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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Vermont That Runs Along The Mad River 

Published May 6, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

We bet you love exploring as much as we do. If that's the case, we suggest following The Mad River Byway when looking for a fun and unique way to visit Vermont. During this 36.5-mile scenic drive, you'll take routes 2, 100, 100B, and 17. Along with following The Mad River, you can expect to see quaint New England towns, the famous Green Mountains, waterfalls, and other points of interest. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about what you'll get to explore on this Vermont road trip.

1. Granville Gulf Reservation

A serene waterfall cascading over large rocks, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Google/ VermontGuide

You'll come across Moss Glen Falls during this six-mile stretch of the Mad River Byway on Route 100.

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2. Warren Falls

A serene waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Google/Yonatan Ryabinski

Regardless of when you take the Mad River Byway, you're in for a treat when you stop at Warren Falls. In the fall, enjoy stunning foliage. In the summer, join locals in cooling off in one of the swimming holes under the falls.

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3. The Round Barn Farm

A serene landscape featuring a pond reflecting trees and a round building under a clear blue sky.
Tripadvisor/management

This once-active dairy barm in Waitsfield is now a charming guest house. During your journey along the Mad River Byway, we suggest stopping by to snap a shot or two of this historical Vermont barn.

4. Waitsfield Covered Bridge

A wooden covered bridge spans a river, surrounded by greenery and people enjoying the water on a sunny day.
Google/Kylie Bennett

Your epic road trip will lead you through Waitsfield, a charming town of 2,000 residents that is known for being home to one of the oldest covered bridges in the Green Mountain State.

5. Mad River Path

A narrow dirt path surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, leading into a wooded area.
Facebook/Mad River Path

When you're ready to stretch your legs, we suggest hopping on one of these trails along the route that connects Morristown, Fayston, Waitsfield, and Warren.

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6. Appalachian Gap

A scenic view of colorful autumn foliage, mountains, and a winding road beside a calm lake under a cloudy sky.
Google/ Alastair MacDonald

Once you hit Route 17, you'll hit this mountain pass, which is also one of the most scenic spots along the Mad River Byway. Wow!

Have you taken a drive on the Mad River Byway? If so, where did you stop along the way? Let us know in the comments!

To help you plan your scenic adventure, check out our ultimate road trip packing list for tips on what to bring on your drive. If you'd like to explore a bit more, enjoy our coverage of Vermont road trips too.

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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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James Walsh/Flickr
  • 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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firesika/Flickr
  • 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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Leslee_atFlickr/Flickr
  • 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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Elizabeth M Ruggiero/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
  • 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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Nicholas Erwin/Flickr
  • 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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Nicholas Erwin/Flickr
  • 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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heipei/Flickr
  • 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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Doug Cadmus/Flickr
  • 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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Craig T./Flickr
  • 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.

Map showing a route from Causeway Park to Blue Benn Creamery, highlighting key stops along the way. Total distance: 226 miles.
Google Maps

Creamery Covered Bridge

A red covered bridge surrounded by colorful autumn foliage, with flowers and an American flag at the entrance.
Google/Juergen Roth

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

A diner with a blue awning and glass entrance, surrounded by greenery and a parking area. Cloudy sky above.
https://www.bluebenn.com/photos/

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

Sign for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, indicating pedestrian entrance and parking directions.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

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

Aerial view of a quarry with turquoise water, stone blocks, and machinery surrounded by greenery.
Facebook/Rock of Ages

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

A bustling outdoor restaurant with many patrons enjoying food and drinks under a clear blue sky.
Google/Charles Chamberlain

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

A scenic pathway along a calm lake, lined with rocks and greenery, under a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Google/Serena Chang

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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