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One of the most charming states in the nation, Vermont is filled with gorgeous scenery. There is so much to see and do in Vermont, in every season. But one of my absolute favorite suggestions for Vermont visitors is to take a road trip through the state. With its small size and quiet roads, Vermont is the ideal place to take a New England road trip. Whether you’ve got a few days, a week, or more, here are 5 of the essential Vermont scenic drives you might embark on.
When is the best time to take a Vermont road trip?
The ideal time to visit Vermont: late September-early October.
My recommendation is to plan your trip for late September or early October. This is the time you will be most likely to see great fall foliage, even if it hasn’t yet reached its peak. Here’s a great resource that will show you on a map how the foliage generally progresses in Vermont. However, summer is also a magnificent time in Vermont that lends itself perfectly to a scenic drive and plenty of outdoor activities.
Where should I stay when visiting Vermont?
We’ve got hotel recommendations for many of the destinations on this list, but we also highly recommend the cozy comfort of an AirBnb. Check out these great options: 8 Charming Airbnbs in Vermont for an Amazing Stay
Where should I go in Vermont?
Check out this post for some great destination ideas: 5 Must-See Places to Visit in Vermont
5 Great Vermont Road Trips and Scenic Drives
If you want to see fall in all its glory, here are the road trip routes I suggest, plus the top fall things to do along each drive (especially fall activities, for those planning a fall foliage road trip). Vermont is a small state, so each of these can be done in a few days (or even a few hours if you’re not staying overnight), but feel free to linger and take in the experience along the way. You could spend weeks in Vermont and barely scratch the surface.
Route 7
- Bennington to Burlington (122 miles)
Route 7 stretches along the state’s western edge, from the northern border of Vermont to the southern border. In fact, Route 7 continues on through Massachusetts and Connecticut, so you can keep going if you want to create a longer New England road trip.
In Vermont, I would recommend the portion from Bennington to Burlington. I’ve driven this route so many times myself and it is always a lovely drive. From the close low mountains of Manchester and Danby to the high elevation lake views beginning around Ferrisburgh, this is a gorgeous VT road trip. Driving it straight through will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes, but you’ll definitely want to make time to stop. There’s a lot to see along the way. PS: Between Bennington and Manchester, consider taking the more scenic Route 7A.
Recommended Stops, Food & Drink:
- The Bennington Battle Monument – Bennington
- The Robert Frost Stone House Museum – Shaftsbury
- Cider donuts at the Equinox Valley Nursery – Manchester
- The Northshire Bookstore – Manchester
- Hathaway Farm Corn Maze – Rutland
- New England Maple Museum – Pittsford
- Lake Dunmore – Salisbury/Leicester
- Woodchuck Cider – Middlebury
- The Love Shack (Vermont Cookie Love) – Ferrisburgh
- Rokeby Museum – Ferrisburgh
- The Shelburne Museum – Shelburne
- Shelburne Orchards (apple picking) – Shelburne
- The Burlington Waterfront – Burlington
- Church Street/Downtown – Burlington
Read More: 15 Terrific Things to Do in Manchester VT (and Nearby!) | The 25 Best Things to Do in Burlington VT
Route 100
- Wilmington to Jay (184 miles)
This road trip through Vermont will take you from bottom to top (or top to bottom, should you go that way). In all honesty, if I had to recommend one ultimate fall road trip in Vermont, this might be it. The other routes on this list are great, too, but for peak foliage and gorgeous views, Route 100 really offers a lot.
Recommended Stops, Food & Drink:
- Molly Stark State Park – Wilmington
- Dot’s Restaurant – Wilmington
- Adams Family Farm – Dover
- Mount Snow – West Dover
- The Vermont Country Store – Weston
- Green Mountain Sugar House – Ludlow
- The Plymouth Notch Historic District – Plymouth
- Long Trail Brewing Company – Bridgewater Corners
- Moss Glen Falls – Granville
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory – Waterbury
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill (cider donuts!) – Waterbury Center
- Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe
- Mt. Mansfield – Stowe
Route 9 – The Molly Stark Byway
- Brattleboro to Bennington (40.1 miles)
This is a short route, as road trips go, but it’s a gorgeous, winding road that looks brilliant in the fall. Route 9 carries you over higher elevations east to west across the bottom part of the state. Spend time in Bennington and Brattleboro on either end, both cute Vermont towns with lots to offer. Along Route 9 itself, there are many opportunities for camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Recommended Stops, Food & Drink:
- Vermont Country Deli – Brattleboro
- Creamery Bridge – Brattleboro
- Southern Vermont Natural History Museum – West Marlboro
- Dot’s Restaurant – Wilmington
- Molly Stark State Park
- Hogback Mountain Scenic Lookout – Wilmington
- Bennington Battle Monument – Bennington
- First Congregational Church – Bennington
- Blue Benn Diner – Bennington
- The Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop – Bennington
Route 2
- Burlington to St. Johnsbury (75.3 miles)
From the hip city of Burlington east to St. Johnsbury, on the border with New Hampshire, this road trip will carry you through what often feels like the back roads of Vermont. I have driven this route in the autumn and the colors were absolutely stunning; some of the best fall foliage I’ve ever seen in VT.
Recommended Stops, Food & Drink:
- Burlington Waterfront
- Church Street/Downtown Burlington
- Prohibition Pig – Waterbury
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory – Waterbury
- Vermont State House – Montpelier
- Capitol Grounds Coffee – Montpelier
- Burtt’s Apple Orchard – Cabot
- The Great Vermont Corn Maze – Danville
The Best of Vermont Road Trip
- Bennington – Wilmington – Woodstock – Warren – Groton – Stowe – Manchester (383 miles)
This is a road trip itinerary I put together myself. It combines parts of the routes mentioned above, but it also covers a few of my favorite destinations. In essence, this is a road trip that will take you to what I consider the best of VT.
Read these next:
- 10 Breathtaking Waterfalls in Vermont To Visit This Year
- 50 Things to Do in Vermont: Your Essential Vermont Travel Guide
- 13 of the Best Hikes in Vermont
- 15 Fantastic Scenic Drives in New England for your Next NE Road Trip
- 8 Charming Airbnbs in Vermont for an Amazing Stay
- 7 Perfect Spots for a Vermont Weekend Getaway
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Amy is the founder of New England with love. A proud Vermonter, she hopes to share her love of New England and help you find the best adventures in the region. Amy is also blogger/founder at Two Drifters, where she writes alongside her husband about romantic and couples travel, relationships, honeymoons, and more. When not working on websites, Amy is probably reading, cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.