Most Scenic Drives in Vermont for Stunning Views
Scenic Drives in Vermont Central Region
Route 100 Byway
Route 100 in Vermont is known by many names like “Backbone of Vermont”, “The Skier’s Highway” and “Vermont’s Main Street”. This Vermont Scenic Byway starts from the Massachusetts border in Stamford to Canada Border in Newport. Additionally Route 100 in Vermont connects over a dozen towns and villages as it runs from north to south. Moreover Vermont Route 100 Byway offers the most Scenic routes in Vermont for an uninterrupted drive with striking beauty alongside the drive.
Some Must-See Stops
The best part of the Route 100 Byway is the Camp Plymouth State Park in Ludlow. Because it offers many water recreational activities like swimming, boating, paddling, canoeing/kayaking. Additionally, there are many things to do on Route 100 in Vermont like sunbathing in Warren Falls in Vermont. Stroll in the historic villages of Wilmington and drive through Green Mountains National Forest in Vermont.
Moss Glen Falls is a very family-friendly attraction in Vermont that offers hiking and picnicking sites. Kids can go cycling and skating on the Stowe Recreation Path. The most recommended is skiing at Vermont Mount Snow in West Dover. The best highlights of this route are Flavour Graveyard at Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury.
Green Mountain Byway
There is no starting point for this byway as it forms a loop that covers the cities in Vermont. It starts from Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Hyde Park, Johnson and ends at Cambridge. While driving along the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont, you will find it is also connected to other state byways like Route 100, Route 108, Route 15 & Route 100C.
Family-Friendly Highlights
If you are travelling with family go for a Downtown tour in Stowe for historic villages, boutiques, churches etc. In addition you can take the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont or the Tree Top Zipline at ArborTrek Canopy Adventure near Route 108. Another good activity is hiking at the Multiple-Tiered Moss Glen Falls.
The Best Highlights on the Green Mountain Byway are that it drives along the Northern Green Mountains. You can view the open meadows, farms and peaks of Worcester Range alongside the drive. Another best part of this Byway is that you get to view the tallest peak in Vermont i.e the Mount Mansfield. Must try the Artisan Cheeses at Cabot Creamery Annex in Waterbury.
Lincoln Gap Road
Lincoln Gap Road is for those people who love extreme challenges while biking or cycling. The Highest peak of Lincoln Gap Road is at 2424 ft and offers stunning views of Vermont. This Gap Road connects 2 Towns of Vermont i.e Lincoln and Warren. Lincoln Gap is basically the tallest Vermont Mountain Pass which is also highly accessible by vehicles. You will find the Warren side of the road surface is hard and paved while the Lincoln side is Rugged and unpaved.
Discover Lincoln Gap Road
The best Nearby Spots on the Lincoln Gap Road are the Breadloaf Mountains and the surrounding nature at Lincoln Gap West Vista. Go for a family Trail from the parking lot Gap to the 400 ft elevation for rocky ledges, Lake Champlain and Adirondacks views. Moreover the Bratlette Falls allows you to cool yourself after a rigorous hike. Kids can shop at the Local Warren Store for artisanal deli, bakery and gifts. You’re going to love the beautiful Mountain view at the peak of Lincoln Gap Road. Even though this Gap is not so popular, you will get some of the best scenic views in Vermont here on Lincoln Gap Road.
Appalachian Gap
Appalachian Gap is a top-tier spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Locals also call it the App Gap. This Mountain Pass sits at an elevation of 2375 ft within the range of the Appalachian Mountains. You will see the peak of this pass in Chittenden County. Also the Appalachian Gap resides in the Camel’s Hump State Park. Additionally for an after-hike rest, you can check in at the Hyde Away Inn Vermont & fuel yourself at the Canteen Creemee Company.
Appalachian Gap Attractions
At the peaks of this gap you will see Paranomic views of Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain. Also this is an excellent place for sunrises and sunsets. If you are a fan of thrill then go for Skiing in the Mad River Glen Ski area and Hill biking in the Adirondack Mountains & Appalachian Mountains. Trekking in Camel’s Hump will offer you some spectacular views of the deep woods.
