfall. If you choose to go only to the falls and back, it’s a mere 0.6-mile trek. Those who do the entire trail will be looking at about 4.2 miles of hiking. 

We also really liked hiking to Bingham Falls. It’s great if you prefer a super easy hike with a nice reward at the end. 

Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road

The highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield offers awesome views of the surrounding area. Luckily, taking in these views does not require a strenuous hike. Instead, you can drive to the top via the auto toll road. Just be prepared for a steep and winding drive that is not for the faint of heart. 

Cabot Cheese Store

Ever had some Vermont cheese? If not, a visit to the Cabot Cheese Store is a must. This store is just a short drive from Stowe, so be sure to plan a visit during your stint in the town. It’s a big store with plenty of variety, and samples are available to help you decide what to buy. 

Emilys Covered Bridge

Covered bridges are everywhere in Vermont, and we recommend going on a covered bridge tour when you make it down to Bennington. That said, Emily’s Covered Bridge in the Stowe area is pretty enough, and it has a cool enough story that we do recommend making a special trip just to see it and play in the water that runs under it. Just make sure you read the story behind the bridge first!

Check out our time in Stowe, Vermont:

Stowe Mountain Resort

If you’re taking a Vermont road trip in the winter months, skiing is a must-do. One of the best places to do this? Stowe Mountain Resort . Here, you’ll find skiing opportunities for people of all ages and levels, as well as snowboarding, hiking, biking, and plenty of delicious restaurants. 

Ben & Jerrys Factory Tour

Did you know Vermont is home to the famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream we all love? Not only that, guests are even invited to tour the factory to see how the stuff is made! Other fun things to do at this attraction include checking out the “flavor graveyard” and grabbing a treat from the onsite Scoop Shop. 

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum

Skiing and snowboarding are important parts of Vermont culture. Yes, you should definitely try these sports for yourself if you are visiting during the snowy months. That said, you can also learn about skiing and snowboarding by visiting the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. 

Smugglers Notch State Park

Named for a narrow pass through the Green Mountains, Smugglers Notch State Park is a beautiful park. It features incredible cliffs, gorgeous vistas, a picnic area by a stream, and wonderful hiking trails. Other fun things to do in the park include bouldering, ice climbing, cave exploring, and biking. 

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Most people are aware that Vermont is known for its cider. Why not watch some fresh Vermont cider being made? At Cold Hollow Cider Mill, you can do just that while sipping on a cup of the stuff. After you’ve finished your cider, be sure to pick up some fresh cider donuts and some more cider to take home!

Where to Eat

The backyard.

An amazing dinner experience can be found at The Backyard. The outdoor seating here is lovely, and the restaurant has an excellent selection of food and drinks. We recommend sitting near the outdoor firepit if at all possible. 

Stowe Cider

Cold Hollow Cider is great, but if you’re looking for even more fantastic cider, head to Stowe Cider. Here, you can sit (both indoor and outdoor seating are available) and sample a variety of ciders. You might also get lucky and be at the cidery when a local food truck is parked outside.

The Alchemist

Touted as “the best brewery in the U.S.,” The Alchemist is a must-try spot for beer fanatics. Our favorite option here? The Heady Topper beer. That said, any brew you try is likely to be wonderful. 

More Information on Stowe

20 Fun Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont

If you only have a weekend be sure to check out this great post on a Vermont weekend getaway !

Burlington Vermont

Another beautiful city, Burlington should be on every Vermont road trip list. This place is located right on Lake Champlain, so expect beautiful views and beaches. You’ll also find great places to bike and some awesome spots to learn something new. 

Some of the very best things to do in Burlington are: 

Church Street Marketplace

An awesome shopping district located in downtown Burlington, Church Street Marketplace is an excellent place to do some souvenir shopping. The district covers a full four blocks and plays host to numerous local shops and eateries, as well as street performers that set up shop on nearly every corner. 

Lake Champlain Waterfront

Lake Chaplain is seriously gorgeous and well worth visiting several times during your Vermont road trip. We especially love heading to the Lake Champlain waterfront in Burlington to stroll along the boardwalk and watch the sun go down over the water. 

Green Mountain Railroad

Looking for yet another way to enjoy the beauty of the Vermont countryside? Hop on a Green Mountain Railroad train. This awesome tour company offers a variety of different types of rides through some of the prettiest parts of the state, allowing you to see this beauty from a different point of view. 

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

Most people have heard of Ethan Allen, but many don’t realize that the man played such an important role in protecting Vermont homesteading rights. Additionally, he aided the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Visit his homestead to learn all about this incredible man. 

ECHO Leahy Center

Lake Champlain is a prominent feature of northern Vermont. What many don’t realize is the role the lake serves in the environment. Visit the ECHO Leahy Center to learn about the ecosystems in the lake and how they work together to create the beautiful northern Vermont environment we love. 

Citizen Cider

Yet another fantastic place for cider, Citizen Cider is the perfect dinner spot. Get a flight of cider to try some interesting flavors, and be sure to try the poutine, which the restaurant is well known for. 

Foam Brewery

For lovely outdoor seating, great craft beers, and even more cider options, head to Foam Brewery. This is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, and once you visit, you’ll understand why. 

Creemees Ice Cream

Finally, you’ll want to round out at least one day with ice cream from Creemees. This place is located on the Lake Champlain waterfront, meaning you can grab a scoop (we recommend the maple flavor) and watch the gorgeous sunset. 

More Information on Burlington

15 Fun Things to do in Burlington, VT

Shelburne Vermont

Located just a little bit south of Burlington, Shelburne has a surprising number of excellent attractions to offer. Therefore, we felt it had to be included in our Vermont road trip itinerary. That said, you could easily visit Shelburne while staying in Burlington if you prefer to change lodging less often. 

Our favorite Shelburne attractions are listed below.

Shelburne Museum

Several historic buildings stand on the gorgeous campus of Shelburne Museum . Each of these lovely buildings is home to exhibits on art, history, nature, and more. The exhibits are so varied that there is sure to be something for everyone, and if you ask us, the grounds and buildings are just as interesting as the exhibits. 

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

In addition to producing delicious ice cream, Vermont also puts out some seriously adorable teddy bears. These are made by the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, where guests are invited to tour the facility and see just how these stuffed friends are put together. You can also create your own bear or send a favorite teddy to the “doctor” to get fixed up. 

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Syrup and cider are two foods Vermont is known for, but did you know that the state also puts out some seriously good chocolates? Some of the best are from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Their candies are made from locally sourced ingredients, and they offer a free 30-minute tour (complete with a tasting!) to anyone who stops in. 

Shelburne Farms

An enormous working farm, Shelburne Farms is an excellent place to learn all about Vermont farm life. This attraction is home to a non-profit that works to educate visitors on how to create a sustainable future. Environmental educational programs happen on a regular basis at the farm, and walking trails, a historical barn filled with animals, and an onsite restaurant all help to make it an exciting experience.

Where to Stay

Courtyard burlington harbor.

Our favorite hotel in the northern Vermont area, Courtyard Burlington Harbor features all kinds of amazing amenities. The saltwater pool is perfect for relaxing after a long day of adventuring, and the onsite restaurant makes meals easy. Guests also love sitting around the outdoor firepit to unwind.

Serene Country Cabin

The perfect escape into the Vermont countryside, the Serene Country Cabin is a great pick for your time in Stowe. The cabin is just a few minutes away from the town, and is also near skiing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. It includes amenities such as an outdoor fire pit, cable TV, and books and games.

White Caps Campground

Prefer to camp during your time in northern Vermont? White Caps Campground is a great pick. This beautiful place is located at the south end of Lake Willoughby and has spots for tents and RVs, as well as some rental cabins. Onsite activities include hiking, paddling, and swimming.

Central Vermont

After you’ve spent a week or two in the northern part of the state, you’ll want to continue your Vermont road trip and head on down to central Vermont. This area is home to the state capitol. It’s also a fantastic place to learn a bit of history.

Of course, you’ll find some outdoorsy fun here too, including an absolutely stunning state park that is a Vermont must-see. Other fun sights include art galleries, adorable local boutiques, and yummy local restaurants.

Montpelier Vermont

It might be the smallest capital city in the country, but Montpelier isn’t lacking when it comes to character or things to do. Local boutiques and restaurants are around every corner, the historic downtown area and pretty park provide great places for a stroll, the nightlife scene is surprisingly fun, and galleries, theaters, and music venues all work together to keep the arts alive. 

Want to find the best attractions in Montpelier? We’ve got you covered below:

Rock of Ages

Start your tour of Rock of Ages in the beautiful modern visitor center where you can watch a video about quarrying, shop for stone souvenirs, and of course, book your quarry tour ticket. When it’s time for your tour, you will be taken to see the largest operating deep-hole dimension granite quarry in the world. This is an astounding sight to see, and a unique experience for sure. 

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks 

Maple syrup is one food item that just screams Vermont. For this reason, we highly recommend touring at least one maple farm while in the state. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks is a great choice. Here, you can tour the grounds either on foot or via motorcoach. There are also videos that provide plenty of information and even a free treat at the end of the tour. 

Looking for another great maple farm option? We also loved Sugartree Maple Farm. 

Sarducci’s Italian Food

For great Italian food, you simply must go to Sarducci’s while in Montpelier. This is easily one of the best restaurants in the city, and has options for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Best of all, the outdoor seating overlooks the river, meaning you’ll have a great dinner and a great view. 

Woodstock Vermont

A small and picturesque place off of Route 100, Woodstock may be quiet and laid-back, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s a boring place. In fact, the town might just be one of the best tourist destinations in the state. Biking, golfing, and fishing are popular activities in the town, and the dozens of bed-and-breakfasts ensure everyone has a place to lay their head after a day of exploring.

Not sure what to do when you get to Woodstock? Here are our favorite options:

Quechee Gorge State Park

Home to some of the most unique landscapes in Vermont, Quechee Gorge State Park is the perfect place to go for a long hike and some fantastic photo opportunities. The gorge is the deepest in Vermont, and is often referred to as “Vermont’s Grand Canyon.” That said, the green scenery is nothing like what you find at the Grand Canyon, yet still incredibly beautiful.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is a lovely place that is full of history and natural beauty. It was once a forest and dairy farm owned and operated by Frederick Billings, and is named for Billings and his co-owners. It’s a wonderful place to explore, and we’re betting you’ll learn something new while you’re there. 

Billings Farm and Museum

An absolutely fantastic open air museum, Billings Farm and Museum is home to a fully operational Jersey cow farm, as well as a restored historic home that serves as a museum. Learn about the history and culture of the state and then head outdoors to get hands-on and learn about animals. 

Comfort Inn and Suites at Maplewood

Need a hotel in central Vermont? We’ve got you covered. This Comfort Inn and Suites is incredibly well reviewed for a reason. The staff are on top of things, everything is clean and well-kept and the hotel is in an excellent location. 

Cottage on the Hill

Located between Montpelier and Woodstock, this Cottage on the Hill is an awesome home base for your time in central Vermont. Not only is it absolutely adorable, it’s also functional and comfortable, boasting amenities like a fireplace, a washer and dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Southern Vermont

Finally, you will probably want to mosey on down to southern Vermont to round out your Vermont road trip. While this part of the state doesn’t have quite as many attractions as the northern area, the things you will find in this area are still well worth stopping for.

We love the history lessons found in south Vermont, and the museums are some of the most unique we’ve found. Of course, we can’t fail to mention the fantastic fly fishing opportunities found in the area. 

Manchester Vermont

Manchester is another quaint Vermont town. This one is tucked away in the Green Mountain National Forest, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the bigger city. If you’re looking for a taste of rural Vermont, this is the place to go. 

The best Manchester attractions include:

Hildene: The Lincoln Family Home

First owned by President Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, Hildene was passed from one generation of the Lincoln family to the next for many years. In 1975, the home was purchased and restored to its original glory, and is now open to visitors who can tour the house and grounds. 

American Museum of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a popular pastime in the state of Vermont. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the state is also home to an entire fly fishing museum. Wander the American Museum of Fly Fishing to learn all about fly fishing and the history behind it. 

The Vermont Country Store

If you head north of Manchester you will eventually make your way to the Vermont Country Store . This adorable general store has all the New England country charm you could ever want, and is the perfect place for browsing for souvenirs. 

Bennington Vermont

Not too much further south you’ll find the city of Bennington. This city has a lovely collection of covered bridges that absolutely must be checked out when you’re there. It’s also home to a number of excellent museums, so make sure you schedule at least a few days to explore the place. 

Below are the must-dos in Bennington:

Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Robert Frost is a well known poet. Nearly everyone has read the man’s poetry at some point, and many consider him a genius wordsmith. At the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, you can tour the home of this amazing writer and learn a bit about the life and times of the man. 

The Bennington Battle Monument

Built to commemorate The Battle of Bennington, which took place on August 16th, 1777 during the Revolutionary War, the Bennington Battle Monument is a must-see when in the area. The monument is a 306-foot-high stone obelisk. Events often take place at the monument, and there is an observation floor in the monument that provides excellent views. 

Bennington Museum

The perfect place for art fanatics, Bennington Museum focuses on art made in New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Here you’ll find art from the 1700s, as well as more modern pieces. One of the museum’s most notable features? Its enormous collection of Grandma Moses paintings. This is the largest collection in the world from this artist. 

Cozy Mountain Retreat

Nothing says Vermont quite like a cozy little cottage in the woods, and that is exactly what you’ll find at this Cozy Mountain Retreat . Stay here to escape into nature while still remaining close enough to local attractions. Enjoy fast internet, a nice grill, and more.

Manchester View

Get a room at the Manchester View and you will be minutes from Route 7, as it is located in Green Mountain National Forest. The rooms are all non-smoking and equipped with wi-fi. You can even splurge and upgrade to a room with a fireplace and hot tub!

Pine Hollow Campground

Want to camp in south Vermont? If so, Pine Hollow Campground is the spot for you. This lovely campground is located just a few minutes south of Bennington, meaning you won’t have to drive far to see local attractions. That said, you might just be tempted to stay within the campground most of the time, considering the gorgeous views and outdoor recreation opportunities found there.

There you have it, 45 amazing stops so you can hit the road on your Vermont road trip we hope you enjoy your time exploring the Green Mountain State!

Want even more information on visiting the incredible state of Vermont? Check out

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25 Best Things to Do in Burlington VT: Local Gems & Good Eats

Craft beer, local artisans, delicious food, and outdoor fun — where should you start? Follow this guide to the best things to do in Burlington VT!

Does “Vermont” conjure images of covered bridges, pastoral farm scenes, snow-covered slopes, or small village skylines accented by pristine white church steeples? Yes, that is quintessential Vermont. But Burlington is something different.

Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, but with a population under 45,000, that’s not saying much. But while it is small in size, it is large in character.

Burlington is the side of Vermont where craft beer-loving hipsters share co-working space with start-ups building rockets. Where University of Vermont college students mingle with millennials at the local coffee shop after yoga class. And where Brooklyn transplants blend with multi-generation farmers and makers to create a youthful city that still feels very…Vermont.

Yes, it gives off some Portsmouth, NH vibes, but with more outdoorsy, college-town, local-focus characteristics, than a touristy, wannabe Portland feel.

If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway destination, put Burlington on your list, especially if you can combine a stay with some time in the Green Mountains or enjoying Lake Champlain .

I’ll cover where to stay , great places to eat , and the best things to do in Burlington , Vermont — no matter what season you visit!

Getting to Burlington, VT

Burlington is located in northwestern Vermont, on the banks of Lake Champlain, with the peaks of New York’s Adirondack Mountains clearly visible across the lake. Not too far from the Canadian border, the easiest way to get to Burlington is by flying into Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is conveniently located just three miles from downtown. Alternatively, you can take a 7.5-hour train ride from New York City’s Penn Station on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express.

