MomSkoop
Vermont is famous for its stunning landscapes, and the best way to experience them is by hitting the open road. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, spring wildflowers, summer greenery, or winter snow, the Green Mountain State delivers jaw-dropping views all year long.
These scenic drives offer something special no matter when you visit, making them perfect for anyone who loves natural beauty and peaceful adventures.
1. Route 100 – The Scenic Byway
Often called Vermont’s most beautiful road, Route 100 winds through charming villages, ski towns, rolling hills, and farmland. This legendary highway stretches nearly the entire length of the state, offering travelers a front-row seat to classic New England beauty.
Each season brings its own magic here. Fall transforms the landscape into a fiery canvas of reds and golds, while spring carpets the roadsides with wildflowers and fresh green leaves. Winter blankets everything in snow, creating a peaceful wonderland perfect for cozy drives.
Plan to stop often along the way. Small towns like Waterbury and Warren invite you to explore local shops, grab maple syrup, or enjoy farm-fresh treats.
2. Smugglers’ Notch (Route 108)
Smugglers’ Notch earned its name during Prohibition when bootleggers used this rugged route to transport illegal goods across the border.
Driving through feels like entering another world. Massive boulders loom overhead, and the narrow road twists sharply between ancient rock formations. Summer and fall are ideal times to visit, with vibrant greenery or brilliant autumn colors highlighting the dramatic cliffs.
Keep in mind that the road closes during deep winter due to heavy snowfall. But when it’s open, every twist and turn delivers absolutely magical views that photographers and adventurers adore.
3. The Green Mountain Byway
Running between Waterbury and Stowe, this route is filled with covered bridges, historic farms, and mountain viewpoints. The Green Mountain Byway captures everything visitors imagine when they picture Vermont—quaint, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.
Postcard-perfect views appear at every turn. You’ll pass rustic barns, grazing cattle, and wooden covered bridges that look like they belong in a storybook. Mountain peaks rise majestically in the distance, framing the pastoral landscape.
This drive works wonderfully year-round. Spring brings blooming meadows, summer offers lush greenery, fall delivers spectacular foliage, and winter wraps everything in soft white snow. Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture these timeless Vermont scenes.
4. The Lake Champlain Byway
Follow the shoreline from Burlington down to Middlebury for sparkling lake views, peaceful rural landscapes, and glimpses of the Adirondacks across the water. Lake Champlain stretches like a shimmering ribbon between Vermont and New York, offering stunning water views throughout this relaxing drive.
Sunsets here are absolutely unforgettable. The sky explodes with orange, pink, and purple hues that dance across the lake’s surface, while the distant Adirondack peaks create a dramatic silhouette.
Any season works beautifully for this route. Summer invites lakeside picnics and swimming stops, while winter transforms the shoreline into a serene, frozen wonderland. Small towns along the way offer local restaurants and charming shops worth exploring.
5. Route 5 – Connecticut River Scenic Byway
Running along the Connecticut River, this drive offers charming river towns, rolling farmland, and panoramic water views. Route 5 follows Vermont’s eastern border, where the Connecticut River separates the Green Mountain State from New Hampshire.
This route feels especially peaceful and beautiful year-round. The river flows steadily beside you, reflecting clouds and trees while small towns appear like hidden gems along the banks. Historic villages invite you to stop and explore local history, antique shops, and riverside parks.
Farmland stretches across the landscape, creating a patchwork of fields and forests. Whether you’re watching spring floods recede, summer kayakers paddling, fall foliage reflecting in the water, or winter ice forming along the shore, this drive never disappoints.
6. The Molly Stark Byway (Route 9)
Stretching from Brattleboro to Bennington, this route crosses the Green Mountains with sweeping vistas, state parks, and charming small towns. Named after the wife of Revolutionary War General John Stark, this byway honors Vermont’s rich history while showcasing its natural splendor.
Photographers and nature lovers consider this a four-season favorite. Mountain views stretch endlessly in every direction, with forests that change dramatically throughout the year. State parks along the route offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife watching opportunities.
Small towns provide perfect rest stops where you can grab local food, browse craft shops, or learn about regional history. The elevation changes create microclimates, meaning you might experience different weather and foliage stages within the same drive.