10 Best Scenic Spots in Vermont
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Approximately 75% of its landscape is forested and one of the least populated in the United States, Vermont is full of unspoiled natural beauty. Where there is civilization, it is not quite like other places, has a provincial flavor and friendliness, contagious in its warm feel. With so much scenic potential in such a small area, it can be difficult to decide where to start your journey through this unspoiled region. Spend less time planning and more time exploring by choosing one of our favorite Vermont scenic routes as your starting point for exploring this great state.
No. 10 - Green mountains
Start Location: Waterbury, Virginia
Final location: Stowe, W.T.
Length: Mile 10
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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While some of our scenic drives pass through stretches of the Green Mountains, this itinerary is dedicated to showcasing this small but majestic range overlooking the Worcester Range to the east. Among the elevation changes and peaks, you can find extensive grasslands and rural farmland. Moss Glen Falls is a popular spot for picnics and nature trails, and Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest mountain, provides great photo opportunities.
No. 9 - Northeast Byway Kingdom
Start Location: St. Johnsbury, Virginia
Final location: Derby, W
Length: Mile 57
Best driving season: All
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This scenic route through the Northeast Kingdom showcases the beauty of simplicity. You can start from Main Street in St. Johnsbury, lined with Victorian houses and famous for its vibrant art, head north past Willoughby Lake, where you can enjoy the serene, unspoiled beauty of the water, and end in Newport, a lively area. which is located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. When passing through Derby, be sure to stop by the Haskell Opera House, which is located on the US-Canada border.
No. 8 - Shires of Vermont
Start Location: Punal, VT
Final location: Manchester, Virginia
Length: Mile 30
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Tucked between the Taconic and the Green Mountains and known as the Shires, this region connects the northern part of the state with the southern region. It's the same area that inspired the likes of Ethan Allen, Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell, and there's an undeniable sense of community here. Lake Shaftesbury State Park provides a good respite from observing rural life with kayaking, nature trails, and a landscaped beach area.
No. 7 - Molly Stark Byway
Start Location: Brattleboro, Virginia
Final location: Bennington, Virginia
Length: Mile 40
Best driving season: All
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Named after General Stark, who led the colonial troops home after a major victory in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Bennington, this driveway has access to several historic sites and small museums illustrating the stories of the time. With low-lying valleys and bits of Green Mountain National Forest, the road is full of natural beauty and history. Don't miss a visit to Woodford, the highest village in the state at 2,215 feet above sea level.
No. 6 - Stone Valley, Lane
Start Location: Manchester, Virginia
Final location: Hubbardton, W.T.
Length: Mile 43
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Stone Valley Street highlights the history of the state's slate and marble production, while the silhouetted mountains dance on the horizon. Due to the deposits of the Mettawi and Poltni rivers in the region, the soil is especially fertile, which explains the large number of farms. Opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking near Lake Bomosin and Lake St. Catherine State Parks.
No. 5 - Crazy River Street
Start Location: Middlesex, Virginia
Final location: Buells Gore WT
Length: Mile 46
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This Crazy River Valley ride takes you not only along the river, but through mountain ranges and through classic New England rural towns. From covered bridges to spired villages, you can experience all the subdued magnetism of the region. If the need arises to exercise your legs, take advantage of the network of green paths and trails known as the Crazy River Path.
No. 4 - Vermont Byway Intersection.
Start Location: Rutland, Virginia
Final location: Hartford, Virginia
Length: Mile 41
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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As much of this trip passes through the Green Mountains, travelers should expect panoramic views and ample outdoor recreational opportunities. The Ottaukechee River is known as a good place to throw your hook and line, and you can even stop to walk part of the Appalachian Trail. The route also passes through several charming towns and villages where the past meets the present.
№ 3 – Vermont 22A
Start Location: Vergennes, VT
Final location: Fair Haven, Virginia
Length: Mile 42
Best driving season: All
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This route through the Lake Champlain Valley is full of rolling green hills, distant mountain scenery and rural farmland - everything you need for a relaxing and restorative trip. Mount Philo State Park is a favorite among birdwatchers due to frequent sightings of hawks. Button Bay State Park attracts just about everyone, with plenty of water recreational opportunities such as rowboat and kayak rentals.
№ 2 – Vermont 100
Start Location: Wilmington, Virginia
Final location: Newport, Virginia
Length: Mile 189
Best driving season: All
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Highway 100, also known as Vermont's Main Street, exhibits classic New England charm with many white-spired churches and dairy farms nestled in mountain valleys. During the summer in Green Mountain National Forest, visitors can ride a gondola to the top of Stratton for panoramic views of the region. Whatever the time of year, travelers can stop by and enjoy the capital of Montpellier, which is replete with small-town charm and beautiful scenery.
#1 – Isle of Champlain
Start Location: Colchester, Virginia
Final location: Alburg, VT
Length: Mile 44
Best driving season: Vesna
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Jumping from an island in the middle of Lake Champlain, this scenic route is delightfully quirky with all of its bridge action and stunning water views. On Hero North Island, be sure to stop at Knights Point State Park, where picnic spots with the Adirondacks and Green Mountains are visible on the horizon. There, you can even hire a water taxi to pristine Knight Island State Park, where you can camp under the stars in good weather.