If you prefer driving, Burlington is about a 4-hour drive from both New York City and Boston , making for a great Vermont road trip , and it’s only a 2-hour drive from Montreal . Once you are there, Burlington is a very walkable city, although you may want to have a car to take some day trips or to reach some of the places I include below.

Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont

Given its location in northwestern Vermont, it is no surprise that what there is to do varies by season. However, many of the things to do in Burlington are relevant in any weather, making it a four-season destination — which in Vermont is defined as winter, mud season, summer, and fall/stick season.

If you love craft beer, good food, shopping, live music, and outdoor activities, you are going to love Burlington Vermont. Plus, if you are visiting with a family, there are so many fun things to do in Burlington with kids too!

Stroll Through the Church Street Marketplace

The first place locals will tell you to go when visiting Burlington is the Church Street Marketplace , a brick-paved outdoor pedestrian mall lined with shops, restaurants, and music venues. This four-block area covers Church Street from Main to Pearl Street in the center of downtown Burlington.

There are some beautiful historic buildings, along with a mix of local boutiques, bookshops, and a scattering of national brands such as Black Diamond, Fjällräven, and Helly Hansen.

One thing you will notice when walking around Burlington is that the locals prefer to buy locally. Local coffee shops over Starbucks. Local cafes over fast food. And local boutiques over big-name brands.

Church Street Marketplace is also home to over 30 restaurants, bars, and cafes, from women-owned Honey Road (Mediterranean), Black Cap Coffee and Beer, and Leunig’s Petit Bijou (bakery), and Burlington Bagel Bakery. Church Street Marketplace is a perfect starting point for exploring Burlington.

Bike or Walk on the Burlington Greenway

The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path runs for eight miles along the shores of Lake Champlain, connecting many major parks with residential neighborhoods and downtown Burlington commercial districts. Vermonters are hardy folk and the Greenway is in use year-round for walking, running, biking, and even cross-country skiing (but follow the rules).

You can easily hop on the Burlington bike path at Waterfront Park, a short stroll from the Church Street Marketplace. When you realize how much food you are going to be eating in Burlington, you will be happy about the exercise! There are a few places around town to rent bikes, including North Star Sports in Church Street Marketplace and Local Motion Bike Rentals (open seasonally.)

Take a Cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen (seasonal)

If you are visiting Burlington during the warmer months, the Spirit of Ethan Allen offers a magnificent way to enjoy Lake Champlain and get views of the city from the water. The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers daily, narrated sightseeing cruises in the summer months, and a more limited schedule during the shoulder seasons.

There are many options to choose from including 90-minute daytime cruises, buffet lunch cruises, 2 – 2.5 hour sunset sailings, dinner cruises (including Friday night lobster buffets!), and even a “Champagne on Lake Champlain” boozy brunch cruise on Sundays.

Check out the Artists and Makers at The Soda Plant

All around Burlington, you will find old mills and factories that have been restored and repurposed to support the city’s thriving arts scene and entrepreneurs. The Soda Plant , in the South End Arts District, is such a building. Once the Coca-Cola bottling plant, the space has been reenvisioned to support over 35 producers, makers, and artists.

On a stop at the Soda Plant, you will find locals choosing freshly-pickled kimchi from Pitchfork Pickle, or browsing at the many shops from jewelry designers like Jennifer Kahn, artists, and other makers.

Shop your Way Down Pine Street

From the Soda Plant, you can wander down Pine Street, through the South End Arts District, shopping at the quirky and cool boutiques, gift shops, antique stores, and home furnishing shops along the way. Should you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of options to satisfy you, including Citizens Cider and Myer’s Bagel Bakery, or it is a short drive to Zero Gravity Brewery or The Spot, a Hawaiian-themed brunch cafe.

Watch Glass Blowing at AO Glass

Simon Pearce may have put Vermont on the map for glassblowing, but AO Glass has taken up the mantle and creates beautiful glassware and home decor. The studio at the AO Glass Factory Store on Pine Street is open to the public six days a week for shopping and glass-blowing demonstrations. Just be sure to check the website for hours.

Go Wine Tasting at Dedalus

Dedalus is a wine shop, market, and wine bar located in the Southern Arts District right near AO Glass. Locals can join the wine club, but everyone is able to sign up for and attend one of the many special events that take place monthly and groups can arrange for a private tasting with one of the very knowledgeable and personable staff members.

If none of that works out, make a reservation at the wine bar, which features light bites and wines from small producers around the world.

Enjoy a Craft Beer (or Cider) Flight

Vermont leads the country in the number of craft breweries per capita, with over 15 per 100,000 people! It is no surprise that the Queen City, Burlington, also the state’s largest city, leads the pack. Queen City Brewery , Switchback Brewing Company, Burlington Beer Company, Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, and Magic Hat Brewing Company are just a few.

Most specialize in hazy IPAs and New England Pale Ale, but you will also find sours, porters, stouts, and all kinds of special maple concoctions. Vermont is definitely a place for beer lovers but if that isn’t you, it is also up-and-coming on the cider scene with players like Citizen Cider in Burlington.

A perfect way to get to know the Burlington beer scene is on a beer tour with City Brew Tours ! I’ve taken one of their tours in Boston and it is a fun way to get insight into the local beer scene.

Fill up on Breakfast (and Maple Syrup)

Burlington is a town with great breakfast options…from traditional greasy spoons like Henry’s Diner to hip bakery-cafes where cell phones and laptops aren’t allowed like August First to Mediterranean brunch joints like The Grey Jay .

You also have Vermont mini-chains like The Friendly Toast and The Skinny Pancake. If you need to cure a hangover, try the famous breakfast sandwich at Kountry Kart — the Triple Threat Shiner is heaped with bacon, sausage, ham, three eggs, three hashbrowns, and three layers of cheese. The nice thing about breakfast in Vermont — none of that fake maple syrup stuff.

Listen to Live Music

Did you know that the band Phish got its start in Burlington at Nectar’s Lounge? That isn’t the only spot for live music. The Flynn Center has a 1930 art deco theater that has been home to a variety of live performances and a major venue in Burlington’s annual Jazz Festival, which has been running for 40 years. The Jazz Festival, which takes place in early June, features renowned artists in venues across the city.

You can also see live music at ArtsRiot , Red Square, and Radio Bean, which also hosts theater productions or poetry readings.

Chillax at a Local Coffee Shop

Like many cities, Burlington seems to have a coffee shop on every corner. Except, instead of it being Starbucks or Dunkin’, Burlington is buzzing with local coffee joints. A few worth putting on your list to visit when you are in town include Kestral Coffee Roasters, Speeder & Earl’s, Oynx Tonics, Kru Coffee Collective, Vivid Coffee Roasters, and Cosmic Grind.

Taste Chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates

Lake Champlain Chocolates is a family-run company that has been producing premium-quality chocolate using the finest ingredients since 1983. They are a Certified B Corporation focused on social and environmental sustainability initiatives. They work closely with other Vermont producers for ingredients and use only Fair Trade Chocolate to produce over 1 million pounds of deliciously tempting products each year.

The flagship store is located on Pine Street, in the location of the original factory. This location is about to get a facelift to expand the cafe and offer visitors new glimpses into the innovation kitchen. In addition to chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, and specialty and bulk items, the cafe offers decadent and rich hot chocolate and coffee drinks, along with pastries and ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Eat Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s

This area of Vermont is prominently associated with a few famous people…Bernie Sanders (btw, you can buy copies of his famous mittens at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company store) and Ben & Jerry. Ben & Jerry’s has a scoop shop in downtown Burlington, off the Church Street Marketplace, if you just want some ice cream.

However, if you want the full experience, take a day trip over to Waterbury and visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Ice Cream Shop . It is worth the 30-minute drive to get a glimpse of the first factory to produce those delicious concoctions. The Factory is closed on Sundays and Mondays and it is helpful to book your tour online in advance. Make sure to leave time to visit the Flavor Graveyard out back.

Have Cocktails at Paradiso Hi-Fi Lounge

If cocktails are more your vibe, the Paradiso Hi-Fi Lounge is a listening lounge and restaurant, featuring craft cocktails in a lounge/speakeasy environment. Paradiso has a collection of 1,500 – 2,000 high-quality LPs (often from original pressings) that heavily feature jazz, international psychedelic and progressive rock, classic rock-and-roll, electronic and ambient music, and R&B.

Visit a Maple Sugar House (seasonal)

If you love all things maple, then head to Burlington in mid-to-late March during maple sugaring season. Palmer’s Sugarhouse , just a few minutes outside of the downtown area, is a popular spot with visitors and locals alike.

On sugaring weekends, they feature live music, fresh pancakes, and so many maple products including maple cotton candy, maple sugar, maple cremees, maple cookies, and sugar on snow (maple syrup on shaved ice or snow so that it freezes like taffy.) And, apparently in Vermont, they enjoy sugar on snow with a pickle on the side to balance out the sweet.

If you don’t visit during March, don’t worry, you can still purchase maple syrup and other Vermont products throughout the year both in town and at local farms like Dakin Farm , just south of Burlington on Route 7.

Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum (Seasonal)

The Ethan Allen Homestead is a historic site that was built by Ethan Allen, a prominent figure in the Green Mountain Boys, a group of Vermonters who fought in the Revolutionary War. Today, visitors can explore the restored house and learn about the life and times of Ethan Allen and his family.

There are also exhibits on the history of the Green Mountain Boys and their role in the American Revolution. In addition to the historic house, the homestead features beautiful gardens and nature trails that offer visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont. The site is open from May 1st through October 31st.

Enjoy Dinner with a View

In the summer, it is easy to have dinner with a view of Lake Champlain at Spot on the Dock or Splash at the Boathouse in Waterfront Park. A good view in the winter months is a little harder to come by, but if you can get a table by the window at Waterworks in nearby Winooski, you will have a lovely view of the waterfalls. Go with friends because the food is so delicious, you are going to want to share.

The Essex Resort & Spa, which is about 20 minutes from Burlington, makes a great romantic getaway , especially for foodies as the resort has a top-notch culinary program. However, even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can still enjoy a wonderful dinner with a view at Junction . Request to sit at the Chef’s Table and you can watch Chef Nicole and her fabulous team prepare your dishes, which makes you appreciate each bite even more.

Browse the Burlington Farmer’s Market (seasonal)

From mid-May to late October, Pine Street is packed with people going to the Burlington Farmers Market . Over 70 farmers, specialty food vendors, and artisans fill the market every Saturday with the best and freshest that Burlington has to offer.

Take Pictures in Front of Burlington’s Street Art

The brick walls of downtown Burlington are lined with street art and beautiful murals. Go on a mural hunt and take photos in front of a few to remember your trip! Check out the public arts website on the Burlington City Arts website.

Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Champlain (Seasonal)

In the summer, Lake Champlain because a playground for water sports such as boating, water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. You can even go scuba diving to see some shipwrecks from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

You can rent Hobie Cats, wind surfboards, or stand-up paddleboards at the Burlington Surf Club. Once the lake warms up, you can go swimming and enjoy the sandy beach at North Beach Park.

Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining

Hen of the Wood is a true Vermont dining experience featuring farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic yet refined setting. This is the hardest reservation to secure in Burlington, so book early. Your dinner may be pricier than the more casual places in town (for delicious pizza at a good price, try American Flatbread or Pizzeria Verita), but the creativity, presentation, and exceptional ingredients make it an experience worth splurging for.

Best Things to Do in Burlington with Kids

Enjoy hands-on learning at echo leahy center.

The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, located on the Burlington waterfront is one of the top Burlington attractions. Part interactive science center, part aquarium, and part children’s museum, the ECHO Leahy Center is fun for the whole family, but geared toward the under-12 set.

The museum is dedicated to inspiring and engaging visitors with the ecology, culture, and history of the Lake Champlain Basin. It features over 100 interactive exhibits, including live animal encounters, hands-on science activities, and multimedia presentations that explore the connections between the lake, its inhabitants, and the people who live and work in the region.

Visit the Animals at Shelburne Farms (Seasonal)

Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark located just south of Burlington in the town of Shelburne. The Farm is open to the public from May through October and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, including the formal gardens and Children’s Farmyard, as well as educational programs and events that focus on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and conservation.

You can also hike on the many trails that wind through the property or sample the farm’s award-winning cheese and other locally sourced products.

Step into History at Shelburne Museum (Seasonal)

The Shelburne Museum is a world-renowned museum located in Shelburne, just 15 minutes south of Burlington. It was founded in 1947 by the collector and philanthropist Electra Havemeyer Webb. The museum’s collection features over 150,000 works of art, design, and Americana displayed in 39 historic buildings set on 45 acres of scenic land.

Some of the museum’s most popular attractions include the Ticonderoga steamboat, a 220-foot-long ship that once sailed on Lake Champlain, and the Webb Gallery, which showcases a stunning array of American folk art. Other buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds include a one-room schoolhouse, a covered bridge, a lighthouse, and a variety of historic homes and barns. The museum is open from May through October.

Take a Tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company

Just a few minutes from Shelburne is another attraction that will thrill the kids…the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. The company handcrafts nearly 500,000 bears a year and has been a Vermont staple for 35 years.

They are open every day and offer factory tours throughout the day. Visitors can also shop at the gift shop or even create their own bear.

Tip: If you are visiting Burlington on a “workcation”, you can purchase a day pass to Hula, a stunning and vibrant co-working space on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. This facility offers a coffee shop, cafe, kitchen, privacy booths, meeting spaces, open-plan workstations, and daily activities for members. Day passes are free for the BIPOC community on Fridays.

Where to Stay in Burlington

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

There are many options in downtown Burlington but if you enjoy boutique hotels, Hotel Vermont is everything you would hope for. The lobby bar is popular with locals and guests, including the outdoor patio in the summer. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with locally-made products from the soap to the mugs to the Vermont Flannel Company robes.

Each floor has a beverage station with a still and sparkling bottle refill station, an electric tea kettle, mini-fridge with milk, and a deluxe coffee and espresso maker. Guests can even borrow snowshoes in the winter and utilize the Peloton in the fitness center. A thoughtful touch is the bedtime menu, featuring hot toddies, milk and cookies, or a Vermont Teddy Bear. The plush beds make it easy to fall asleep, but the aromatherapy diffuser and custom scented oil makes your stay even more comfortable.

While Burlington has so much to offer year round in terms of beer, food, and small city fun, it really shines in the summer when you can fully enjoy its setting on Lake Champlain. Summer is also hopping on the waterfront with many festivals and concerts like Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green, the  Burlington Food & Wine Festival , and the Vermont Brewers Festival .

For family fun, check out Church Street’s  Festival of Fools , a weekend of street performer fun up and down the marketplace and the  Champlain Valley Fair .

Visiting Vermont? You may be interested in…

• Vermont road trip itinerary
• Things to do in Manchester, Vermont
• Things to do in Brattleboro, Vermont
• Glamping in Vermont at the Highwood Retreat
• 20 Spots to go Glamping in New England

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The Most Beautiful Vermont Scenic Drives: 10 Designated Byways

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: March 20, 2024

Planning a New England vacation and looking for a few beautiful Vermont scenic drives? Want to fill your days with far-reaching vistas, pastoral landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation?

Fill up your gas tank, charge your camera, and pack your sturdy footwear — it’s time for another incredible Vermont road trip!

Whether you want to get away for a week or an afternoon, these 10 incredible byways are the most scenic drives in Vermont, encompassing everything you love about Vermont road trips, no matter what season you choose to take them.

Table of Contents

Connecticut River Byway: Brattleboro to St. Johnsbury

2-3 days, 128 miles

Travel 410 miles along the Connecticut River from one end of Vermont to the other on Vermont’s only designated National Byway.

The Connecticut River Byway is a three-state, 500-mile byway, spanning the west and east shores of the Connecticut River starting in Massachusetts and traveling north through Vermont and New Hampshire to the Canadian border.

