Vermont is one of the best places in the United States for a relaxing road trip. Every season brings something special, from colorful fall leaves to green mountains, quiet lakes, and charming small towns. Driving through Vermont is more than reaching a destination because the journey itself is full of beautiful views. You will find winding country roads, covered bridges, peaceful farms, and scenic mountain passes along the way. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, these routes are worth exploring. Here are the 10 most scenic drives in Vermont for stunning views that every traveler should experience.
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Top 10 Scenic Drives in Vermont
There is no better way to explore Vermont than by taking a simple road trip. From winding mountain passes to quiet country roads lined with covered bridges, the scenery here is beautiful all year round. Grab your keys and check out these 10 stunning drives you won’t want to miss.
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Byway (Route 108)
This is a thrilling and adventurous drive. It takes you through the Green Mountains on the narrow, winding roads, where you can see the amazing combination of massive boulders and dense forests. Also, the Smuggler Notch Road connects the Mount Mansfield and Notch’s iconic landscapes. So the view you get here is absolutely magical. Rather than all this, you can enjoy camping here in Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. Not only that, if you want to stop your vehicle and want to roam around and explore, then you can visit Smugglers Notch Visitor Center. It offers a beautiful boardwalk and hiking trails with panoramic views of cliffs and dense forests.
Main Highlight
- Massive rock formations
- Hiking trails
- Scenic overlooks
- Spectacular fall colors
Route 9 and Hogback Mountain Overlook
This is one of the most popular scenic drives in southern Vermont. On this drive, you get to explore dense forests, beautiful small Vermont towns, and winding roads. Once you reach the spot, you get a spectacular 100-mile view, in which you can see Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire’s mountains and beautiful landscapes. If you want to explore this place more, then visit the Hogback Mountain Conservation Area. It offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a museum. Also, make sure to explore the Hogback Mountain gift shops.
Main Highlight
- Panoramic overlook
- Gift shops
- Local maple products
- Incredible sunset views
Vermont Route 100
Route 100 in Vermont, also known as the Skier’s Highway, one of Vermont’s classic north-south road-trip routes. It’s around 217 miles long, connecting north to south. On this drive, you go parallel to the Green Mountains, where you get a stunning view of dense forests and landscapes. Also, on this drive, you get a chance to explore the waterfalls of Vermont, which are absolutely amazing. Rather than this, you can explore famous ski resorts, charming villages, and cozy resorts. Making your road trip memorable.
Main Highlight
- Charming villages like Stowe and Weston
- Scenic mountain views
- Local farms and country stores
- Year-round beauty
Molly Stark Byway
This is one of the most famous scenic routes in southern Vermont, which goes along Route 9. On this drive, you get to see mountains, local country stores, and beautiful hiking trails. Instead, you get to explore historic villages, peaceful landscapes, and beautiful natural surroundings. During fall, the view you get here is magical, perfect for scenic photography lovers. Also, here you can enjoy camping in Molly Stark State Park.
Main Highlight
- Historic villages
- Scenic overlooks
- Fall foliage
- Access to hiking trails
Lake Champlain Byway
This is a beautiful scenic route that goes along US Route 2 and Route 7. On this drive, you get beautiful views of Lake Champlain with nearby mountains. Rather than just scenic beauty, you can see various historic sites and beautiful vineyards. Also, here you can enjoy scenic ferry rides, which will enhance your road trip experience. For nature lovers and photographers, this is a must-do road trip.
Main Highlight
- Lake views
- Historic sites
- Vineyards
- Scenic ferry rides
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
This is one of the most scenic drives in Vermont. For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, this will be a memorable road trip. On this drive, you get to the peak of Equinox Mountain. But while driving, you get to see panoramic views of mountains, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes. Rather than this, there is a Mount Equinox summit observation area, where you get a 360-degree view of valleys. Also, here you get beautiful picnic spots where you can spend some great time with friends and family. For family-friendly road trips, this is a perfect drive.
Main Highlight
- Summit observation area
- Panoramic mountain vistas
- Picnic spots
- Excellent photography opportunities
Northeast Kingdom Scenic Drive
Northeast Kingdom byway is one of the most beautiful and untouched drives in Vermont. This drive is about 51 miles long, connecting three picturesque towns: Lyndon, St. Johnsbury, and Newport. While driving here, you get views of rolling mountains, dense pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and iconic wooden bridges. If you are looking for peaceful drives with scenic landscapes, then this drive is perfect for you.
Main Highlight
- Crystal-clear lakes
- Dense forests
- Moose sightings
- Peaceful rural landscapes
Connecticut River Byway
This scenic Connecticut River Byway is a driving route that goes along the border of Vermont and New Hampshire. On this drive, you get to see historic small towns, traditional covered bridges, and lush landscapes. Rather than this, here you can enjoy wildlife viewing, riverside activities, and nature photography. If you love peaceful drives with picturesque views, then this drive is a must-do for you.
Main Highlight
- Historic towns
- Riverside scenery
- Covered bridges
- Wildlife viewing
Mad River Byway
Enjoy driving along the Mad River in Vermont, which goes through the Green Mountains. It’s a 36-mile drive offering outstanding views of winding rivers, classic covered bridges, rolling farmlands, and small mountain towns like Warren and Waitsfield. Also, here you can enjoy year-round scenic views, from vibrant fall views to lush green summer hill views. Rather than this, it connects popular ski spots like Sugarbush.
