Vermont
Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Take A Mountaintop Drive On This Winding Road In Vermont

Mount Equinox Skyline Drive in Vermont offers a memorable scenic drive with breathtaking views and well-constructed roads.

Published Jun 6, 2018

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

People love seeing the views from the mountaintops of Vermont, but most are not up for the long hike up. We get it! Last week we told you about this drive on the highest road in Vermont which shows you incredible views, and now we have another drive you'll love. Let's check out the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive in Manchester. It's a mountaintop drive you'll never forget!

The Skyline Drive Toll House is located on Vermont Historic Route 7A

between Manchester and Arlington, Vermont.

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If you're using a GPS, enter 1A St. Bruno Drive, Sunderland, VT 05250. Just in case the weather isn't cooperating, we recommend calling first to make sure it's open! The Toll House number is 802-362-1114.

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This 5.2 mile drive is the longest, privately owned, paved toll road in the United States.

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This spectacular drive will take you along twists and turns as you climb up to the summit of Mt. Equinox.

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There are many areas to stop and admire the views of the mountains, lakes, rivers and the valley below.

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With guard rails along most of the way, this is one of the most well constructed toll roads in the country.

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Be sure to pull over and take advantage of one of the picnic areas along way.

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Don't miss the view of the monastery from the Monastery Overlook.

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This is the only Carthusian monastery in the country.

What will you see along the way?

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Breathtaking views of the Green Mountains, the Valley of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the east; the Adirondack Mountains of New York to the west; and the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts to the south.

You'll love the Saint Bruno Scenic visitor center.

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There are signs showing you in detail of what you find in the panoramic vista before you.

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Bring some quarters on hand for the coin operated binoculars for a closer look!.

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The ride down is just as beautiful as the ride up, and you're sure to love every moment.

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For another fantastic toll road in Vermont, click here to check out the drive to the highest mountain in the Green Mountain State.

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Vermont Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Explore the best road trips in Vermont with detailed maps and recommendations for every season.

Updated Jun 24, 2024

Written by 

Chris Muras

Whenever you start to feel a little stir-crazy here in Vermont, it’s time to hit the road! Many of us have resolved to do, see, and experience more of our own backyards, and what better way to do that than by taking some of the best road trips in Vermont? If you have yet to visit Vermont, the Green Mountain State has so many places to explore, so we’ve gathered up some of our favorite Vermont road trip ideas each with its very own Vermont road trip map. So, gas up the tank and get on your way!

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1-Day Road Trip In Vermont

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Doug Kerr/Flickr
  • Route: Middlebury > Poultney
  • Distance: 36 miles
  • Trip Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour of driving time

3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Vermont

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The Elm Street Market Bennington/Facebook
  • Route: Brattleboro > Bennington > Manchester > Strafford > Norwich > Woodstock > Ludlow
  • Distance: 299 miles
  • Trip Time: 7 hours driving time

Vermont Covered Bridges Road Trip

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  • Route: Danville > Lyndon > Irasburg > Montgomery > Charlotte > Middlebury > Pittsford > Woodstock > Turnbridge > Northfield > Danville
  • Distance: 306 miles
  • Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
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Vermont Lighthouse Road Trip

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  • Route: Alburgh > Isle La Motte > South Burlington > Burlington > Shelburne
  • Distance: 60 miles
  • Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time

Best Vermont Road Trip For Spring

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  • Route: Stockbridge > Waitsfield > Stowe > Hyde Park > Westfield
  • Distance: 95 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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Best Summer Road Trip In Vermont

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  • Route: Burlington > Stowe > Ludlow > Bennington
  • Distance: 213 miles
  • Trip Time: 4.5 hours driving time

Best Vermont Road Trip For Fall

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  • Route: Granville > Rochester > Hancock > Andover > Londonderry > Jamaica > Stratton > Dover > Wilmington > Stamford
  • Distance: 138 miles
  • Trip Time: 3 hours driving time

Best Winter Road Trip In Vermont

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  • Route: Stowe > Waterbury Village Historic District > Montpelier > Pittsford > Chittenden > Castleton > Manchester > Glastenbury > Brattleboro
  • Distance: 249 miles
  • Trip Time: 6 hours driving time
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Family Friendly Vermont Road Trip

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  • Route: Burlington > Shelburne > Middlebury > Killington > Woodstock > Montpelier > Waterbury Village > Stowe > Jeffersonville > Burlington
  • Distance: 228 miles
  • Trip Time: 5 hours driving time

Road Trip to Vermont Landmarks & Natural Wonders

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  • Route: Huntington > Brandon > Mt Holly > Quechee Gorge, > Stowe > Elmore State Park > Westmore > Granville
  • Distance: 329 miles
  • Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
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Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Vermont

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  • Route: Charlotte > Stowe > Cabot > Woodstock > Chester > Grafton > Putney > Manchester
  • Distance: 258 miles
  • Trip Time: 6 hours driving time

We hope you've been inspired to go on an adventure to explore the many wonderful places in the state on one of the best road trips in Vermont. Which of these Vermont road trip ideas are you looking forward to the most? While you are out on your driving tour, look for some of these delightfully delicious Vermont restaurants along the way.

For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can't forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.

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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Vermont That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

Published Jun 18, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

Over the years, I've had plenty of travel experiences. While some of these adventures were planned, many memorable travels - like stumbling into a local cafe or wandering down a quaint street - were more spontaneous. I put together the following weekend road trip, which includes four Vermont towns that begin with a "B," so you too can "go with the flow" and have a fun-filled outing that's more flexible than a tight itinerary. Read on and enjoy!

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As you can see from this guided map, this fun-filled weekend adventure goes from Southern to Northern Vermont and includes about five hours of driving time.

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Google Maps

Creamery Covered Bridge

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There are over 100 covered bridges in Vermont. While you're likely to pass some during this spontaneous weekend adventure, we suggest beginning this road trip at The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro. This historical landmark was built in 1879 and is the last remaining of its kind in Brattleboro.

The Blue Benn Diner

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The Blue Benn Diner is beloved by both locals and travelers. This family-run diner has been serving up some of the best grub around for decades. If you've ever wanted to dine in a rail car, stop by for a hearty meal during your spontaneous weekend in Vermont.

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Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

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When you'd like to explore and spend time in nature, plan a visit to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. We suggest planning at least a half day to hike, check out wildlife, and take part in scheduled events when visiting this destination in Woodstock.

Rock of Ages Granite Quarry

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Barre is an ideal place to visit during a spontaneous weekend road trip in Vermont. Along with the infamous Hope Cemetery, the quarry is an impressive site that's due to the stunning blue water and dramatic shape.

Spot on the Dock

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One of the many perks of taking a spontaneous road trip in Vermont is not having to stick to a schedule. So, after wandering around Burlington for a bit, we suggest heading to Spot on the Dock. Here, you'll get to linger over a scrumptious meal while overlooking Lake Champlain.

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The Causeway

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The Causeway is a true gem. Feel free to hike or bike when you check out this stunning trail along Lake Champlain. And since this route spans over 13 miles, feel free to explore as much or as little as you'd like.

Now that you know about these spontaneous destinations in Vermont, what are you waiting for? To get started on planning your outing, check out our ultimate road trip packing list. When you'd like to set out on another adventure, I suggest checking out these Vermont road trips too.

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