A journey on this meandering stretch of pavement includes far-reaching river views, historic river towns and cities, and acres of fertile farmland. We recommend taking a weekend trip and driving 128 miles on Route 5 from Brattleboro to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, but of course, you can drive all the way to Canada if you have time.

The Connecticut River Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Vermont, with ample opportunities for extending your vacation.

Here are some of the stops we’d recommend on this beautiful Vermont road trip:

• Latchis Hotel and Theatre, Brattleboro: The Latchis Hotel opened in 1938 in downtown Brattleboro. It’s Vermont’s only Art Deco Hotel. The Latchis Theatre, right downstairs, is a member of the League of Historic Amerian Theatres and a fun spot to see Hollywood’s latest films.
• Westminster, Vermont: Stop and enjoy Vermont’s oldest town, chartered in 1735. Most of the tiny Westminster Village (population 287) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Mount Ascutney State Park, Windsor: Gorgeous mountain vistas, unique hiking trails, and a beautiful family-friendly campground – Mount Ascutney State Park is a playground for nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers. You can hike one of four trails to the summit or drive to the summit and hike the network of trails at the top.
• Path of Life Sculpture Garden, Windsor: This 14-acre sculpture park is located in Artisans Park in Windsor, Vermont. Meander the paths through the garden and then relax with a beer at Harpoon Brewery .
• Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Windsor: This is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world.
• King Arthur Baking Company, Norwich: King Arthur Baking Company got its start more than 200 years ago as the first flour company in the United States. You can visit King Arthur’s flagship store in Norwich, Vermont. Stock up on baking supplies, have a fantastic lunch, and sign up for a class at the   King Arthur Baking School.
• Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury: Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountaintop in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. Be sure to visit the Dog Chapel, where people from all over the world come to pay tribute to dogs they have loved and lost.

Where to Stay on the Connecticut River Scenic Byway

• Latchis Hotel , Brattleboro
• Mount Ascutney State Park (camping) or Fat Sheep Farm and Cabins , Windsor
• Cherry House Bed and Breakfast , St. Johnsbury

Read Next: Paddle the Connecticut River in Windsor, Vermont

Crossroads of Vermont Byway: Rutland to Quechee

1-2 days, 41 miles

This 41-mile Vermont road trip travels from east to west through the middle of the state, traversing the Green Mountains. It can be completed in a single day, or you can stretch it out and make a weekend of it.

Start your adventure in Rutland, which got its start as a working-class city and a leading producer of marble, but has quickly become a premier destination for art lovers.

As you head east, you’ll travel through the mountain towns of Mendon, Killington, and Bridgwater before descending into Woodstock and Quechee.

You can easily do this trip in a single day, spending the morning in Rutland and arriving in Woodstock in time for a late dinner. If you choose to spend the night in Woodstock, you should spend another full day there exploring and adventuring.

Recommended stops on this Vermont road trip:

• Rutland, Vermont: Walk around town and enjoy the 15+ murals , an outdoor sculpture trail , and five art galleries.
• Killington, Vermont: Killington is an outdoor lover’s paradise, where you can hike miles of trails , swim in a mountain lake, or take a gondola to the top of Killington Peak (4,241 feet).
• Long Trail Brewing, Bridgwater Corners: Relax with a beer at one of Vermont’s oldest breweries, Long Trail Brewing Co.
• Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock : Located just outside of the village of Woodstock, Billings Farm & Museum combines an award-winning Jersey dairy farm with one of the finest outdoor history museums in the country.
• Quechee Gorge, Quechee: Quechee Gorge is known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” and at 165 feet, is the deepest gorge in Vermont.

Where to Stay in Woodstock

We just couldn’t narrow it down, so here are a few choices!

• Woodstock Inn & Resort : For a luxury experience.
• The Shire Hotel, Woodstock, VT : Dog-friendly lodging right in town.
• Log Cabin Apartment in Woodstock:  Walk to everything from this beautiful apartment.
• Historic Cottage on a Vineyard:   A beautiful, 900-square-foot cottage on Gilbert’s Hill.

Read Next: 10 Perfect Things to do in Woodstock in the Fall

Green Mountain Byway: Waterbury to Cambridge (loop)

2-3 days, 71 miles

This 71-mile scenic Vermont road trip is part of the larger Route 100 corridor, which in my opinion is one of the most scenic drives in New England.

The Northern Green Mountains are home to both jagged peaks and open farmland. Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, as well as the stately Worcester Range, make this a dramatic landscape to explore.

The many historic towns that dot the landscape may seem isolated, but they have worked together to create communities that are as unique as they are welcoming to visitors.

The Green Mountain Byway starts in Waterbury and travels north through Stowe, Morrisville, Johnson, and Cambridge. You’ll drive through the famous Smuggler’s Notch, visit gorgeous waterfalls, and stop for a sampling of Vermont’s best ice cream, beer, cheese, and donuts. It’s quintessential Vermont in a weekend-long adventure!

While the Green Mountain Byway is a short loop, we recommend giving yourself a full weekend (or longer) to check out these sites:

• Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury: Visit the flavor graveyard, tour the factory (closed 2022), and grab a scoop from Vermont’s most famous ice cream shop.
• Cabot Farmers’ Store, Waterbury: You can never have too much Vermont cheese!
• Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury: Learn how cider is made, indulge in a donut (or two), and visit the hard cider tasting room.
• Waterbury Center State Park, Waterbury: Go for a walk around Waterbury Reservoir, rent a kayak, or take a dip in the clear mountain water.
• Auto Toll Road, Stowe: Drive to the top of Mount Mansfield and then hike along the ridge from the nose to the chin.z
• The Alchemist Brewery, Stowe: Pick up a four-pack of Vermont’s most famous beer, Heady Topper, or relax on the lawn with a pint.
• Bingham Falls, Stowe: A short hike leads to the beautiful Bingham Falls off of Route 108 in Smuggler’s Notch. It’s a nice swimming hole too!

Where to Stay in Stowe/Waterbury

• Trapp Family Lodge , Stowe
• Field Guide Lodge , Stowe
• Little River State Park , Waterbury (camping)

Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Vermont in the Fall

Lake Champlain Byway: Addison to Alburgh

2-3 days, 67 miles

In its entirety, the Lake Champlain Byway totals 185 miles, hugging the length of Lake Champlain all the way to the Canadian Border.

Traveling through fertile farmland with both the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains as a distant backdrop, this scenic Vermont drive has something for everyone, whether you want to get out on Vermont’s biggest lake, explore Vermont’s biggest city, or get lost on a back road.

Start in Vergennes, Vermont’s smallest city (by area), and drive north on picturesque Route 7 into the relative metropolis of Burlington for a day of shopping and culture, and a night on the town.

Finally, spend some time exploring the Lake Champlain Islands, including Vermont’s first commercial winery and an ancient coral reef.

We recommend taking two to three days to see the following sites on this beautiful Vermont road trip:

• Lake Champlain Maritime Musem, Vergennes: Learn about Lake Champlain’s fascinating maritime history with indoor and outdoor exhibits.
• Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte: Climb (or drive) to the top of Mount Philo in Vermont’s oldest state park (1924).
• Shelburne Museum, Shelburne: This sprawling museum features multiple historic buildings, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and more than 150,000 objects in its collection of art, design, and American. Don’t miss this one!
• Church Street Marketplace, Burlington: A pedestrian-only outdoor shopping and dining area in downtown Burlington.
• ECHO Center, Burlington: Learn about the natural history, geology, and ecology of Lake Champlain right on the waterfront.
• Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero: Vermont’s first commercial winery offers tastings in a gorgeous setting.
• Alburgh Dunes State Park, Alburgh: A beautiful expanse of sandy beach for swimming (rare on Lake Champlain).
• Chazy Reef, Isle La Motte: Visit the remnants of the oldest fossil reef in the world. Explore 85 acres of protected land and fossils that are 480 million years old!

Where to Stay on the Lake Champlain Byway

• Mount Philo State Park , Charlotte (camping)
• Hilton Lake Champlain, Burlington
• Guesthouse with Lake Champlain access (vacation rental), South Hero

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Burlington, Vermont this Summer

Mad River Byway: Warren, Waitsfield, and Middlesex

1 day , 36 miles

The Mad River Byway is another short Vermont road trip that covers a small section of Route 100 and 100B, from Warren to Middlesex. If you have a few extra days, you should add this section to the Green Mountain Byway or Scenic Route 100 Byway.

If you are looking for a fantastic day trip, the Mad River Byway is ideal. We recommend doing it in the summer, so you can take advantage of all the swimming holes and hiking in the area, but the leaf-peeping is spectacular here too.

Here are some of our favorite stops on this Vermont road trip:

• Warren Falls, Warren: One of the best swimming holes in Vermont , Warren Falls is located right off Route 100. There are shallow spots for kiddos, deep spots for cliff jumping, and gorgeous waterfalls to check out when the water is too cold to swim.
• Mad River Taste Place, Waitsfield : A specialty grocery store with delightful Vermont products, including cheese, meats, maple syrup, and gourmet foods. It’s a great stop for road trip picnic supplies and gifts!
• Mad River Path: Mad River Path is an organization dedicated to creating a system of continuous public pathways and trails connecting Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, and Moretown. Choose from numerous trails of varying levels of difficulty.
• Red Hen Baking, Middlesex: This is our favorite bread in the state, and we have been known to embark on long car rides to get our hands on it. Since you’re in the area, you have to stop for lunch and an extra loaf for the journey!

Where to Stay on the Mad River Byway

Seeing as this is a short road trip, you probably won’t require an overnight in the area. If you are planning for a special occasion, though, I do have to mention this luxurious treehouse rental near Waterbury at the northern end of the Mad River Byway and the southern end of the Green Mountain Byway.

We stayed at Moose Meadow Treehouse for our anniversary a few years ago and loved every minute of it. Moose Meadow Lodge also offers more traditional lodging. Visitors have access to a hot tub, a delightful breakfast, and hiking trails.

Molly Stark Byway: Bennington to Brattleboro

3 days, 48 miles

The Molly Stark Byway is another short road trip that you can easily do over a long weekend. It begins in Bennington and travels through the Green Mountains on Route 9 through Woodford (the highest village in Vermont at 2,215 feet), Wilmington, ending in Brattleboro.

In case you are curious about Molly Stark – she was the wife of General John Stark, who led a Colonial militia to victory at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

The region provides the perfect mix of history, art, and outdoor recreation, and we recommend giving yourself three days to explore the following sites:

• Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington: Vermont’s tallest man-made structure and most visited historic site, the Bennington Monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
• Bennington Museum, Bennington: A celebration of Vermont artists and history with the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world.
• Woodford State Park, Woodford: Rent a kayak, go for a swim, or hike around the lake.
• Wilmington, Vermont: Walk the small downtown area, eat at Dot’s Diner, and explore Lake Whitingham.
• Hogback Mountain, Marlboro: Stop for the 100-mile view. Stay for pizza and a beer at Beer Naked Brewery.
• Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, Brattleboro: A non-collecting museum that focuses on new exhibits by regional artists.

Where to Stay on the Molly Stark Byway

• Harwood Hill Motel , Bennington
• Woodford State Park, Woodford (camping)
• The Willmington Inn , Wilmington
• Latchis Hotel, Brattleboro

Read Next: Explore Woodford State Park in Four Seasons

Northeast Kingdom Byway: St. Johnsbury to Newport

2 days, 51 miles

The Northeast Kingdom is one of the wildest places in Vermont and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Featuring lush, impenetrable forests, hidden lakes, and enduring farmsteads, the Northeast Kingdom is special. You do have to look beyond the lousy cell service and unpredictable weather, but what you’ll discover is a little piece of paradise.

The Northeast Kingdom Byway covers 51 miles between St. Johnsbury and Newport, as well as the small towns of Lyndon, East and West Burke, Westmore, Charleston, and Derby. This Vermont road trip is for nature lovers – be on the lookout for moose and deer as you drive – slowly.

Give yourself two days to explore the Northeast Kingdom.

Here are the must-visit sites and attractions on this special Vermont road trip:

• Chamberlin Mill Covered Bridge, Lyndonville: Built in 1881.
• Schoolhouse Covered Bridge, Lyndonville: Built in 1879.
• Kingdom Trails, East Burke: 100+ miles of non-motorized trails have become a premier mountain biking destination.
• Lake Willoughby, Westmore: This is Vermont’s deepest lake (312 feet), and one of the prettiest. Two steep mountains on either side give it a fjord-like appearance. Climb to the top of Mt. Hor for stunning views of Lake Willoughby and beyond.
• Lake Memprhemagog, Newport: Newport is the largest city in the area, with a thriving downtown and waterfront area.

Where to Stay on the Northeast Kingdom Byway

There are few hotels in the area, but plenty of campgrounds and cottages for rent. Check out Mountain Lake Cottages on the shore of Lake Willoughby to unplug and relax while exploring the Northeast Kingdom.

Scenic Route 100 Byway: Wilmington to Granville

2-3 days, 103 miles

If you can only choose one road trip through Vermont during your vacation, drive Route 100 from Wilmington north to Granville. Yankee Magazine called this route the best foliage drive in New England, and we couldn’t agree more.

Start in Wilmington (mentioned in the Molly Stark Byway) and head north on a leisurely journey through the mountains. Two days should be sufficient, but take three if you want to explore more of the trails and natural areas.

The northern end of the Scenic Route 100 Byway connects with the Mad River Byway in Warren.

Here are the stops you won’t want to miss on this spectacular Vermont road trip:

• Mount Snow, West Dover: In the summer and fall, you can take the Bluebird Express gondola to the top of the mountain. In the winter, Mount Snow is a popular ski resort.
• Jamaica State Park, Jamaica: Swim in the river, ride your bike on the West River Rail Trail, and hike to Hamilton Falls.
• Vermont Country Store, Weston: Vermont’s most iconic country store. Come sample Vermont cheeses, buy some penny candy, and outfit yourself in Vermont flannel!
• Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow : Located in Okemo State Forest, this lovely waterfall is also a popular spot for swimming in the summer.
• President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site: Explore the birthplace and childhood home of our 30th president. The historic village appears much as it was during Coolidge’s lifetime.
• Hike Killington : There are numerous trails in the Killington area. Here are our favorite day hikes, from easy to strenuous.
• Moss Glen Falls, Granville: One of Vermont’s prettiest waterfalls is right off Route 100.

We cover the whole 217 miles of Route 100 in our 5-day fall-foliage itinerary.

Where to Stay on the Scenic Route 100 Byway

• The Wilmington Inn , Wilmington
• Jamaica State Park, Jamaica (camping)
• Main + Mountain, Ludlow

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Wilmington, Vermont

Shires of Vermont Byway

2 days, 23 miles

Welcome to my home turf! The Shires of Vermont Byway is named for the scenic region it passes through in southwestern Vermont.

This pastoral road trip takes through a narrow valley between the Taconic Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east.

Start your journey in Bennington, which is also the start of the Molly Stark Bway mentioned above. Drive north on Route 7A through historic towns and farms. Dirt and gravel side roads will undoubtedly tempt you, so be sure to give in a few times.

You never know what you’ll see on the back roads of southwestern Vermont!

Spend a night in Bennington and a night in Manchester to discover this 23-mile road trip.

Here are a few spots you won’t want to miss on the Shires of Vermont Byway:

• Old Bennington: Take a self-guided walking tour to explore the Bennington Monument, Old First Church, and the Bennington Museum, as well as numerous historic homes.
• Covered Bridges of Bennington County: Before leaving Bennington, check out three covered bridges. Two more can be seen in Arlington, farther north.
• Lake Shaftsbury State Park, Shaftsbury: This is a small park with a lake for swimming and a one-mile trail around the lake.
• Hildene, Manchester: This was the former summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. The grounds of Hildene are worth a visit, and you can also take a tour of the house, visit a restored Pullman Car, walk the trails, and tour the working farm.
• Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester: Home of the largest outdoor sculpture park in Vermont, as well as large indoor galleries with rotating exhibits.

