Scenic drives and byways guide you through the best of Vermont
Route 91 in Vermont; Routes 2 and 3 in New Hampshire
Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Windsor, White River Junction, Wells River, St. Johnsbury, VT
The Connecticut River Byway spans the east and west shores of the Connecticut River (which is most of the border of Vermont and New Hampshire), in both Vermont and New Hampshire. This river unites New Hampshire and Vermont for over half of the waterway's 410-mile journey from the Canadian border to the Atlantic Ocean. The history of New England's longest and most powerful river reaches back into time. It is the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, the story of Abenaki natives living lightly on the land.
Along its shores the story of colonial settlement in this region is documented. The earliest stories are found in its villages, surrounded by lush fields and forests. Along this byway, visit the birthplace of Vermont, drive across a 465-foot covered bridge built in 1866, and wander through two restored historic railroad stations that now serve as waypoint centers. You can visit farms, craft and antiques shops, watch glass blowing, visit a micro brewery.
Route 2, Route 7, others
Champlain Islands, Burlington, Middlebury, Vergennes, VT
Length: 134 miles
A long this byway way you will find quiet farming communities, bustling small cities, and quaint villages. Explore small family-owned shops and dine at restaurants featuring local foods. On the Lake Champlain Islands, gorgeous views of the lake can be seen at almost every bend in the road. The arts community is active here with many performing arts venues, local festivals, and historic sites and museums. State parks on the lake are plentiful. Views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondack Mountains, and the many Vermont farms are all around.
Driving directions: Located in northwest Vermont, this byway runs along the northern length of Lake Champlain, stretching from U.S. Route 2 through Grand Isle County in the north; joining U.S. 7 in Chittenden County and extending into Addison County. The byway splits and leaves Route 7 in Middlebury. One branch heads east on Route 125 until it links with scenic Route 125 through the Green Mountain National Forest; the other branch follows Route 30 South and then follows Routes 73 and 74 respectively looping back to Route 30 and Middlebury.
Routes 100 and 100B
Granville, Warren Waitsfield, Moretown, Middlesex, VT
Length: 35 miles
The Mad River Byway is one of a collection of scenic Vermont roads recognized for their archeological, cultural, historic, natural recreational or scenic qualities. Each of the unique villages along the way is a key destination in its own right. Rich history in the form of churches, memorials, farms, architecture, recreation and community life define the area. Recreation in many forms can be found for all seasons of living and visiting the Mad River Valley. The Mad River Byway provides a pleasant place to walk along the Mad River, utilizing the Mad River Path. The Mad River Valley is also home to two of Vermont's premier ski areas: Sugarbush and Mad River Glen.
Driving directions: The Mad River Byway takes you along two of Vermont's most scenic roads, Routes 100 and 100B. Along the way you'll find Middlesex Village (Route 2); Moretown (Route 100B); Waitsfield, Warren, Granville Gulf Reservation (Route 100); Fayston, and Buels Gore to the top of the Appalachian Gap (Route 17).
Route 30
Manchester to Poultney, VT
Length: 30 miles
Route 91 in Vermont; Routes 2 and 3 in New Hampshire
Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Windsor, White River Junction, Wells River, St. Johnsbury, VT
The Connecticut River Byway spans the east and west shores of the Connecticut River (which is most of the border of Vermont and New Hampshire), in both Vermont and New Hampshire. This river unites New Hampshire and Vermont for over half of the waterway's 410-mile journey from the Canadian border to the Atlantic Ocean. The history of New England's longest and most powerful river reaches back into time. It is the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, the story of Abenaki natives living lightly on the land.
Along its shores the story of colonial settlement in this region is documented. The earliest stories are found in its villages, surrounded by lush fields and forests. Along this byway, visit the birthplace of Vermont, drive across a 465-foot covered bridge built in 1866, and wander through two restored historic railroad stations that now serve as waypoint centers. You can visit farms, craft and antiques shops, watch glass blowing, visit a micro brewery.
Green Mountain Byway
Route 100
Waterbury to Stowe, VT
Length: 11 miles
The Green Mountain Byway runs through the towns of Waterbury and Stowe, between the spine of the northern Green Mountains to the west and the peaks of the Worcester Range to the east. Traveling along the byway provides stunning views of open meadows, farmlands and forests, all with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Historic homes, farmsteads, villages and mill sites are accessible all along the route as well as the area’s most prominent natural feature, Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. This byway provides access to Vermont’s premier outdoor recreation region with skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing, hiking, paddling, mountain biking and road biking to name a few. The corridor contains three state parks, Little River, Smugglers Notch, and Waterbury Center; two state forests, Mount Mansfield and Putnam; Moss Glen Falls, Waterbury Reservoir and Sterling Forest and Mayo Farm.
An extraordinary range of attractions, events and cultural, historic sites can be found along the byway. These include the Waterbury Railroad Station, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and Vermont Ski Museum.
Route 2, Route 7, others
Champlain Islands, Burlington, Middlebury, Vergennes, VT
Length: 134 miles
A long this byway way you will find quiet farming communities, bustling small cities, and quaint villages. Explore small family-owned shops and dine at restaurants featuring local foods. On the Lake Champlain Islands, gorgeous views of the lake can be seen at almost every bend in the road. The arts community is active here with many performing arts venues, local festivals, and historic sites and museums. State parks on the lake are plentiful. Views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondack Mountains, and the many Vermont farms are all around.
Driving directions: Located in northwest Vermont, this byway runs along the northern length of Lake Champlain, stretching from U.S. Route 2 through Grand Isle County in the north; joining U.S. 7 in Chittenden County and extending into Addison County. The byway splits and leaves Route 7 in Middlebury. One branch heads east on Route 125 until it links with scenic Route 125 through the Green Mountain National Forest; the other branch follows Route 30 South and then follows Routes 73 and 74 respectively looping back to Route 30 and Middlebury.
Route 91 in Vermont; Routes 2 and 3 in New Hampshire
Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Windsor, White River Junction, Wells River, St. Johnsbury, VT
The Connecticut River Byway spans the east and west shores of the Connecticut River (which is most of the border of Vermont and New Hampshire), in both Vermont and New Hampshire. This river unites New Hampshire and Vermont for over half of the waterway's 410-mile journey from the Canadian border to the Atlantic Ocean. The history of New England's longest and most powerful river reaches back into time. It is the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, the story of Abenaki natives living lightly on the land.
Along its shores the story of colonial settlement in this region is documented. The earliest stories are found in its villages, surrounded by lush fields and forests. Along this byway, visit the birthplace of Vermont, drive across a 465-foot covered bridge built in 1866, and wander through two restored historic railroad stations that now serve as waypoint centers. You can visit farms, craft and antiques shops, watch glass blowing, visit a micro brewery.
Route 9
Brattleboro to Bennington, VT
Length: 48 miles
Stone Valley Scenic Byway Map