Vermont

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Vermont

Plan a three-day road trip to explore some of Vermont's best state parks, including Mt. Philo, Quechee, and Emerald Lake.

Updated May 31, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

Did you know that Vermont has 55 state parks? Since one of the best ways to enjoy Green Mountain State is by spending time in nature, how about planning a three-day vacation to visit a few of these parks over a long weekend? To help you get started, feel free to reference the following itinerary highlighting three of the best state parks known for plenty to do and see on this 3-day road trip in Vermont.

During your three-day adventure, you'll get to experience a range of natural wonders that make Vermont so special.

alt
Google Maps

Day 1 - Mt. Philo State Park

alt
Google/Tyler Smith

In addition to being Vermont's first official state park, there are over 200 acres of land to explore when you visit Mt. Philo State Park.

advertisement

During your stay at Mt. Philo State Park, have fun exploring and hitting the trails.

alt
Google/Patrick Webster

At the end of your day of play at Mt. Philo State Park, enjoy scenery like this as you stay at one of the 7 campgrounds in the park.

alt
Google/ Eric Potter

Day 2 - Quechee State Park

alt
Google/Jonathan Haraden

Along with hiking and spending time in nature during your stay at

advertisement

Quechee State Park, you'll get to take in Quechee Gorge, one of Vermont's biggest attractions.

As one of the most scenic spots in Vermont, be prepared with your camera when you visit Quechee Gorge.

alt
Google/ I G

During your visit, you can also fish for different types of trout while enjoying the waterfall.

alt
Google/Orlando Tsang

Day 3 - Emerald Lake State Park

alt
Google/Maewa S

You'll find a little bit of everything at lovely Emerald Lake State Park, including a beach, hiking trails, campgrounds, and local attractions.

advertisement

Along with exploring the grounds, you can also spend the day splashing around in the lake.

alt
Google/Kara T

After you've spent the day playing, enjoy relaxing by the campfire as you reflect on your fun 3-day weekend road trip in Vermont.

alt
Google/mutualexcrement

Ready to embark on this 3-day road trip in Vermont? Before this or any other road trips in Vermont, make sure you take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need!

For more epic road trip adventures, take a look at more of the best road trips in Vermont for ideas of where to go after you've gone on your three-day tour of the Green Mountain State.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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!

advertisement

1-Day Road Trip In Vermont

alt
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

alt
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

alt
James Walsh/Flickr
  • Route: Danville > Lyndon > Irasburg > Montgomery > Charlotte > Middlebury > Pittsford > Woodstock > Turnbridge > Northfield > Danville
  • Distance: 306 miles
  • Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
advertisement

Vermont Lighthouse Road Trip

alt
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

alt
Leslee_atFlickr/Flickr
  • Route: Stockbridge > Waitsfield > Stowe > Hyde Park > Westfield
  • Distance: 95 miles
  • Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
advertisement

Best Summer Road Trip In Vermont

alt
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

alt
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

alt
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
advertisement

Family Friendly Vermont Road Trip

alt
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

alt
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
advertisement

Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Vermont

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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!

advertisement

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.

alt
Google Maps

Creamery Covered Bridge

alt
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

alt
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.

advertisement

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

alt
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

alt
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

alt
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.

advertisement

The Causeway

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

This Natural Wonder in Oregon is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 6
alt
Stays
Camping

The Amazing Campground in Hawaii We Want to Visit All-Year Round

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Nov 6
A camper van light up at night beneath a starry sky.
Nature
Hiking

The Remote Destination in Missouri Where the Drive is Worth the Final View

by Alana Fravell
on Nov 6
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decorah, Iowa for the Holidays

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 6
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Michigan’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 6
alt