Where to Stay on the Shires of Vermont Byway

• The Harwood Hill, Bennington: An eclectic, artsy motel next door to a restaurant.
• The Barnstead Inn, Manchester : Modern rooms and suites on beautiful grounds within walking distance to the downtown area.

Read Next: 95+ of the Absolute Best Things to do in Vermont

Stone Valley Byway: Manchester to Hubbardton

2 days, 43 miles

Starting in Manchester, where the Shires of Vermont Scenic Byway leaves off, hop on the Stone Valley Byway, where you will learn about America’s most noted marble and slate quarries on your way to the historic town of Hubbardton.

Some of the abandoned quarries, like the Dorset Quarry, have been repurposed into popular swimming holes. Others, like the Gettysburg Quarry (pictured above), are abandoned and can be accessed via hiking trails.

Winding through fertile farmland along Route 30 for 43 miles, this is one of the loveliest Vermont scenic drives, and it makes a perfect weekend adventure. This is also a spectacular bicycle route for those of you who enjoy traveling best on two wheels.

Here are the sites you won’t want to miss on the Stone Val ley Byway :

• American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester: The Battenkill River, which flows through this region, is a world-class fly-fishing river, so it’s only fitting that Manchester is the home to the American Museum of Fly Fishing.
• Dorset Quarry, Dorset: If you’re driving Route 30 in the summer, you’ll find the Dorset Quarry hard to resist. Stop for a dip before continuing on your journey.
• Gilbert’s Lookout Hike, Dorset: The Town of Dorset maintains a fabulous network of hikes in the Dorset Town Forest. Our favorite is the hike to Gilbert’s Lookout, which features far-reaching views and several abandoned marble quarries.
• Lake St. Catherine State Park, Poultney: Rent a kayak or canoe, hike the short nature trail, or take a dip in the beautiful waters of Lake St. Catherine.
• Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site, Hubbardton : Site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Vermont soil. The Battle of Hubbardton took place on July 7, 1777.
• Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park, Hubbardton: This day-use park features hiking trails through meadows and forests, a Japanese Garden for your road trip picnic, and lots of songbirds. The mountain views are stunning!

Where to Stay on the Stone Valley Byway

• Barrows House Inn, Dorset: High-end bed and breakfast with an outdoor pool, full restaurant, and beautiful decor.
• Lake St. Catherine State Park, Poultney (camping)

Read Next: Discover Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

For more information about these Vermont scenic drives, as well as a downloadable map and brochure, visit Vermont Vacation.

Which one of these incredible Vermont scenic drives do you want to explore first? Leave a comment and let us know!

Follow us on social media for more Vermont inspiration!

Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers , an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.

New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Stunning Stops

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: August 23, 2021

There are many places in the world you can see leaves turn in Autumn, but they pale in comparison to one famed and celebrated region in the US northeast where science, nature and climate combine to put on an extraordinary light show each year. We are of course talking about fabled New England and we’re going to show you 10 places you can’t miss when planning your New England fall foliage road trip, with 5 day itinerary, 7 day itinerary and 10 day itinerary examples included to help you nail down the best possible route for your trip.

We will use our first hand experiences from road tripping New England in fall to bring you tips, advice and unmissable stops to take on your visit. This is one of those true bucket list USA road trip experiences in which it pays to be organized, plan effectively and make the most of every day.

So, let’s get stuck into those 10 unmissable stops and planning your perfect New England fall foliage road trip itinerary!

The Science Behind Fall Colors

What do we know about the changing of colors to give ourselves the best chance of being in the right place at the right time?

Well, we know that fall colors peak furthest north and work southward through the latitudes. So for example, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina is gorgeous in fall, but the colors won’t change there until much later in the season.

Also, we know elevation plays an important role in when peak colors will be on display. Colors will change first in mountainous regions of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont before they do at lower elevations.

But the most important aspects are weather conditions leading into Autumn, and amount of daylight. It all starts way back in Spring! A late Spring or intense Summer drought can potentially delay peak fall colors by a week or two.

Conditions Affecting Predictions For Peak Fall Colors

In addition to elevation, latitude and weather conditions before fall, there are more specific conditions that can affect peak fall once we actually reach Autumn:

• Soil moisture levels
• Amount of sunlight during the day
• Length of night
• Day and night temperature (important)

So what would constitute as perfect conditions for the best chance at ‘peak’ fall colors being their most radiant and predictable?

• Wet and warm Spring conditions
• Summer without drought or unusually high / low temperatures
• Warm Autumn days and cool but not freezing nights

And what causes the colors to change once conditions are right?

Sunlight pumps leaves full of chlorophyll during Spring and Summer. Once daylight wanes in Autumn, so does the amount of chlorophyll.

That leaves room for other pigments in the leaves, such as anthocyanin and carotenoids to shine.

Why Focus On VT, NH, ME and Even NY

The region of New England technically contains 6 states; Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In fall, this entire region transforms into an adventure playground for leaf-peeping lovers and passionate photographers.

However, there are three New England states among the six that we feel just have to be prioritized for the very best scenery and most radiant colors; New Hampshire, Maine and in particular Vermont.

But we’re also going to throw a curve ball by including a region not technically part of New England (gasp!) … New York’s Adirondack Mountains are a stone’s throw from the border with Vermont and the colors are just as special.

We want you to see the best places in New England when you take your fall road trip, but we would prefer you to see the best colors. That means skipping the likes of Boston, Portland and Providence on this particular visit to the northeast.

They’re all awesome places and we visited them all on our New England road trip in fall. But they don’t have the colors of rural Vermont and New Hampshire, plus we had days to spare.

Here’s why you should focus on the northern parts of New England for a fall foliage road trip:

Vermont’s rolling hills are overflowing with charming rural towns, barns and covered bridges. But the state is 80% covered in forest and that can only mean one thing; spectacular fall foliage everywhere you look.

Further Reading: The best places to visit in Vermont

New Hampshire

New Hampshire mixes excellent hiking options in stunning mountainous areas with staggeringly beautiful fall foliage colors.

It also has one of the best mini road trip routes in New England during fall – the Kancamagus Highway.

Maine is huge. It is much bigger than the other New England states and that means it’s hard to fit most of the northern parts in to your road trip. Unless you have more than 2 weeks of course.

However, Acadia National Park is one of the very best places you can visit in all of New England in fall so if you have the spare time, it’s hard to skip.

New York’s Adirondack Mountains, including Winter olympic town Lake Placid and its surroundings are beautiful in Autumn. The popular mountainous region is incredibly popular thanks to a host of activities and of course glorious foliage colors.

When Should You Plan Your New England Road Trip For Peak Fall Colors?

It is impossible to plan the perfect ‘peak’ fall road trip itinerary in New England. You would need to be in many places at the same time for that to be possible. We’re not quite there, yet!

Historically, the last 2 weeks of September and the first 2 weeks of October are when the colors change. So that would put October 1st in the middle of that and therefore a ‘peak’ fall foliage target.

Science tells us that colors change in the North and at elevation first, eventually working South and to lower levels.

We’ll get into example itineraries below, but here are some rough dates to use for each itinerary time frame working North to South:

• 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip – We would suggest aiming for September 29 through October 3.
• 7 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day either side, so September 28 through October 4.
• 10 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day before and two after, so September 27 through October 6.
• 14 Day New England Fall Road Trip – Add a day before and three after, so September 26 through October 9.

Should You Book Your Trip In Advance?

Here are two scenarios:

• You don’t book in advance and keep an eye on live fall foliage updates to guarantee hitting peak fall. This also means you have flexibility on bad weather days. However, there are very limited hotels available and those that do have rooms will be more expensive.
• You plan and book your whole trip in advance, getting good value in hotels and can relax. But there’s a chance you won’t time it just right and you will have to deal with whatever weather comes your way.

We can’t offer a ‘better’ solution here because both have pros and cons.

Our trip was mainly booked in advance which meant we spent less but we had to put up with a lot of disappointing rain days, as you will see in the photos below!

Need a hand planning your New England fall road trip? Our popular 40+ page New England Fall Road Trip Guidebook includes the 10 best places to visit, 8 example itineraries ranging from 5-14 days and an extensive interactive map to help you plan a successful leaf-peeping vacation.

Top Tips For Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, before we jump into the 10 unmissable stops and the New England fall road trip itineraries, let’s have a quick look at some important tips to consider when planning your vacation:

• New England is insanely popular in fall.
• Booking accommodation in advance will save you a lot of money.
• Carefully plan where you want to spend each night based around hikes and photography.
• Start in the North and work South through New England.
• Expect frequent rain and clouds in fall and accept that there’s nothing you can do about it!
• Always carry loads of water and snacks in the car.
• Try to find elevated vantage points as often as possible.
• Some of the best and most unique fall photos are along rural country roads.
• You need multiple spare batteries for your camera!
• You can use a drone in many parts of New England for aerial photography.
• Don’t worry if you miss ‘peak’ colors.

Our popular road trip resources:

• Road trip packing list essentials
• How to plan the perfect road trip

10 Places You Can’t Miss On The Best New England Fall Road Trip

Let’s take a closer look at the 10 stops we think are unmissable on a first New England trip to see the fall colors.

1. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid of 1980 Winter Olympics ‘Miracle on Ice’ fame is located at the heart of New York’s revered Adirondack Mountains. It is the perfect base for adventure activities throughout all four seasons, from hiking in Summer to skiing in Winter.

The charming town of Lake Placid is an incredibly popular centralized location for leaf peeping in the Adirondacks. As a result, hotels here are in high demand and not cheap from the end of September until mid October. We know from experience when our bank balance took a mighty hit!

Walk around Mirror Lake in town for the easiest way to soak up gorgeous fall colors. If you have time and enjoy challenging hikes, you can’t miss Mount Marcy. It isn’t the prettiest trail but it is the tallest peak in New York.

Things To Do In Lake Placid, NY

• Take a relaxing walk around serene Mirror Lake.
• Visit the Olympic ski jumping complex.
• Photograph John Brown barn.
• Drive to the summit of Whiteface Mountain.
• Take the Cloud Splitter cable car to Little Whiteface.
• Walk through picturesque High Falls Gorge.
• Hike Mount Marcy, the tallest peak in New York.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Lake Placid, NY

• Mirror Lake in town is gorgeous, walk through residential areas surrounded by colorful trees.
• John Brown barn is a hidden gem for fall colors.
• The top of the ski jump provides sweeping views over the Adirondacks.
• Mount Marcy summit is the highest point in the entire region, providing the best views over rolling hills.
• Whiteface Mountain and Little Whiteface offer more stunning views of fall foliage.

Read our Lake Placid guides for more information:

• 10 best things to do in Lake Placid NY
• Mount Marcy complete hiking walkthrough
• 8 best hotels in Lake Placid NY

2. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington in Vermont might not be the first place you think of for a New England fall foliage road trip destination. However, it is one of the easiest places outside of Boston to fly into the region if you are visiting from further afield.

The small town also happens to be filled with beautiful and radiant foliage colors at every turn. From lakeside bike paths to park towers with stunning views, Burlington is the perfect stop off between Lake Placid and the more famous foliage destination of Stowe.

Hotels in downtown Burlington can be limited and expensive in Autumn, so if you are visiting New England on a budget, try looking for hotels in surrounding villages and towns.

Things To Do In Burlington, VT

• Eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere along Church Street.
• Walk through Waterfront Park alongside Lake Champlain.
• Cycle the Burlington bike path to Grand Isle.
• Explore Ethan Allen Homestead and Museum.
• Stand on top of Ethan Allen Tower for amazing views.
• Taste chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Burlington, VT

• Anywhere along the Lake Champlain waterfront where there are trees.
• Ethan Allen Park and the top of the tower in particular have the best fall foliage views in Burlington.
• Ethan Allen homestead and museum are surrounded by beautifully colorful trees.

Read more about Burlington:

• 10 best things to do in Burlington VT
• 8 best hotels in Burlington VT

3. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is one of the unmissable fall foliage classics on any New England road trip. The white church in town is one of the most photographed churches in the US and almost all of those photographs are taken in fall.

The town is quaint and attractive but be sure to spend the majority of your time up in Stowe Mountain Resort. This is where you will find hikes, Mt Mansfeld, waterfalls and Smugglers Notch.

Colors will change first up in the higher elevations. So, if you’re a little early, head up to the resort. On the other hand, if you’re a little late, stick to the lower elevations around Stowe town for the most vibrant colors.

Personally, we love to hike, we like flying our drone and we enjoy photographing waterfalls. Stowe was one of the best stops on our New England fall road trip circuit for allowing us to do all of those things.

Things To Do In Stowe, VT

• Photograph the famous white church in Stowe town.
• Drive or hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield.
• Drive through stunning Smugglers Notch pass.
• Ride a bike along Stowe Rec Path or Lamoille Valley.
• Take the SkyRide Gondola to Mt Mansfield.
• Hike a wide range of awesome trails.
• Visit both Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Stowe, VT

• In Stowe town, the iconic white church backed by a hill of fall colors is unmissable on your New England road trip.
• But the best colors are in Stowe Mountain Resort. The drive up from town is gorgeous.
• No matter how you get to the top of Mt Mansfield, you can guarantee spectacular fall foliage views.
• Smugglers Notch is our top recommendation for Stowe. If you have a drone, this is the place to fly.

Read more about Stowe, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Stowe VT
• 12 best hotels in Stowe VT

4. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock in central Vermont is arguably the most picturesque and charming town you will visit on your New England fall road trip itinerary. It truly is like something out of a fairytale. We had no choice but to include Woodstock in our popular guide to the 50 best places to visit in the USA .

Remarkably pretty farms with golden leaves dancing in sunlight and reddish-brown leaves covering the ground create picture perfect scenes. Sleepy Hollow Farm and Jenne Road Farm are featured on many fall foliage calendars you will see in shops on your visit to New England.

Don’t miss the many stunning historic covered bridges around Woodstock. Middle covered bridge is right in town, Taftsville and Quechee are very close by and Cornish-Windsor is a 30 minute drive. The beautiful bridge in the photo below is a privately owned bridge near South Woodstock on the main road to Jenne Farm.

Woodstock is one of the more expensive places to visit on a road trip through Vermont, but it is worth taking a hit on the extra chunk of budget. Simply driving around the narrow country roads near Woodstock for a few hours would provide enough fall foliage colors to last a week of photography.

Things To Do In Woodstock, VT

• Walk around the charming town and admire diverse architectural styles.
• Photograph two postcard perfect farms – Jenne Road Farm and Sleep Hollow Farm.
• Visit a host of historic and stunning covered bridges.
• Explore Marsh Billings Rockefeller Park and hike to amazing viewpoint overlooking Woodstock.
• Visit nearby Quechee Gorge and village.
• See Jersey dairy cows at Billings Farm and Museum.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Woodstock, VT

• Woodstock is incredibly photogenic during fall throughout the town and immediate surroundings.
• The lookout over Woodstock from Mount Tom hike is iconic fall photography.
• The best two fall photographs in Woodstock are at Jenne Road Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm. They are two truly unmissable stops on your New England fall road trip itinerary.
• Drive your car around the narrow rural roads near Woodstock for some of the most special colors.

Read more about Woodstock, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Woodstock VT
• 7 best hotels in Woodstock VT

5. Manchester, Vermont

Similarly to Stowe, Manchester is a four season resort with skiing in Winter and hikes during Spring or Summer. In fall, the town located in the heart of Green Mountain National Forest transitions into a colorful paradise for leaf-peepers.

Manchester can be split into the old historic district and the newer modern resort town. The newer part is livelier and closer to amenities but the historic district is quieter, prettier and more colorful.

Use Manchester as a base for one night to explore nearby elevated areas for some of the most expansive views of rolling hills on a New England fall road trip.

Equinox Mountain is the tallest peak in the area. You can hike it or drive it to open up far-reaching views over three US states. But our top tip is to simply stick to the narrow country roads again and you will find more unique fall foliage photographs.

