Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long foliage chase, these scenic routes promise the kind of jaw-dropping views and cozy pit stops you’ll remember forever.
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Why Vermont Road Trips in Fall Are Special
The roads here take you past covered bridges, maple sugar houses and serene lakes.
- Peak season: Late September to mid-October is when colors are at their best.
- Compact beauty: Vermont is small, which means you can cover multiple scenic routes in just a few days.
- Endless variety: One road takes you through farmlands, another through mountain notches, and another right along the lake.
- Local flavor: Every route has pit stops for cider donuts, craft beer, and farm-to-table food.
If there’s one state that knows how to do fall road trips right, it’s Vermont.
Best Scenic Road Trips in Vermont for Fall 2025
1. Route 100 Byway – Vermont’s Foliage Highway
If you only drive one road in Vermont, let it be Route 100. Stretching the length of the state, it’s lined with ski towns, farm valleys, and some of the best foliage you’ll ever see.
Pro Tip: Start early morning from Wilmington and head north—this way, the sun hits the mountains just right.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~200 miles, 5–6 hours (without stops)
- Difficulty: Easy (well-paved highway, gradual curves)
- Parking: Ample in towns like Ludlow, Stowe, and Warren
- Best Photo Spot: Moss Glen Falls (Granville) and Stowe Village overlook
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Fresh cider donuts in Waitsfield, maple creemees in Stowe
- Local Lodging: Stowe’s Green Mountain Inn, Killington ski lodges
2. Smugglers’ Notch Pass (Route 108) – Dramatic Mountain Drive
Winding through cliffs and boulders, Smugglers’ Notch Pass is as dramatic as it gets.
Insider Tip: Combine this drive with a stop in Stowe, Vermont’s most famous fall town.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~18 miles, 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Challenging (sharp hairpin turns, narrow road)
- Parking: Limited at pull-offs; lots in Stowe nearby
- Best Photo Spot: Smugglers’ Notch scenic pull-off
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Hot cider in Stowe’s main street cafés
- Local Lodging: Topnotch Resort in Stowe
3. Lincoln Gap Road – Vermont’s Highest Mountain Pass
For a short but unforgettable drive, Lincoln Gap Road is the highest mountain pass in Vermont.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~7 miles, 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Challenging (steep grades, seasonal closure possible)
- Parking: Small pull-offs at top of gap
- Best Photo Spot: Summit overlook on Lincoln side
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Warren Store sandwiches nearby
- Local Lodging: Warren Lodge in Mad River Valley
4. Appalachian Gap (Route 17) – Sweeping Foliage Views
The Appalachian Gap, often called “App Gap,” winds through Buel’s Gore and delivers sweeping mountain vistas.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~7 miles, 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate (twists and elevation changes)
- Parking: Roadside pull-offs available
- Best Photo Spot: The main Appalachian Gap overlook
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Craft beer stops in Waitsfield
- Local Lodging: Mad River Barn Inn
5. Mad River Byway – New England Charm on Wheels
This byway loops through the Mad River Valley, passing charming towns like Waitsfield and Warren.
Pro Tip: Stop at Warren Store—it’s legendary for sandwiches and local goods.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~36 miles, 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy (gentle country roads)
- Parking: Plenty in village centers
- Best Photo Spot: Waitsfield covered bridge
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Heady Topper craft beer in Waterbury
- Local Lodging: Inn at Round Barn Farm
6. The Shires of Vermont Byway – Between Bennington & Manchester
Stretching across Southern Vermont, The Shires Byway links historic towns, rolling hills, and antique shops.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~15 miles, 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Town centers and roadside pull-offs
- Best Photo Spot: Bennington Battle Monument backdrop
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Apple pie in Manchester diners
- Local Lodging: Kimpton Taconic Hotel, Manchester
7. Lake Champlain Byway – Foliage Meets Water Views
If you love lakes, this is your drive. Lake Champlain Byway hugs the shoreline with constant views of fiery foliage reflected in the water.
Insider Tip: Make time for a ferry ride or stop at Shelburne Farms for cheese and fall farm fun.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~185 miles, 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Multiple state park lots and village stops
- Best Photo Spot: Shelburne Farms & Burlington waterfront
- Cost: Free (ferry has a fee)
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Shelburne Farms cheese, apple cider in South Hero
- Local Lodging: Hotel Vermont in Burlington
8. Waterville Mountain Road – Hidden Mountain Beauty
Less crowded than other drives, Waterville Mountain Road rewards those looking for quiet.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~12 miles, 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Limited roadside pull-offs
- Best Photo Spot: Forested mountain overlooks
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Small-town cafés along route
- Local Lodging: Local B&Bs in Johnson or Waterville
9. Green Mountain Byway (Stowe to Waterbury) – Classic Vermont Drive
This short but stunning byway links Stowe and Waterbury.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip Ben & Jerry’s factory tour in Waterbury—it’s fall ice cream with foliage views.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~11 miles, 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Lots in both towns
- Best Photo Spot: Stowe Community Church view
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, cider donuts in Stowe
- Local Lodging: Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe
10. Stowe Hollow Road & Gold Brook Bridge Route – Covered Bridge Magic
This local gem takes you past one of Vermont’s most famous covered bridges, Gold Brook Bridge.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~5 miles, 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Limited near bridge
- Best Photo Spot: Gold Brook Bridge itself
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Pastries in Stowe village cafés
- Local Lodging: Brass Lantern Inn, Stowe
11. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive – Summit Views Worth the Climb
Pay the toll and take on Mount Equinox Skyline Drive.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~5.2 miles, 20 minutes to summit
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent, narrow curves)
- Parking: Summit parking available
- Best Photo Spot: Summit viewing area (panoramic)
- Cost: ~$20 per car toll (2025 rates may vary)
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Farm-to-table restaurants in Manchester
- Local Lodging: Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
12. Route 2 Through the Champlain Islands – Pastoral Island Drive
For a slower-paced trip, Route 2 weaves through the Champlain Islands.
Quick Facts:
- Drive Time & Distance: ~60 miles, 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Ample roadside stops and orchards
- Best Photo Spot: South Hero island lakefront
- Cost: Free
- Seasonal Food & Drink: Apple orchards and cider tastings along the route
- Local Lodging: Lakeside Airbnbs and North Hero House Inn
Local Events & Stops Along the Way
- Stowe Foliage Arts Festival (early October)
- Woodstock Apples & Crafts Fair (first weekend of October)
- Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival in Stowe
- Apple picking orchards near Shelburne and Middlebury
- Farmers’ markets in almost every town
Where to Stay Along Scenic Drives
- Stowe: Green Mountain Inn for historic charm.
- Woodstock: The Woodstock Inn & Resort for cozy luxury.
- Manchester: Kimpton Taconic Hotel for boutique vibes.
- Burlington: Hotel Vermont for lake views and city culture.
- Champlain Islands: Lakeside cottages and Airbnb stays.
Conclusion
From the iconic Route 100 to the hidden Waterville Mountain Road, every mile offers a new splash of color and a new reason to pull over and just breathe it all in.
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