Main Highlight
- Covered bridges
- Sugarhouses
- Mountain views
- Small-town charm
Green Mountain Byway
The Green Mountain Byway combines mountain scenery, forests, small towns, and access to outdoor attractions. Here, the driving route is one of the most famous scenic drives that stretches between Waterbury and Stowe. On this drive, you get to see beautiful mountain landscapes, lush forests, and charming New England small towns. Also, on this drive, you can explore local craft breweries and famous ice cream spots like Ben & Jerry’s. Alternatively, you can go hiking and kayaking in Waterbury Reservoir.
Main Highlight
- Mountain landscapes
- Local breweries
- Hiking opportunities
- Quaint New England villages
Best Time for Scenic Drives in Vermont
Choosing the right time for your visit is very important for a memorable trip. Everybody has their own preferences, choose the season that suits your needs and vibe.
Expert Advice: Visit between Late September and mid–October during peak fall foliage for absolutely amazing and magical scenic views. Also, you can enjoy leaf peeping.
Spring
Spring in Vermont is all about new beginnings. As the snow melts, the landscape comes alive with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and roaring waterfalls driven by the spring runoff. It’s a peaceful, refreshing time to take a scenic drive and watch nature wake back up.
Highlight
- Blooming landscapes
- Waterfalls
Summer
Summer brings vibrant green mountains, endless sunshine, and perfect road trip weather. It’s the ideal season for outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking, swimming in freshwater lakes, stopping at local farm stands, or simply enjoying the warm breeze along winding mountain roads.
Highlight
- Green mountains
- Outdoor recreation
Fall
Fall is Vermont’s absolute superstar season. The hills explode into vivid shades of crimson, orange, and gold, making it a dream for leaf peeping and photography. Driving through the crisp mountain air surrounded by colorful canopies is an unforgettable, magical experience.
Note: If you are planning to visit in the fall, then check out our places in Vermont for fall foliage and leaf peeping guide page for more detailed information.
Highlight
- Peak foliage
- Best photography season
Winter
Winter turns the state into a cozy, snow-covered wonderland. The quiet, frost-dusted pine trees and snow-capped peaks look straight off a postcard. Making it perfect for winter drives, snuggling up by a fire, or heading out for skiing and snowboarding.
Highlight
- Snow-covered scenery
- Ski resort access
Best Places to Stay in Vermont
Whether you’re looking for an ultra-luxury retreat, a historic village inn, or a cozy mountain lodge near the slopes, Vermont offers the best accommodations for every type of traveler. Here is a curated guide to the top places to stay across the state.
Disclaimer: Rates shown here are estimates only. Prices can vary depending upon season and demand.
| Hotels | Location | Famous For | Average price (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Farms | 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031 | Ultra-luxury all-inclusive country estate with private, uniquely designed cottages. | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Woodstock Inn & Resort | 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091 | Historic New England elegance rooted in Rockefeller’s legacy of preservation. | $350 – $600 |
| Stowe Mountain Resort & Lodge | 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672 | Birthplace of Vermont alpine skiing with world-class mountain terrain. | $400 – $750 |
| Hotel Vermont | 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401 | Modern boutique hotel famous for its dedicated craft beer concierge. | $250 – $450 |
| The Pitcher Inn | 275 Main Street, Warren, VT 05674 | Whimsical, luxury Relais & Chateaux property featuring highly creative themed rooms. | $450 – $700 |
Essential Vermont Road Trip Tips
- Pack layers because of unpredictable weather.
- Carry or download offline maps as cell service frequently drops in mountain passes, notch roads, and rural valleys.
- Keep some cash with you because some rural farm stands and small roadside businesses may have limited payment options.
- Stay alert for wildlife as Moose and deer are active near tree lines and waterways along quiet backroads.
- If visiting during autumn, then book accommodations and tickets months in advance, as it’s the peak season and gets packed very quickly.
- Stop and use the designated pull-off spots for clicking photos.
- Before heading out for a road trip, check out the Vermont Webcams for weather and traffic conditions of the place.
Itinerary Suggestion for Vermont Scenic Drives
Explore Vermont’s best picturesque highways and scenic backroads with this 3-day trip itinerary. Designed to cover the state’s most iconic mountain passes, historic villages, and panoramic overlooks.
| Day | Route & Region | Key Stops & Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Southern Loop | Route 9 (Molly Stark Byway) | Hogback Mountain Overlook (100-mile 3-state view). Hogback Mountain Conservation Area hiking trails. Wilmington & Brattleboro local maple gift shops. | Panoramic mountain vistas, sunset views, village shopping |
| Day 2: Central Mountains | Vermont Route 100 (The Skier’s Highway) | Green Mountain National Forest views. Moss Glen Falls & Bingham Falls. Historic country stores in Weston and Waterbury. | Waterfall walks, covered bridges, quintessential Vermont towns |
| Day 3: Northern Passes | Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch) & Route 100 North | Winding pass through towering cliffs at Smugglers’ Notch. Stowe Mountain Resort scenery. Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Ben & Jerry’s Factory. | Dramatic mountain pass driving, local food & cider tasting |
Conclusion
Vermont’s scenic drives offer an unforgettable experience, whether you’re visiting for bright fall colors or sunny summer days. From cozy mountain towns to stunning views, there is a perfect route waiting for you. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and hit the road. Exploring Vermont at your own pace is the absolute best way to make wonderful memories.