Things To Do In Manchester, VT

• Drive the Skyline Auto Toll Road to Mount Equinox summit.
• Explore Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.
• Walk around quaint Manchester Historic Village District.
• See the American Museum of Fly Fishing Museum exhibits.
• Buy a book in popular Northshire bookstore.
• Visit nearby covered bridges.
• See the Bennington Battle Monument.
• Visit Robert Frost stone house museum.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Manchester, VT

• Manchester is the heart of the Green Mountains, so the entire area surrounding the town is staggeringly attractive.
• Rolling hills for endless miles covered in glowing fall colors can be seen from any elevated vantage point.
• Equinox Mountain summit provides the best panoramic views over three states.
• Another place you jump in the car and find unique fall photography opportunities on rural roads.
• Manchester Historic Village District is leafy and the church is surrounded by golden yellow leaves.

Read more about Manchester, Vermont:

• 15 best things to do in Manchester VT
• 9 best hotels in Manchester VT

6. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Franconia Notch is one of New Hampshire’s premier tourist regions for hiking, picturesque mountains, skiing and of course fall foliage. A two lane highway mountain pass dissects the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges, with a number of fantastic recreational stops along the way.

Artists Bluff is a very short but steep hike leading to a rocky ledge. Its summit overlooks Echo Lake and is most popular in fall when the colors change. As you can see, we hiked the trail on an incredibly cloudy and grey day, which doesn’t help with highlighting the beauty of this viewpoint. We have included Artists Bluff in our popular guide to the 50 best hikes in the US .

Franconia Notch State Park is where you will find the stunning Flume Gorge hike. A little over 2 miles of waterfalls, narrow gorges and forested paths welcome thousands of visitors each year. For us, the best part of Flume Gorge were the two ultra-photogenic covered bridges; Flume and Sentinel Pine.

Things To Do In Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

• Hike the short but steep trail to Artists Bluff summit for stunning views.
• Walk through impressive and extremely popular Flume Gorge.
• Hike Cannon Mountain or take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
• See a whole host of waterfalls or hike one of a dozen other mountain trails.
• Ski Cannon Mountain Resort in Winter.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

• The single most well known fall foliage photograph in Franconia Notch NH is from the summit of Artists Bluff.
• However, don’t miss the chance to walk through the incredibly picturesque Flume Gorge in fall.
• Not only are the colors vibrant, but waterfalls are attractive and two special covered bridges are incredibly photogenic.
• Anywhere at elevation, which means every hike up a mountain side or the tramway with sweeping valley views.

Read more in our Franconia Notch guides:

• Artists Bluff Trail Fall Foliage Hike
• Flume Gorge Complete Hiking Walkthrough

7. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s supremely scenic Kancamagus Highway is one of the very best parts of New England to road trip in fall foliage season. We would put it firmly in the category of ‘unmissable’.

The road between Lincoln and Conway NH is only 35 miles long, but it 35 miles of pure foliage bliss. You can either drive it in one go and simply soak up the colors roadside. Or you can stop at a multitude of overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and covered bridges.

If there’s one part of your New England road trip itinerary to time it right for peak foliage colors, you would do well to beat the Kancamagus Highway in its prime.

A note for photographers and videographers – You can use your drone in many parts of the Kancamagus Highway. We captured amazing photographs and videos of endless miles over rolling hills covered in radiant color.

Things To Do On Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

• Stop at various high elevation overlooks with spectacular views over White Mountain National Forest.
• Walk to Sabbaday Falls, Champney Falls and Lower Falls.
• Hike Lincoln Woods or Mount Chocorua.
• Walk out on Rocky Gorge boulders.
• Photograph Russell-Colbath House and the picture perfect Albany Covered Bridge.
• Explore ponds and lakes to your hearts content.

Where To See Fall Foliage On Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

• Views over rolling hills from every overlook are astonishing in fall.
• Once the Kancamagus Highway reaches its highest elevation, you will see an ocean of color in all directions.
• Walk through any forest trail or along any waterfall hike to immerse yourself into those foliage colors.
• Albany covered bridge is one of the most picturesque bridges you will find in New England.
• Rocky Gorge and nearby lake with reflecting fall colors are wonderful.
• Even on both ends of the road in Lincoln (Loon Mountain) and Conway the colors are vibrant.

Read more about the Kancamagus Highway:

• 13 best places to stop along the Kancamagus Highway in fall

8. Mount Washington, New Hampshire

At 6,288 ft tall, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in Northeastern United States. It is renowned for wild and unpredictable weather, including the recording of a world record wind speed over over 230 mph.

As our images indicate, Mount Washington can be very wet and cloudy in Autumn. But if you get slightly more luck on your road trip and time it on a sunny day, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful colors and scenery in the entire region.

Avid hikers can climb to the summit, otherwise you can take a historic cog rail train or drive up an auto toll road to reach the top. Views from almost 2,000 meters high over an ocean of bright colors are incredible.

Things To Do Around Mount Washington, New Hampshire

• Hike a very challenging but rewarding trail to the summit of Mount Washington.
• Consider a night hike, fall colors won’t matter in the dark but it is hugely popular for astro and sunrise photography.
• Alternatively, drive the Mt Washington Auto Road to the summit.
• Or, take the most scenic and historic route to the top – by Cog Railway.
• Conway scenic railroad nearby ventures deep into fall foliage forest.
• Endless miles of hiking, 100 waterfalls and a handful of covered bridges to discover.
• Crawford Notch State Park is close by and features more views, hikes and waterfalls.

Where To See Fall Foliage Around Mount Washington, New Hampshire

• Just gain elevation in the White Mountains and you’ll open up valley views with a sea of foliage colors.
• Mt Washington summit is the iconic NH vantage point for sweeping Autumnal vistas.
• For a unique experience, the Conway Scenic Railroad cuts through some of the best colors in NH.
• Crawford Notch State Park is stunning in fall, with fantastic valley views from hikes.

9. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Heading due South of Mt Washington you will find Lake Winnipesaukee encircled by gorgeous fall foliage colors. Unfortunately for us, the rain was back in full swing but you can still see how vibrant the colors are in this area.

You can drive an 81 mile loop road around the entirety of the lake, or take to the waters aboard M/S Mount Washington cruise boat.

Visit Castle in the Clouds for family entertainment and hiking, Weirs Beach for arcades or Wolfeboro for a more relaxing experience. The most popular trail in the area is Mount Major, which we highly recommend for hikers looking for excellent views over the lake.

Things To Do Around Around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

• Take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington.
• Or rent a boat of your own for the day.
• Ride the Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad.
• Try your hand at arcade games in Weirs Beach.
• Hike the popular half day trail to Mount Major summit for fantastic lake views.

Where To See Fall Foliage Around Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

• Elevation is your fall foliage friend around the lake if you want expansive views.
• Mt Major is the perfect moderate hike to include on your New England fall road trip itinerary.
• But nearby Belknap Mountain is also a popular choice for fall hikers.
• Gunstock Mountain Resort has zip lines and ski lifts for easy elevation gain.
• For easier and more close up Autumnal color vistas, simply hire a boat on the lake and explore.
• Or sit back, relax and soak up the views on Lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad foliage tour.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia finds itself in the list of top 10 most visited and best US National Parks each year. Millions of tourists descend on Bar Harbor annually to enjoy a diverse range of amazing things to do inside the awesome park.

Varied hikes suitable for all ages and abilities, including the famous adrenaline pumping climbs Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail , are a huge draw. But despite being a typical Summer destination in the north of America, Acadia is equally as popular in Autumn and that is purely down to its glowing fall foliage colors.

Sunrises from Cadillac Mountain or Schoodic Point can be extraordinarily beautiful if conditions are right, and sunset at Bass Harbor Head Light is a very highly regarded spectacle. You will need to bring your best hiking gear, spare camera batteries and a lot of energy to the wonderful National Park in Maine.

The only problem you will face with including Acadia on a New England fall foliage road trip is its location. You will have a long drive to and from Acadia from Vermont or New Hampshire. However, if you have the time, it is unquestionably worth the extra effort.

Things To Do In Acadia National Park, Maine

• Hike various amazing trails from easy to hard (to exhilarating!).
• Photograph stunning sunrises, landscapes and Bass Harbor Head Light.
• Drive to Cadillac Mountain summit, the tallest peak on the US east coast.
• Walk or cycle maze-like carriage roads through the park.
• Explore Jordan Pond and swim in Echo Lake.
• Eat and drink in glitzy Bar Harbor, Maine.

Where To See Fall Foliage In Acadia National Park, Maine

• Mountain summits from any hike opens up special views over rolling hills covered in fall colors.
• Carriage roads are the perfect way to explore forested trails which are surrounded by trees.
• Drive the national park loop road for easiest access to fall colors.
• Jordan Pond in particular is encircled by vibrant autumnal hues.
• Cadillac Mountain summit opens up 360 degree views over Maine and the ocean.

Read our Acadia National Park guides to learn more:

• 17 best things to do in Acadia National Park
• 10 hikes you can’t miss in Acadia National Park
• Where to stay in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
• 10 key things to know about visiting Acadia in the fall

Planning Your New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

New England is an enormous region and choosing exactly where to visit can be challenging. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you begin plotting a route:

• Which places are top of your list? Vermont? New Hampshire? Acadia?
• How many days can you spare on your trip?
• Do you want to book accommodation in advance or take it day by day?
• Are you in New England solely to see and photograph fall colors?
• Or are you focused primarily on hiking with colors as an added bonus?
• Do you want to use small and quaint towns as your main places to stay?
• Or are you more interested in being rural and remote each night?
• What is your budget? Can you afford to splurge on activities?

Once you have an idea about how you see your road trip panning out, use that idea as a guide to make the best decisions based on your travel style.

Next, we will go through a number of potential scenarios for 5 day, 7 day and 10 day road trip examples through New England in fall.

Use the examples as a reference but remember, they are generic and based on how we personally would plan our itineraries with hikes and photography in mind.

5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

Only having 5 days isn’t as much of a negative as it might usually be. Yes, you are going to have to be selective and it is going to be none stop action. But one of the major benefits to a road trip in fall is that all of the best scenery is seen when driving.

Also, the smaller states of Vermont and New Hampshire don’t require a huge amount of drive time between their most scenic places for fall foliage. Include Lake Placid in the Adirondacks and you can easily tick off most of the places in our list in 5 days.

Another consideration is with just 5 days you don’t need to worry as much about ‘following’ peak fall colors. They won’t change too much in that time frame when compared to 10 days.

Example 1 – Lake Placid NY to Manchester VT

D1 – Lake Placid : Walk around Mirror Lake, drive up Whiteface Mountain and explore High Falls Gorge. Stay in Lake Placid.

D2 – Burlington and Stowe : Walk down Church Street, cycle Burlington bike path, explore Smugglers Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort, sunset at Stowe church. Stay in Stowe.

D3 – Franconia Notch and Kancamagus Highway : Hike artists bluff trail, walk around Flume Gorge, drive Kancamagus Highway and down to Wolfeboro. Stay in Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee.

D4 – Lake Winnipesaukee and Woodstock VT : Spend morning exploring the lake or hike Mt Major, then drive to Woodstock in Vermont via Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, Quechee Gorge and Taftsville covered bridge.

D5 – Woodstock and Manchester : Visit the farms near Woodstock, drive through Green Mountains to Manchester and end at the top of Equinox Mountain.

You could start and end in New York City if flying into Newark or JFK works from your origin and budget. Alternatively, Montreal would be a better place to start for Lake Placid, hire a car and drop it off in NYC or Boston after leaving Manchester, VT.

Example 2 – Lake Winnipesaukee NH to Manchester VT

D1 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Explore the lake, hike Mt Major, take a cruise and stay in Wolfeboro.

D2 – Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch : Drive Conway to Lincoln across Kancamagus Highway, hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff. Sleep in Franconia.

D3 – Stowe and Burlington : Stowe church, hike to waterfalls in Stowe Mountain Resort, drive Smugglers Notch and on to Burlington. Ride the bike path for sunset. Stay in Burlington.

D4 – Lake Placid : Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge, Ski Jump and Mirror Lake. Or hike Mount Marcy instead but that is a full day commitment. Stay in Lake Placid.

D5 – Woodstock and Manchester : Visit the farms, covered bridges and drive through Green Mountain countryside to Manchester, finish with Equinox Mountain again.

This version would allow for a round trip loop from Boston, MA airport or Portland, ME airport.

The key to making the most of this shorter trip is to accept that you will be in the car driving a lot but that is where you will see most of the best scenery.

7 Day / One Week New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With a week, you can get more creative, include more places or take things slower. You have more flexibility but still not enough time to add a trip to Acadia, unless you really can’t miss it and don’t mind the driving.

Colors can change a noticeable amount in 7 days, so (if possible!) factor in starting your one week trip just before ‘peak’ begins.

Either of the 5 day examples above would work with 7 days by simply taking more time in certain spots. The alternative is to add in more places to visit. Let’s look at both:

Example 1 – Lake Winnipesaukee NH to Manchester VT

D2 – Kancamagus Highway : Take the awesome road trip slowly, stop at every attraction and stay in Loon Mountain or Lincoln.

D3 – Franconia Notch and Stowe : Hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff before driving to Stowe to photograph the church. Hike the waterfall trails and see Smugglers Notch. Stay in Stowe.

D4 – Burlington and Lake Placid : Church Street and Burlington bike path, then drive to Lake Placid, get stuck into the best bits of Lake Placid and spend the night there.

D5 – Lake Placid and Woodstock : Spend the morning in Lake Placid and drive to Woodstock later in the day. Hike to Mount Tom for amazing views over Woodstock. Stay in Woodstock.

D6 – Woodstock : Sunrise at Sleepy Hollow Farm, Jenne Road Farm, visit the nearby covered bridges and relax in town. Drive to Manchester later in the day to stay over.

D7 – Manchester : Hildene, Manchester old town and stunning Green Mountain country roads, finish at Equinox Mountain.

This variation could begin and end at either Boston, MA or Portland, ME as in the itinerary above. It just gives you more downtime and time to fully explore the places you will visit.

Example 2 – Manchester VT to Lake Winnipesaukee NH

D1 – Manchester : Drive from Boston airport to Manchester, spend the day at Hildene, Equinox Mountain and exploring the town. Stay in Manchester.

D2 – Woodstock : See the best of Woodstock and spend the night.

D3 – Stowe : Hit the top highlights in Stowe and stay there for the night.

D4 – Mount Washington : Take the cog train, drive to the summit or even take on the hike. Sleep in North Conway.

D5 – Kancamagus Highway : Spend a full day on The Kanc. Sleep in Loon Mountain or Lincoln.

D6 – Franconia Notch : Hike Flume Gorge and Artists Bluff but drive to Lake Winnipesaukee later to spend the night.

D7 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Spend the last day around the lake, cruising, hiking or relaxing.

This loop direction was reversed to give an idea about how you could make it work in a clockwise route. Again this would be starting and ending in Boston or Portland, with JFK or Newark as alternative options.

Instead of driving out to Lake Placid, you could stick to Vermont and New Hampshire, which is where the very best colors are found.

10 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary

With a full 10 days to spend on your New England fall road trip, you can either max out your itinerary and see all of the best bits or choose to spend more time in fewer places.

Personally, we’re the max out itinerary type and we would definitely include Acadia National Park in our 10 days. It adds in some serious driving time but the journey there is picturesque, rural and most importantly colorful.

Here’s one way you can include each of the places mentioned in this list, including Acadia National Park (this is the way we drove but we spent 14 days doing this route with other non-fall foliage places included in our itinerary):

Example 1 – Lake Placid, NY to Manchester, VT via Acadia National Park, ME

D1 – Lake Placid : Spend the day hiking and surrounded by gorgeous colors. Sleep Lake Placid.

D2 – Burlington : Full day exploring town and cycle the entire bike path to Grand Isle. Stay in or near Burlington.