Southern Vermont's Best Road Trips
Equinox Skyline Drive
The Equinox Skyline Drive is a beautiful paved toll road that reaches to the peak of Mount Equinox in Vermont. Additionally it is the tallest Summit in the Taconic Mountain Range. Moreover this mountain is privately owned. Also you can see the only Carthusian Monastry of North US here. As a matter of fact, the Drive starts at the border of Sunderland & Arlington. But if using GPS, type ‘Arlington’ for an easier commute to the entrance. The Equinox Skyline Drive has some of the most Beautiful Drives in Vermont.
Must-See Around Equinox Skyline Drive
The best attractions on Equinox Skyline Drive are the striking views of Green Mountain, the White Mountain, the Adirondack in NY and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Along with that you can take a gondola ride through the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. Grab something to eat at The Waffle restaurant at the top of the mountain. If you love hiking, then trail the Equinox Mountains at your own pace taking in the rewarding views.
TIP- Pre-book your ride to the Peak of Mount Equinox at the Stowe Gondola SkyRide Online.
The Shires of Vermont Byway
This picturesque Byway features the Taconic Range and Green Mountains. It connects numerous Vermont towns and villages starting from Bennington in the South and ending at Manchester in the North. Along this drive, you will soar past towering peaks, ancient bridges, forest-covered villages & Charm of New England. The Shire of Vermont Byway will show you why this place is so loved to the Tourist.
Explore & Experience the Shires of Vermont
There are many things that you can check out in the Shires of Vermont Byway. But the Bennington Battle Monument acquires the top of the list. Along with that some museums like Bennington Museum and Grandma Moses Gallery show the rich history and popular art collections of Bennington. Other known spots are Historic covered bridges, the Lincoln Family Home, Hildene in Manchester, Vermont. Also the 1920s Home of Robert Frost in the Robert Frost Stone House Museum in Shaftsbury. You can go swimming in the Dorset Quarry and Kayak or paddle at the Lake Shaftsbury State Park.
Top Vermont Scenic Routes in Northern Region
Smuggler’s Notch
Located near the Vermont Route 108, this Mountain Pass features extreme U-turns and does not permit large vehicles on the road. It connects Stowe with Jeffersonville and drives along soaring cliffs and dense forest. Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont was named so because this byway was used to smuggle illegal cattle drives and liquor transport during its ban. It crosses between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak Vermont.
Sights Near Smuggler’s Notch
There are many Highlights that you can discover in Smuggler’s Notch. Starting with the Mount Mansfield State Park in Stowe. Here you can hike the Mighty Mount Mansfield to its peak or go swimming & cliff jumping in Bingham Falls. At the bottom of the mountains, you can play disc golf. While at the peak, trek the Sterling Pond Trail for the trout pond. Additionally you can explore the Natural Smuggler’s Caves. For kids, Vermont Smuggler’s Notch Resort is the best place as they offer water playgrounds.
TIP- Drive safely on the narrow path where cliffs and rocks sit at the side of the road
Lake Champlain Byway
Just like the Green Mountain Byway this byway also makes a loop through the towns of Vermont. But you can consider the most common starting point from the north at the Canada border. It covers islands like Alburgh to the Greater Burlington Area all the way to Addison County where it ends at Middlebury. The Lake Champlain Vermont Byway drives along the corridor of Lake Champlain & has one of the best drives in Vermont.
Top View Alongside the Lake
The most stunning view along the Lake Champlain Byway is the sunset view in the waters of Lake Champlain, in Burlington. Additionally you must check out the Historic Hyde Log Cabins on the Champlain Islands or walk the Shelburne Farms. The Chimney Point State Historic Site in Addison is best known for Bird Watching. Also visit the Champlain Maritime Museums if you are fond of ancients equipments. Try some Local Vermont Cheeses from the Welcome Center and Cycle or just walk on Lake Champlain from the Burlington Greenway.
