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Trip Ideas|Road Trips

This Dreamy Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Fall Foliage In All Of Vermont

Published Sep 11, 2017

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

Everyone has their favorite route to take in Vermont to view the magical fall foliage, but anyone who knows foliage in the Green Mountain State knows that even a day can make the difference on when the best time to drive the route. While the gorgeous Route 100 will always be near and dear to our hearts, the Shires of Vermont Byway in Southern Vermont is a spectacular route to see the fall colors in all their glory. Let's take a look at a look at a great fall foliage road trip in VT!

Click here for an interactive map of this breathtaking route.

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Google Maps

1. Pownal

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Flickr/Kim Carpenter

Start or end your drive with the gorgeous scenery in the charming town of Pownal.

2. Bennington

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

You'll want to stop and see the monuments and museums in this historic place. It's magical.

3. North Bennington

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Flickr/James Walsh

Be sure to stop at the Silk Road Covered Bridge! This town lattice truss bridge was built in 1840 and is one of three covered bridges across the river in fairly close proximity. Why not see them all?

4. Shaftsbury

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Flickr/Mark Rasdall

You'll be happy if you plan your drive through Shaftsbury at sunrise. It may take extra planning, but it's worth it!

5. Arlington

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Flickr/•• FedericoLukkini ••

Whether you stop at the amazing Mount Equinox or the lovely little Sugar Shack with a Norman Rockwell museum, Arlington is a wonderful place. (We recommend checking out both... and more!)

6. Sunderland

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Flickr/C Hanchey

From historic homes like Hildene to magical waterfalls such as Lye Brook Falls, these things aren't far from the little town of Sunderland.

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Flickr/C Hanchey

Be sure to see the historic Chiselville Covered Bridge over Roaring Branch Brook while you're here. This bridge is a Town Lattice truss and was constructed in 1870.

7. Manchester Village

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Flickr/Lonnie Janzen

Did you know that Manchester has designer outlets that have great deals? Now THIS is what we call shopping!

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8. Manchester Center

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Flickr/Doug Kerr

There is so much more to do in Manchester. Whether you start or end your journey here, you're sure to fall in love with it here.

For another great fall foliage road trip in VT, check out this glorious road trip that will show you Vermont like you've never seen before!

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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.

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Google Maps

Creamery Covered Bridge

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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