D3 – Stowe : Smugglers Notch, Mountain Resort, Mt Mansfield and church in town. Stay in Stowe.

D4 – Franconia and Kancamagus Highway : Hike Artists Bluff and Flume Gorge, drive The Kanc and sleep in North Conway.

D5 – Mt Washington and drive to Acadia : Drive to the summit or take the cog train before driving US-2 all the way to Acadia. Sleep in Bar Harbor.

D6 – Acadia : Sunrise Cadillac Mountain, Hike Acadia Mountain and Beech Mountain, sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Stay in Bar Harbor.

D7 – Acadia : Sunrise Schoodic Point, Hike Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail, Walk around Jordan Pond, Great Ocean Path and carriage roads by bike to see the best fall colors. Final night in Bar Harbor.

D8 – Lake Winnipesaukee : Final morning in Acadia, long drive to Wolfeboro and explore Lake Winnipesaukee.

D9 – Woodstock : Photograph Sleepy Hollow and Jenne Road, hike to Mt Tom, see covered bridges.

D10 – Manchester : Hildene, Mount Equinox, nearby Bennington battle monument and covered bridges.

Tips For The 10 Day Itinerary

The only concern with this itinerary is the inclusion of Acadia National Park. It’s a 4 hour drive from Mt Washington to Acadia and 4 hours 20 minutes back from Acadia to Wolfeboro.

However, if you do have more time you can include stops on the way to and from Acadia to break up the longer drives. US-1 and US-2 are picturesque but slow going. If you’re pushed for time, take the less scenic but faster I-95 instead.

Alternatively, if you’re not so bothered by Acadia, plan to spend even more time in each of the other 9 places in this list. That would give you wiggle room in case of bad weather and plenty of time to relax.

Notice how the route starts furthest north and loops around Acadia then comes back further south?

That’s because with 10 days you should try to ‘follow’ the peak colors as they transition southwards over the first two weeks of October.

New England Fall Road Trip Map

Red Markers – Locations of the 10 best places to visit on a New England fall road trip itinerary.

Click or touch the map to activate.

Zoom in and out, move around the map of New England to find locations for the best places to visit in the area.

More From New England

• Best things to do in Burlington Vermont
• Best things to do in Woodstock Vermont
• Driving the Kancamagus Highway in fall
• How to visit Flume Gorge in New Hampshire
• The best things to do in Lake Placid New York
• The best things to do in Stowe Vermont
• Top things to do in Manchester Vermont
• Unmissable things to do in Acadia National Park

We hope this New England fall foliage road trip guide with itinerary ideas helps you plan the perfect leaf-peeping vacation!

Please let us know if you have any questions about New England or need any help planning your visit in the comments below.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

29 thoughts on “New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Stunning Stops”

I really appreciate your compressive guide to New England for travel in the Fall. We have enjoyed most of the areas you mention in years past and loved it. My sister is visiting from Australia at perfect Fall Foliage time so we’re planning to do your 10-day roadtrip this year. I was wondering if you have an App you prefer to use to plan each segment of the roadtrip. I used Roadtrippers earlier this year and found it good, but would welcome your suggestions for a roadtrip App. I plan to download your digital guide as well. Thank you and happy travels.

Hi Sharon, we’re happy to hear you will be visiting New England again and this time with your sister. If you are looking for alternatives to Roadtrippers you could check out Wanderlog which is another useful resource. But to be honest we don’t use any apps for our road trips except for the basic and free Google Maps app. We plot points for attractions, restaurants and hotels as we research before visiting a new place, and we plan ahead so we can really get organized. If you download our digital guide and go to the end, you will find a map we created that will open in your Google Maps app and it already contains the locations for top attractions, foliage photo spots, hikes, restaurants and hotels that we discuss throughout the guide. You can of course see more places but we have preloaded the map with the essential spots to visit around New England in fall. Have a fantastic trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thank you so very much for your advice. I downloaded the digital guide to use. So looking forward to this trip and having your guide to get organized makes this a lot less daunting. Keep up the great work and happy traveling.

Hi Sharon, Visiting New England in fall is an amazing trip and you will have a wonderful time! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a nice comment and downloading our guide. Just let us know if you have any specific questions as we get closer to fall season 🙂

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, I have accommodations booked from Lake Placid to Woodstock. Since we want to add a couple of nights in Boston to walk the Freedom Trail and visit the Boston Tea Party site, would you recommend skipping Manchester, Vermont and going directly to Boston from Woodstock. Or, would we be missing out if we skip Manchester. Appreciate your advice.

Hi Sharon, you will have covered almost all of the best fall spots between Lake Placid and Woodstock. We like Manchester but it isn’t going to ruin your trip if you skip it, especially if you really want to see more of Boston. After 10 days or so you will have had your fill of fall colors anyway, so Boston will be a welcome change of scenery and pace. Have a fantastic time!

I would love a copy of the book as well, to use as we travel Thank you for a wealth of information!

Wow, amazing information, thank you. Have you written it in book form by any chance? I would love to drive with the book on hand for reference.

Hi Helen, you have asked at just the right time. We are currently in the process of creating a digital guidebook filled with key information and itinerary ideas for the New England fall road trip. It will be ready within the next week or so and we will email you once it is live. You will be able to either keep it on your smartphone or print it if you prefer to have a paper copy.

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, I’m using this article to plan our New England fall leaves trip and would also be interested in a copy of your digital guidebook, please. The information you provide is outstanding — thank you! ~ Carol

Thank you, Carol! We’re happy to hear you are planning a New England trip this fall. You can follow this link to see more details about our digital guidebook. If you do purchase the guidebook, remember to open up the map on page 45 when you are in each place to see the best hikes, foliage spots, attractions, restaurants and hotels. And if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask away. Have a fantastic trip!

Hello! What a wonderful site you have given us :). Question…do any of the New England fall road trips include the Berkshires? I would love to include a quick visit to The Mount/Edith Wharton’s home. Thanks, Jo

Thank you, Jo! Yes absolutely, you could easily add The Mount / Edith Wharton’s Home to the end of our 10 day New England fall road trip itinerary because it is just 1 hour 30 minutes drive to the south of Manchester VT (which is the last stop in our guide), before heading back to the Boston / NY airports. It wouldn’t be much of a detour and if you are heading that way you might also want to consider including a short drive along scenic highway 2, also known as The Mohawk Trail. Have a fantastic trip later this year!

Hi There! We are flying into Portland, (Sept 23rd) Maine and flying out of Boston, Mass (October 2nd) We have about one full week for our Fall Foliage road trip. Knowing we arrive Portland and depart Boston, what would you map out for itinerary.

Part II question, I prefer staying at one hotel for a few days and taking day trips as opposed to staying one night in several places.

Would it be wise to stay 3 nights near Acadia Nat’l Park and then 3 nights in New Hampshire (near all of the Franconia State Park and Kancamagus Hwy ?

Hi Erin, yes staying 3 nights in Bar Harbor and then 3 nights somewhere near Franconia Notch sounds like the best idea if you would prefer to stay in one hotel for each part of your trip. You can easily visit the most popular fall foliage areas in VT and NH from Franconia. Depending on how much driving you want to do, you could split your days into Vermont and New Hampshire. So one day you do Stowe, Woodstock and Manchester (the driving in between is just as picturesque as the towns), then another day you do Mt Washington, Kancamagus, Artists Bluff and Flume Gorge (which are all much closer together). Then stop at Lake Winnipesaukee on the way down to Boston. Hopefully the peak colors will be in north / central VT and NH early Oct for your trip – have a great time!

Love your site! we are planning a a Fall Foliage trip for 2023 over our 34th Anniversary. thinking any where from 10 – 14 days from the last week in Sept. to the first week of Oct. We are thinking to end our trip in Boston for a few days. If I followed tour 10 day trip guide would it make sense to fly into Albany, NY and out of Boston. Or are we better off to make Boston a long weekend trip?

Hi Randy, thanks for getting in touch and we’re happy to hear you’re planning a trip to New England next year, congrats on the 34th! Absolutely, flying into Albany and out of Boston makes perfect sense. If you make your trip 14 days total, you can follow the 10 day itinerary in our guide and then spend 2 or 3 days in Boston at the end. Something to consider is whether or not you want to see Acadia NP, it is a stunning place but it’s a long way out from the rest of New England’s top foliage spots. If you don’t include Acadia, you can spend longer in the fall color hotspots of Stowe, Woodstock and Manchester in VT, plus Franconia Notch, Kancamagus Highway and Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Let us know if you have any more questions and best of luck with planning!

We are planning a trip to Maine in the fall of 2023 for our 40th anniversary for a total of 7 days. We would be interested in mainly leaf peeping,Arcadia NP, sight seeing/boat tours, driving the back roads and easy hikes. I really like the coast. Now that I have run across this post, I am rethinking our trip. What city should we fly into? Do you recommend spending 2 days in Arcadia NP? Should we hit some of the areas you mentioned in NH? I don’t think we have time to do your whole itinerary in 7 days. Your thoughts?

Hi Randi, glad to hear you have a trip planned to Maine for your 40th anniversary – congrats! Honestly, 7 days isn’t enough time to be rushing around New England trying to cram in everything. If you like the coast and you want to do Acadia, why not fly into Portland in Maine and slowly drive up to Bar Harbor via the back roads? Acadia is great but it is touristy and expensive, plus you won’t get the best fall colors (when compared to NH or VT). Boothbay Harbor is a nice place to stop between Portland and Bar Harbor, and you can do whale watching tours right out of the small town. If Portland doesn’t work for flight times or prices, Boston will be your best bet. Let us know if you need any more help before you travel next year.

Hi. I’m glad I found this. We are planning our 50th Anniversary to see Vermont and Maine in late September. Is it possible to stay in one place and drive to see the sights? We don’t want to keep changing hotels. This is a lifetime dream for us. Thank you.

Hi Jan, congrats on your 50th anniversary! Without knowing exactly which places in Vermont and Maine you want to see, it is possible to stay in one place but that would mean quite a lot of time spent in the car. If you have a 50/50 split, maybe stay somewhere in New Hampshire in the middle? Or if you plan to spend more time in VT, stay somewhere just inside VT near the NH border? Somewhere near Franconia NH might be a good fit so you are central to most of the fall hot spots and far enough North to see peak colors at the end of September. Have a great time!

Great article! While planning and researching for our New England Fall Foliage Adventure we saw right away that trying to predict “peak” conditions was a difficult proposition, at best. With that in mind and because we have a bit of time on our hands we decided our adventure would be from mid September to mid October 2022. We have booked all of our accommodations and now it’s all about deeply researching the areas and filling in the days. Finding your well written and in depth blog helped confirm our research was spot on and added to our happiness that we are actually going to pull this off. Plus, now we have an excellent study guide to boot! Bring on the trails, the mountains, the breweries, the lobster, cheese, cider donuts, Octoberfests and even the rain! Thank YOU and keep up the fantastic and insightful work!

Hi Jeff, thanks for getting in touch and we are so happy to hear you have planned a full month up in New England! Your list of activities is spot on – hiking, scenery, fall colors, food and beer … recipe for a perfect trip! Good luck filling in the days and hopefully you’ll get optimal weather conditions leading into the peak, just remember to keep an eye on the peak fall colors tracker when you are on site in New England. Have a wonderful trip!

Hello! This post is really very useful! We are planning to go to New England from September 30th to October 8th (we have already booked our flight from Italy). Since we would like to spend a couple of days in Boston too, do you recommend to begin with Boston and then start our road trip or to do the other way round? We would very glad if you could give us more details! Thanks a lot!

Hi Simonetta, thanks for getting in touch and we’re happy to hear you will be visiting New England this fall! This is a tough question because nobody can predict when “peak” fall colors will be in each part of New England. You can keep an eye on a live peak foliage tracker and book everything last minute, but that is risky as accommodation will book up. So, we would suggest starting with Boston and then driving up as far North as you will go on your trip (ie Stowe in VT or Franconia in NH) and then working down South to follow the peak. Please let us know if you have any more questions and you might even see us up there somewhere this year! Have a great time 🙂

I’m so happy to have found your blog post. I know how much time and effort goes into planning these type of trips, so I appreciate you writing about it and sharing it. We are looking at doing a mix of rural/city for both NH, VT, and ME. Looking closer to a 10 day trip and flexible on the dates. Would you say the hikes are fairly easy, medium, or difficult? Do you think looking into Air BNB’s out there would be better vs. hotels?

Hi Ani, thanks for getting in touch and we’re glad to hear you have a trip planned for VT, NH and ME. There are countless hikes spanning the difficulty range on this road trip route, so you do have a lot of flexibility over how long you want to spend hiking and how hard the trails are. Artists Bluff is short but has a steep climb, so we would say it is moderate but well worth it. Flume Gorge is easy and shouldn’t be missed. Acadia (if you make it that far) has a host of easy through hard hikes. Lake Winnipesaukee has plenty of hikes to suit all. If you’re looking for hard hikes take on Mt Washington or Mt Mansfield, tallest in NH and VT. You’ll likely only be spending one night or a maximum of 2 at any given place so we would say go for hotels. AirBnB’s are great for uniqueness and meeting people but for one night they are always more expensive with cleaning fees / service fees etc. By all means check prices and see if you can find any good deals or special places but we will be sticking to hotels ourselves the next time we are in New England. Let us know if you need any more help and have a fantastic trip!

Great information, love your post! We have never been to New England and would like to go see the fall colors in late Sept. or Oct. We also want to spend some time in Boston and Cape area. We are flexible on dates and number of days in itinerary. We would be interested in some hikes. After looking at you post I’m thinking Vermont and New Hampshire might work after seeing Boston. Can you help with an itinerary? We would be flying from San Diego, CA. Would appreciate any information! Thank You!

Thanks for getting in touch, Marilen – we’ll respond through email so we can provide more information.

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The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary

Get acquainted with the birthplace of America on a New England road trip. Discover the quaint coastal towns, famous historical landmarks, and spectacular scenic drives the area has to offer. Our trip includes additional states, but the bulk of our itinerary is in six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

It’s for 60 days, starting and ending in Chicago and driving roughly 2,500 miles, but you can adjust it to your liking. Visit one national park, too-many-to-count lighthouses, a few state parks, picturesque small towns, and overindulging on copious amounts of seafood along the way.

If you are looking for more unforgettable adventures, check out these trips: Chicago to L.A. via Route 66 , hiking 500 miles on the Camino in Spain , and a cross country road trip to thirteen national parks.  

When to Visit New England

From our experience and research, there really is no bad time to visit New England. Each season brings something unique to the table.

Winter is cold and snowy but perfect for winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. The thawing temperatures of spring bring wildflowers and maple syrup. Summer is known for its hot weather and sunny days filled with outdoor adventures. And last but not least, fall welcomes a blanket of blazing colored treetops and great hiking temperatures.

WAIT UNTIL YOU READ WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED! SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFO

One of the Top Spots for Fall Foliage in the U.S.

So why did we choose New England this trip? We have had an east coast road trip on our radar for quite some time and especially wanted to visit during the fall. It is touted as one of the best locations for fall foliage in the United States.

Donned in our heavy sweaters as autumn unfolds with rich colors of crimson and gold with the smell of fire and a hint of pumpkin spice floating in the air, I can’t imagine a better time.

Hopefully, from mid-September until the end of October, we will be leaf peeping fools.

Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary Summary

Keep Scrolling for our detailed New England Self Drive Itinerary.