Hazen’s Notch Road
Though this road is not popular but it offers stunning views and peaceful drives. Hazen’s Notch Road is also designated as Vermont Route 58. This Mountain Gap showcases Hazen’s Notch State Park along with Mount Sugarloaf in the north and Mount Haystack in the south. Moreover it sits at an altitude of 1793 ft. Beyond the Calm yet uneven surface, it offers hiking trails, cascades of falls and entry to the Hazen’s Notch Association Lands. Hazen’s Notch Vermont connects Montgomery to Lowell.
Local Attractions Near Hazen’s Notch Road
The top Hazen’s Notch Road Highlights are the Beaver Ponds at the Hazen’s Notch Association Trails. Check out the Stone Marker on Bailey- Hazen Military Road that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Visit the Underdeveloped Hazen’s Notch State Park featuring rare alpine plants and cliffs. Other Things that you can do are skiing and snowshoeing in Hazen’s Notch during winter. Also walk beside the privately owned High Ponds Farm in Montgomery.
Vermont Scenic Byways in the Eastern region
Connecticut River Byway
This byway is popular for Autumn views, Rich history and Water views. This will take you to the scenic drives in Vermont and New Hampshire along with the borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts. This river was dubbed as one of the 14 American Heritage Rivers for its Economic, Cultural, and Historical Significance. Additionally the Connecticut River Byway offers farming heritage, serene railway roads and recreation centers.
Popular Landmarks of Connecticut River Byway
This Connecticut River Byway has a huge Bucket List. Starting with Connecticut, Must views are the Stone fortress in Gillette Castle State Park. You can view the Gillette Castle from the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry in Hadlyme, CT. Also ride the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Cruise in Essex, Connecticut. Next comes Massachusetts which has the open Historic Deerfield Museum in Deerfield Massachusetts and Mount Holyoke great for hiking.
In Vermont you need to explore Quechee Gorge i.e the Grand Canyon of the state. In addition it is almost 165 ft deep making it the Deepest Gorge in VT. In addition walk on the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge on the Vermont-New Hampshire border. Also it is one of the longest 2-span Covered wooden Bridges in the world.
Comparison Table of Scenic Highway in Vermont
Note: the times mentioned above are possible if you are driving continuously without stopping or halting for a break or sightseeing.
Travel Tips
Check the airport availability below for easier navigation:
Burlington International Airport
Route 100 Byway( 1 hour drive from the airport)
Green Mountain Byway(45 mins drive)
Lake Champlain Byway(near the route)
Lincoln Gap(1 hr 20 mins drive)
Appalachian Gap( 1 hour drive)
Smuggler's Notch( 50 min drive)
Hazen's Notch(1.5 hour drive)
Albany International Airport
Equinox Skyline Drive( 1.5 hours drive from the airport)
The Shires of Vermont Byway( 1 to 1.5 hour drive)
Lebanon Municipal Airport
Connecticut River Byway( 30 to 45 mins drive from airport)
The Best time to drive in these routes is from Mid- September to Mid- October. Hence you can also check the top Best Places in Vermont for Fall Foliage.
If you want to know where the EV charging stations are in Vermont, visit the Public Charging Map from the Drive Electric Vermont Website.
Many of these Scenic Roads in Vermont are managed by individual Towns. So if you want more information on whether these routes are open or closed, kindly visit the respective town website.
For proper Planning on where to start and which routes connect to which Byways, kindly check out the Vermont Scenic Byways Map online.
Most of these routes are closed during winter for safety reasons but if you still want to drive, use snow tires & do not drive fast. Moreover it is also not recommended to drive during spring because the ice usually melts making roads muddy & slippery.
Ending Note
Vermont, US, is a place that feels as if it has come alive from a storybook. Even a simple drive through the state can leave you amazed with magnificent views and exciting activities nearby. However, the mentioned routes are more popular because they offer the perfect connection with nature and wilderness. The best part is that you don’t need extensive planning to enjoy these scenic drives. For a comfortable and convenient journey, travelers can also consider professional bus rental services in the USA for group trips and hassle-free transportation. To make your Vermont adventure even more memorable, book a charter bus in Vermont online and enjoy the beautiful landscapes without any travel worries.
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