Summary starting and Ending in Chicago, Illinois

• Put-in-Bay, Ohio (2 nights)
• Erie, Pennsylvania (1 night)
• Watkins Glen State Park, New York (3 nights)
• Litchfield, Connecticut (1 night)
• Hartford, Connecticut (2 nights)
• New Haven, Connecticut (1 night)
• Niantic, Connecticut (1 night)
• Mystic, Connecticut (2 nights)
• Block Island, Rhode Island (1 night)
• Portsmouth, Rhode Island (2 nights)
• Providence, Rhode Island (2 nights)
• Provincetown, Massachusetts (1 night)
• Falmouth, Massachusetts (1 night)
• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (3 nights)
• Plymouth, Massachusetts (1 night)
• Salem, Massachusetts (1 night)
• Hampton Falls, New Hampshire (1 night)
• Kennebunkport, Maine (1 night)
• Acadia National Park / Bar Harbor (8 nights)
• Bangor, Maine (2 nights)
• Baxter State Park, Maine (3 nights)
• Lily State Park, Maine (2 nights)
• White Mountains, New Hampshire (6 nights)
• Burlington, Vermont (2 nights)
• Stowe, Vermont (2 nights)
• West Dover, Vermont (7 nights)
• Buffalo, New York (1 night)
• Chicago, Illinois

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois to Put-In-Bay, Ohio

We leave Lake Michigan to head over to Lake Erie, the southernmost lake of the Great Lakes. It is also the shallowest which makes its water temps the warmest.

Our first stop is Put-In-Bay, a small village on South Bass Island. Known for its party-hearty culture, we are determined to not only imbibe a bit but also to discover the hidden gems on the island.

Driving Info: 279 miles, 5 hrs 20 minutes with a ferry ride

READ NEXT: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PUT-IN-BAY

Day 2: Put-In-Bay, Ohio to Erie, Pennsylvania

We were beckoned to drive along the Lake Erie coast when we visited Cleveland a few years ago but didn’t include the ride on that trip. Up the waterline, we go, as we leave Put-In-Bay to explore the small towns and lighthouses along the way.

Who knew Pennsylvania has a sliver of land right on the lake? We stop for the night at Presque Isle State Park, a small park on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. If you are interested in renting an RV and starting in Pennsylvania, check out RV Rental Philadelphia, the largest, most trusted RV Rental marketplace with a wide-ranging inventory.

Driving Info: 190 miles, 3 hrs 45 minutes with a ferry ride

RELATED: COOL STOPS ALONG OHIO’S LAKE ERIE COASTAL TRAIL

Days 4 – 6: Erie, Pennsylvania to the Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region in New York is known for a series of pristine lakes and beautiful vineyards. The area is also home to a number of hiking trails, breweries, distilleries, and hard-cider producers.

Driving Info: 198 miles, 3 hrs 15 minutes

READ MORE: 3 DAY FINGER LAKES ITINERARY

Day 7: Finger Lakes to Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Ever heard of the television show, Gilmore Girls ? Today, we reach our first New England state, Connecticut, where the fictional town of Stars Hollow was based on. We are touring the northwest hills in search of magical towns like Washington, New Milford, Bantam, and Litchfield which inspired the creators of the show.

Driving Info: 297 miles, 5 hrs

RELATED: A CONNECTICUT BUCKET LIST FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Days 8 & 9: Litchfield Hills to Hartford, Connecticut

And we are off to the state capital of Hartford, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1635, we are bound to find some historical places to visit. A few on the list so far are Trinity College, Wadsworth Art Museum, and Bushnell Park.

The one I’m most excited about is the Mark Twain House where he wrote some of his most famous works and raised his family.

Driving Info: 32 miles, 50 minutes

Day 10: Hartford to New Haven, Connecticut

Let’s make our way to the water again, New Haven is situated along the Long Island Sound in southern Connecticut. It’s the first planned city in America and home to Yale, one of the oldest universities in America.

Oh and apparently, home to some of the best pizza in the country. This Chicago-born Midwesterner writes with a probably-not-side-grin. But hey, you never know!

Driving Info: 39 miles, 40 minutes

Day 11: New Haven to Niantic, Connecticut

On our way to Mystic, we plan to take a leisurely drive along the coast to dip in any beach towns with a view. At lunch, we will find our first lobster roll of the trip. The word on the street is that Connecticut’s rolls are not made with mayo, just butter and a squeeze of lemon so it’s a must-try.

Driving Info: 42 miles, 45 minutes

Days 12 & 13: Niantic to Mystic, Connecticut

Never did I imagine a New England road trip would have me hunting down pizza, but stopping at Mystic Pizza is a MUST in my eyes. My love for Julia Roberts isn’t the only reason we are stopping here, the seaside village is brimming with charm and boasts the nation’s largest maritime museum.

Driving Info: 18 miles, 25 minutes

Day 14: Mystic to Block Island, Rhode Island

With a declaration from the Nature Conservancy that Block Island is one of its “Last Great Places,” it was a given that we were going to zip our way over once we cross into Rhode Island. As if dramatic rugged bluffs weren’t enough to put us over the edge (literally and figurately), the 365 freshwater ponds and rolling green hills had us hooked.

Driving Info: 54 miles, 2 hrs 15 minutes with a ferry ride

Plan Your Trip Here: Amazing Things to Do on Block Island

Days 15 & 16: Block Island to Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Portsmouth is our base location for exploring the grandeur Newport Mansions of the social elite like the Vanderbilts and Astors. Ah, the Gilded Age, when the rich were rich and wanted everyone to know it.

After a few tours such as the Biltmore Estate and  Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, we’ve become obsessed with these over-the-top homes. We can’t wait to stroll the Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile National Recreation Trail that hugs the Newport shoreline offering gorgeous coastline and mansion views.

Driving Info: 46 miles, 2 hrs 11 minutes with a ferry ride

How to Choose the Best Newport Mansion Tour

Days 17 & 18: Portsmouth to Providence, Rhode Island

Cheers to hitting another state capital! Providence is the cultural hotspot of New England. With a vintage feel in a college town and the most coffee and doughnut shops per capita of any city in the country, I’m sure we’ll keep busy, or at least our mouths will.

Driving Info: 29 miles, 32 minutes

Day 19: Providence, Rhode Island to Provincetown, Massachusetts

Onward to the Cape! Cape Cod that is. And it is here where we will have one of the most anticipated experiences of the trip, a whale watching tour!

Situated at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a quirky artsy area that also happens to be a jumping point for whale watching tours.

Driving Info: 120 miles, 2 hrs 12 minutes

Day 20: Provincetown to Falmouth, Massachusetts

Today is a day for moseying around the island stopping at captivating waterfront villages and maybe a local food shack or brewery. Since we brought our bikes, we will roll onto the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile path that runs from the coast in Falmouth to Woods Hole and then past to North Falmouth. 

Overnight is at Falmouth so we can get an early ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard.

Driving Info: 68 miles, 1 hr 35 minutes

Days 21 – 23 Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Just south of Cape Cod and a short ferry ride away sits Martha’s Vineyard, a presidential getaway in my mind. I picture snazzy inns, upscale boutiques, and perfect stately homes; ritzy glamour degraded by the simplicity of the beach… where I will tell no one that our minivan turned campervan awaits us back on the mainland. Read here about all the fun things to do on Martha’s Vineyard Island. 

Driving Info: 19 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes with a ferry ride

Day 24: Martha’s Vineyard to Plymouth, Massachusetts

Advancing north, stop for an overnight at the first Pilgrim settlement, Plymouth, where I’m sure you will have mixed emotions about the small rock that marks the spot.

But the iconic landmark is not what keeps visitors coming back for more.

Driving Info: 55 miles, 2 hrs

Day 25: Plymouth to Salem, Massachusetts

If you haven’t heard of the Salem witch trials then you may be living under a rock. Plymouth rock, perhaps.

Salem is not shy about its history where the word “witch” is displayed all over town. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a witch museum, cemetery and a house with a supernatural past are on our itinerary.

Driving Info: 64 miles, 1 hr 17 minutes

Day 26: Salem, Massachusetts to Hampton Falls, New Hampshire

Clutching the coast, swing past Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, and Newburyport before crossing over to the next state of New Hampshire.

Make sure to detour to the Hammond Castle Museum, an exotic castle built in the early 1900s by an inventor.

Driving Info: 32 miles, 45 minutes

Day 27: Hampton Falls, New Hampshire to Kennebunkport, Maine

At 18 miles long, New Hampshire’s coastline is short-lived so progress to the state of Maine. It’s hard to believe you’ve hit five of the six New England states already!

Kennebunkport is going to be all about seafood, boats, and shopping.

Driving Info: 43 miles, 50 minutes

Days 28 – 35: Kennebunkport to Acadia National Park, Maine

It’s time for some hiking and biking! Park it in Acadia National Park for at least four days (more if you can swing it) because you’ll be in awe of the beauty around you.

Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, and Park Loop Road are just a few things on the list of things to see. 

Read about one of the most thrilling hikes in the Northeast that you’ll find within the park. 

Driving Info: 201 miles, 3 hrs 30 minutes

Days 36 & 37: Acadia National Park to Bangor, Maine

The main reason for our weekend in Bangor is to visit with friends, but items like a Stephen King’s house and the world’s largest Paul Bunyan statue might have you putting it on your itinerary as well.

Driving Info: 50 miles, 1 hr 15 minutes

Days 38 – 40: Bangor to Baxter State Park, Maine

Baxter State Park is home to Mount Katahdin and the end of the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail. Take a few days to explore and hike to the peak of the highest mountain in Maine at 5,270 feet.

Driving Info: 88 miles, 1 hr 35 minutes

RELATED: SEE OUR FAVORITE FREE CAMPING APPS

Days 41 & 42: Baxter State Park to Lily Bay State Park, Maine

At Lily Bay State Park, you’ll find what’s often referred to as Maine’s crown jewel, Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in New England.

It is also known to sprout some bright fall colors and is a great area to spot moose.

Driving Info: 51 miles, 1 hr 35 minutes

Days 43 – 48: Lily Bay State Park, Maine to White Mountains, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile road through the heart of the White Mountains, is one of the best drives for fall foliage in the United States.

No stores, no houses – just forest; the scenic byway stretches from Lincoln to Conway.

Driving Info: 205 miles, 4 hrs 25 minutes

Days 49 & 50: White Mountains to Burlington, Vermont

Along the shores of Lake Champlain sits a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene and welcoming atmosphere. Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, has a little bit of everything.

Driving Info: 2 hrs 20 minutes

Days 51 & 52: Burlington to Stowe, Vermont

The birthplace of the infamous Heady Topper Beer from The Alchemist Brewery and a stone’s throw away from Ben & Jerry’s factory, I think I’m going to start calling Stowe, the adult playground of Vermont. 

Driving Info: 36 miles, 46 minutes

Days 53 – 59: Stowe to West Dover, Vermont

From Stowe, take the well-known Highway 100, another popular fall foliage route in New England, down along the Green Mountains.

Hopefully, those green mountains will be lit up with scarlet reds, glistening golds, and tangerine orange.

Driving Info: 147 miles, 2 hrs 41 minutes

Day 60: West Dover, Vermont to Chicago, Illinois

At this point in the trip, you could take an extra night to stop at the one and only Niagara Falls in New York. Otherwise, that’s a wrap folk!

60 days and a whole lotta unforgettable memories!

TIP: For those of you that would like to close the loop, head further south to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. A popular destination for fall foliage, cultural attractions, and outdoor fun. 

Driving Info: 13 miles, 13 hrs 36 minutes

See Below for a Map of the New England Road Trip Itinerary.

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Do you have any additions to our New England road trip itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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Save this Northeast Road Trip Itinerary for later! 

• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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13 Responses

So, I’m a fan of this trip. You had me at Gilmore Girls, Mystic Pizza and then solidified how much we are connected with Salem and Bangor.

I have wanted to do a Fall Foliage trip like this forever. I think I might try to make this happen one year…soon. I can’t wait to see your photos on the IG.

Dang Travelers

It has been on our list of places to get to for awhile now so we are ecstatic to finally be making it happen. I’m cracking up because when I (Angela) was making the itinerary I totally watched a few Gilmore Girls episodes and the movie, Mystic Pizza to get pumped! Leaving the GG reference out to Save though. He didn’t know that’s why I planned that area until a few days ago! LOL We will get started on all your planning so all you have to do is find the time. Thanks for following Kristi!

You didn’t include Mt. Washington and the cog railway. You should try to hit they in!!! I think you’re gonna love Block Island, Burlington, Acadia. The coast of ME. Mystic is nice. Portsmouth, RI has a ride the rails along the waterfront. Check that out. Too bad you are missing Boston!

We will be hitting Mt Washington in the White Mountains but didn’t know about the cog railway! So excited to explore Rhode Island and Connecticut or shall I say #47 and #48 of my states list. Dave really wanted to go into Boston but figured we could do it on another trip when we fly in. Always expensive and difficult to worry about parking in big cities but othwrwise we would have loved to. Thanks for the tips Cheryl!

Your trip sounds awesome. I cannot wait for all the pictures and to hear all about it. I would make a detour in Maine and stop in Freeport, Maine and go to LL Bean store. It is an absolute must see. It is open 24 hours (at least it used to be) and there are 9 floors and each one is better/more exciting then the next. It isn’t just clothes either. My husband enjoyed it as well and he isn’t a shopper.

Top Things to Do on Block Island: A Travel Guide – Dang Travelers

[…] SEE OUR ENTIRE 60 DAY ITINERARY […]

Found your trip itinerary and will definitely be putting it to use! Not too often do you find trips starting in the Midwest! I just went through and copied and pasted all the trip info you suggested. Or is there a printable version of this that I completely missed somewhere? Thanks so much for sharing!

Hi Nicole! I do not have a downloadable itinerary as of right now. Sorry, hopefully copying worked just fine. You’ll love it out east!

Cheryl Archambault

For anyone wanting to specifically see the foliage start in farthest north of New Hampshire generally around the 3-4 week of September. Foliage is peak around Concord during Columbus Day Weekend; but cool or rainy weather can change that. Encourage you to take a jacket and go up the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington. It could be covered in snow there! In Rhode Island Block Island is lovely. Ferries leave from Pt. Judith or Newport. Newport is lovely and don’t miss seeing Waterfire in Providence. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor and Boothbay is wonderful. East to west Vermont in Fall is a dream. Rte2 is a very scenic ride.

Thanks so much Cheryl!

my husband & I want to do an abbreviated version of your trip. What time of year did you do this trip? I have heard Sept is the best time for lobster but Oct is the best time for foliage.

We started right after labor day in September but took about 3 months. That year the fall color was starting to come in late September and lasted through the third week of October. Inland and lower elevations started earlier with Acadia National Park at peak around the second week of October. Unfortunately, every year is different so it’s hard to get it just right when planning ahead of time!

Thank you for the itinerary. It is a great start for me. I don’t have quite as much time but I hope I can get to a lot of the highlights as I’m starting from Virginia.

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The cost of driving from New York, New York to Burlington, Vermont is:

$41.01 one-way / $82.02 round trip.

• New York to Burlington drive
• road conditions from New York to Burlington
• flattest route from New York to Burlington

Route to drive from New York, NY to Burlington, VT

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use CostDrive.com to get the cost to drive from New York to Burlington .

More trip calculations

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Road trip planner

The total cost of driving from New York, NY to Burlington, VT (one-way) is $41.01 at current gas prices.

The round trip cost would be $82.02 to go from New York, NY to Burlington, VT and back to New York, NY again.

Regular fuel costs are around $3.44 per gallon for your trip. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg for a mix of city and highway driving.

All currency units are U.S. Dollars. If you prefer international units, the equivalent petrol pump price is 90.9 cents/litre . This assumes a typical fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km .

You'll go through 11.9 gallons of gas during this trip. This is equal to 45.1 litres .

If you fill your tank with unleaded gasoline, the carbon emissions will be around 233 lbs CO2 . This is equivalent to 106 kg CO2e or 0.11 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. These numbers may change depending on the exact make and model of your car. If your vehicle uses diesel instead, the CO2 emissions will be around 273 lbs CO2 , which is equivalent to 124 kg CO2e or 0.12 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.

These results are based on the actual driving distance from New York, NY to Burlington, VT, which is 298 miles or 480 kilometers .

Your trip begins in New York, New York. The price of regular gas is currently averaging $3.49 in New York .

Your trip ends in Burlington, Vermont. The price of regular gas is around $3.39 in Vermont .

Currently, we only have exact data for locations in the United States. To improve the accuracy of your fuel cost estimate, you can enter the actual price you pay for gas or petrol at the local pump in the table above.

The following chart displays the difference in total cost of driving given varying fuel grades. If your car requires higher octane gas, you can find out how much more it will cost you to drive between New York, NY and Burlington, VT.

New York, New York

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Burlington, Vermont

• airlines serving Burlington, VT
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Cost of driving

Travelmath provides an online driving cost calculator to help you determine how much you'll spend on gas for your next road trip. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to compute the cost of driving between locations. Driving distances are calculated using actual driving directions if they are available, or a GPS-accurate method for the straight line distance. Automatic estimates are provided for local gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km), based on the make and model of your car, SUV, or minivan. Don't let the economy and rising oil prices stop you from taking your next trip. You can use this tool to find out if it's cheaper to fly or drive to your destination.

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33 Best Stops Between Albany and Burlington

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How long is the drive from Albany to Burlington?

The direct drive from Albany to Burlington is 153 mi (246 km) , and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Albany to Burlington, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Lake George , Saratoga Springs , and Lake Placid , as well as top places to visit like Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (Winter) and Proctors Theatre, or the ever-popular Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

Top cities between Albany and Burlington

Saratoga springs, lake george.

Lake Placid

Best stops along albany to burlington drive, joseph l. bruno stadium.

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (Winter)

Proctors theatre, rivers casino & resort schenectady, adirondack animal land.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Spa State Park

Congress park, saratoga race course, adirondack adventure center, the great escape & splashwater kingdom, prospect mountain, fort william henry historical fortress & museum.

Gore Mountain

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Adirondac Rafting Co. - Hudson River Base

Natural stone bridge & caves, star trek original series set tour, fort ticonderoga, mt van hoevenberg, lake placid olympic ski jumping complex, the otter creek brewery, lake placid olympic museum.

Mirror Lake Dr

Lake champlain maritime museum.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Whiteface Mountain

Shelburne museum, shelburne farms, magic hat brewing company, ausable chasm, top searches in burlington, other popular road trips from albany, explore nearby places.

• South Burlington
• Underhill Center
• the Bolton Valley
• Ferrisburgh
• Plattsburgh
• Schuyler Falls
• Au Sable Forks

All related maps of Burlington

• Map of Burlington
• Map of Winooski
• Map of South Burlington
• Map of Colchester
• Map of Williston
• Map of Essex
• Map of Shelburne
• Map of Jericho
• Map of Hinesburg
• Map of Charlotte
• Map of Richmond
• Map of Willsboro
• Map of Milton
• Map of South Hero
• Map of Keeseville
• Map of Westford
• Map of Underhill
• Map of Huntington
• Map of Underhill Center
• Map of Fairfax
• Map of Monkton
• Map of Peru
• Map of Grand Isle
• Map of the Bolton Valley
• Map of Ferrisburgh
• Map of Starksboro
• Map of Plattsburgh
• Map of Schuyler Falls
• Map of Cambridge
• Map of Au Sable Forks

Burlington throughout the year

• Burlington in January
• Burlington in February
• Burlington in March
• Burlington in April
• Burlington in May
• Burlington in June
• Burlington in July
• Burlington in August
• Burlington in September
• Burlington in October
• Burlington in November
• Burlington in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Burlington?

Get inspired for your trip to Burlington with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Burlington Itinerary
• 2-Day Burlington Itinerary
• 3-Day Burlington Itinerary
• 4-Day Burlington Itinerary
• 5-Day Burlington Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from albany to burlington.

Yes! You can drive from Albany to Burlington.

How far is Burlington from Albany by car?

The drive from Albany to Burlington is 153 miles (246 km).

How long does it take to drive from Albany to Burlington?

Driving from Albany to Burlington should take you 3 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Albany to Burlington?

Gas from Albany to Burlington would cost around $13 to $31 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Albany to Burlington?

You could check out Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (Winter) and Proctors Theatre, or the always popular Joseph L. Bruno Stadium!

What are the best cities to visit between Albany and Burlington?

People love visiting Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and Lake Placid, among others.

What's the weather like in Albany?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Albany in January
• Weather in Albany in February
• Weather in Albany in March
• Weather in Albany in April
• Weather in Albany in May
• Weather in Albany in June
• Weather in Albany in July
• Weather in Albany in August
• Weather in Albany in September
• Weather in Albany in October
• Weather in Albany in November
• Weather in Albany in December

What are some other road trips from Albany?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Albany.

• Albany to New York City drive
• Albany to Boston drive
• Albany to Washington DC drive
• Albany to Montreal drive
• Albany to Toronto drive
• Albany to Philadelphia drive
• Albany to Niagara Falls drive
• Albany to Baltimore drive
• Albany to Quebec City drive
• Albany to Newport drive
• Albany to Ottawa drive
• Albany to Cleveland drive
• Albany to Pittsburgh drive
• Albany to Atlantic City drive
• Albany to Williamsburg drive
• Albany to Gettysburg drive
• Albany to Mystic drive
• Albany to Otsego drive
• Albany to Ogunquit drive
• Albany to Brooklyn drive
• Albany to Hershey drive
• Albany to Virginia Beach drive
• Albany to Plymouth drive
• Albany to Portland drive
• Albany to Rochester drive
• Albany to Burlington drive
• Albany to Detroit drive
• Albany to North Conway drive
• Albany to Richmond drive
• Albany to Cincinnati drive

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Ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip in Vermont: A Complete Itinerary

Autumn is a second spring that turns all leaves into flowers”- Fall is definitely the time of the year when leaves speak to us, the story of existence as well as the beauty of letting things pass by. Fall leaves throw such a fantastic show before their demise. In this blog, we will cover awesome fall foliage road trip ideas in Vermont that may inspire your next adventure. Enjoy some stunning visuals of a Fall Foliage Road Trip in Vermont and get some help from our detailed itinerary to plan your Vermont road trip.

Vermont Road Trip Planner

Why fall is the best time to visit vermont, where to to stay in vermont, need a rental car in vermont, 3 day itinerary for a fall foliage road trip in vermont, stop 1: jamaica state park, stop 2: weston village, stop 3: plymouth, stop 4: woodstock village, stop 5: plainfield, stop 6: montpelier, stop 7: vermont state house.

• Stop 8: Ben & Jerry's Factory, Waterbury, Stowe

Tips to remember while traveling to Mount Mansfield

Stop 10: killington, pin this fall road trip in vermont for planning your trip.

New England on the east coast of the USA is one of the most gorgeous places to experience the ultimate beauty of Fall and the state of Vermont takes the crown . During the Autumn season here, you will have one of the best leaf-peeping experiences – whilst enjoying the natural Fall exhibition just during your drive, strolling in scenic state parks, hiking mountain ranges, or even exploring stunning waterfalls in this area. I came back with strong feelings for the state of Vermont and its people- it is by far my most favorite state in America. I will also go again, so let us say this was a beginning for me too.

Some of the top places to visit in Vermont in Fall include:

• Green Mountain National Forest
• White Mountain National Forest
• Scenic Route 100

The Fall foliage starts in mid-September and lasts until mid-October. I visited at the beginning of October when the leaves are more reddish however if you’re looking for yellow colors, visiting earlier is advised. Personally, I would recommend aiming for “Peak Foliage” in mid-October and the USA long weekend of October 12th for Columbus day is perfect for this Fall Road Trip.

Vermont is more like a European Travel experience when it comes to the stay. There are many inns and B&Bs run by locals which I would recommend as your first choice to experience the local life. I stayed in a lovely Airbnb which was very similar to a Scottish B&B and I would rate my stay here as one of the best Airbnb stays ever.

If you are visiting internationally flying into New York or Vermont, you could go for a rental car option. Remember that you drive on the right side of the road in the USA. Your international driving license is valid if you feel comfortable driving. The rules are pretty easy with wide roads and clear junctions combined with the fact that most of the cars in the USA are automatic.

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We embarked on a Vermont Fall road trip as part of a Week East Coast Road trip traveling from Florida to Boston. This Vermont road trip itinerary starts from Albany and made our up North with stops at villages and parks in the Green Mountain National Forest until arriving at Montpelier , the capital city of Vermont. In the following days, we also covered the Vermont scenic 100 route and two mountain ranges, Mount Mansfield and Killington. Below is the route we followed color-coded per day for this amazing fall foliage road trip in Vermont. Let us enjoy the fall visual show of Vermont together.

READ: Best Road Trips in USA for your American Road Trip Bucket List

Day 1: Green Mountain National Forest

Our first stop in Vermont was the Jamaica State Park which is located in a small picturesque village Jamaica in the south of Vermont. The state park needs a pass to enter and it is best to check the activities before you go. We only strolled around the village. 

The short walk from the village to the park is stunning with amazing views of colorful houses embedded into nature along the West River and an amazing bridge called the Wardsboro bridge forming a great frame.

There is a hike from here to the Ball Mountain Dam via Hamilton Falls which we missed as our itinerary was tight, I would advise planning to spend a long time here. From here we headed upwards to the village of Weston. On the way, you will get this stunning view which is the same as my feature image. Here is the exact stop: 60-52 River Road, Jamaica, VT 05343.

Weston felt was like walking through a European town with the houses, roads, and shops here reminding me of Austria/Switzerland. Adding to the Autumn charm, the village houses were fully decorated with pumpkins all ready for Halloween. I really loved the orange theme in this postcard-perfect Green Mountain Town village in autumn.

There are some really cute little shops here selling local crafts and produces. I had heard that this town is perfect to celebrate Christmas in, and the Christmas shop here really had strong European vibes so you can note this village if you’re planning a European-style getaway in the USA.

Another attraction is here the Old Mill Museum , which has a mountainous backdrop and a stunning waterfall. We did not go inside the museum as it was closed the day we visited however the view from the outside museum was breathtaking enough for us. Someone from the village had even left a pumpkin beneath the trees, how cute!

The route to Woodstock via Plymouth was one of the best scenic routes during the trip. We didn’t stop in the town itself but we just stopped along the way to admire the views.

The view of mountains and reflections in the lake is simply splendid. This route is just stunning throughout so much so it was confusing which pictures to take and which pose would be best. In the end, I can see we ended up taking fewer pictures and spent more time just enjoying the view. 

We arrived in Woodstock village around sunset, of course, this is what happens if you take a scenic route and keep stopping. Woodstock village is very famous in New England and is on the top list of scenic towns with amazing houses and post-card views around. Though we missed exploring the village properly, we could experience the local shop here which was so thrilling with lots of diverse farm productions. I almost wanted to buy everything and the bakery here was calling to us loudly.

These pumpkins and Squashes are just a small part of what they produce. Aren’t they so diverse? I have never seen these shapes and colors before, I spent a lot of my time just staring at pumpkins and I wished I could have brought them home with me. 

After strolling here, we headed towards Montpellier where our Airbnb was booked for the night.  I definitely need to go back to Woodstock as I could not explore it properly. We arrived late in Montpellier, found a local Thai restaurant to eat at, and headed to the Airbnb to crash.

Day 2: Scenic Route 100

Waking up in Plainfield, Montpellier in our Farm Stay Airbnb is still one of my most favorite stay experiences. This house is located in a private estate with a lake and the morning view was breathtaking. Our host was such a lovely lady who had everything sorted for us like a typical B&B in Europe. They also had an Apple tree with such low-hanging apples that I tried to act eating one while standing on the ground.

The Airbnb farm house has a vintage style and is decorated very well. The prayer flags caught my attention and I added them to my list of home decorations straight away. I wish we had more time here, I will definitely go back and stay exactly here again if it is still available.

The Airbnb was in a hilly area far away from the city. We headed towards Montpellier city first.

We stopped at Montepellier and went via Cliff Street towards Hubbard Tower to get a top view of the city. There were a lot of hikers around here and would recommend not missing this view if you visit. This town qualifies to be the most scenic Fall Town view in my mind, just like I have Tromso for the best winter view. The capital city of Vermont and the vibes here caught my attention, there is something so positive about the people and region here.

The State House of Vermont is located in its capital town, Montpelier. Stopping by this cute statehouse was a heartwarming experience as it stood gorgeous and constantly reminded me of the Glory of this State and its People. It was just stunning with its golden dome and fall backdrop. 

We drove towards Stowe taking the scenic route 100 . This drive was just epic and was sad I could only do a part of it and hope to revisit and finish the full route.

Stop 8: Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, Stowe

We arrived at the original Ben and Jerry’s factory which is the Mekkah for Ice-cream lovers. The vibe here is too cheerful, both adults and kids queued up to get their hands on their favorite flavor. 

Here you can taste all their new flavors and pay a visit to the ice-cream graveyard where there is a gravestone for every flavor that didn’t succeed in the market.

Stop 9: Mount Mansfield

One of the highlights of my trip was the drive and hike up to Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain point in Vermont. This literally felt like being in a Hollywood movie even looking at cars coming down from that steep hill while we queued to drive up. 

Climb up and you are in the middle of a FALL HEAVEN literally. It is all Yellow, the Coldplay song was singing in my head throughout the drive here. This mountain is a not-to-miss and the best for leaf-peeping and complete with a cute little chapel.

The drive can be tricky here and we saw a couple who had got stuck with their car tire wedged in a ditch. There are multiple trails you can do here and it is best to plan time if you wish to hike.

We just did a short section of the Sunset Ridge Trail as we did not have much time left of the day. The view from here is amazing.

A list and map of trails can be found here.

Day 3: Killington

At this point, one of our friends had to leave so we had a short break in the trip before the rest of us continued to visit Killington the next day which is another mountain range famous for skiing. Look at the view- amazing isn’t it?

The Killington Mountain Lodge is very popular among families and was packed during our long weekend visit. It is perfect for a Fall Foliage road trip in Vermont, particularly for a weekend getaway and they have amazing rooms to stay in here. 

Click here to find some amazing accommodation options in Killington

Final thoughts on the Fall Road Trip in Vermont

Fall Road trips in Vermont are the best for leaf peepers, nature lovers and foodies. What attracted me the most during my Vermont visit, apart from the leaf-peeping experience, and picturesque villages are the really nice people and their commitment to using local products that even McDonald’s does not exist there. Vermont is known for its natural landscape, and its capital town Montpelier is amongst the least populated cities of the USA. It definitely is an Autumn Wonderland!

Jumana is a travel writer and technologist living in the United Kingdom, born and brought up in India. While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. She has been exploring states of India since she was 15 and then around the world since she moved to the west in her 20s. Her favourite travel style is “On the Road” and she has perfected the art of road trip planning, covering multiple famous and undiscovered routes around Europe, UK and USA. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world.

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73 comments

Vermont is beautiful all around the year and Fall is the best!

Thanks Deep. No doubt Vermont rules for Fall

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Rochester (New York) to Burlington (Vermont) drive

Rochester (new york) to burlington (vermont) road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Rochester (New York) to Burlington (Vermont). If you're planning a road trip to Burlington (Vermont), you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Rochester (New York) drive for about 53 minutes

11:53 am   Seneca Falls stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:53 pm drive for about 50 minutes

1:42 pm   Syracuse (New York) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:42 pm drive for about 1 hour

day 1 driving ≈ 2.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from New Hartford drive for about 1 hour

11:06 am   Adirondack Park stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:06 pm drive for about 1 hour

1:08 pm   Adirondack stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:08 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:06 pm  arrive in Burlington (Vermont)

day 2 driving ≈ 4 hours find more stops

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Seneca Falls   (2 answers)     questions about Seneca Falls:         Best Wineries on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail Syracuse (New York)   (22 answers)     questions about Syracuse (New York):         What is one attraction to see? Famous place to eat at? New Hartford Adirondack Park Adirondack   (4 mentions)

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