Fall is the perfect season to take a leisurely drive around Vermont. The trees are showing off, seasonal roads are still open, and you don’t even need snow tires yet. So, we’ve gathered some of Vermont Public staffers’ favorite driving routes and suggested some stops along the way.
Consider these routes as ideas to get you started. Most rural roads in Vermont are beautiful in their own way. Take a few extra turns to explore some back roads, and you might find your own secret spot.
A quick note about foliage tourism: Some parts of the state have become so popular that towns have had to close roads. Don’t be that driver who blocks traffic to get a photo. Turn around if you come upon a washed-out road. Respect private property, don’t speed, don’t trespass, don’t litter. Watch for cyclists and pedestrians on the road (and give them 4 feet of space when you pass).
Each route has a link to a Google map for detailed directions. There are gaps in cell coverage — do yourself a favor and download “offline maps” for each region before you hit the road. Then — may we suggest? — tune your radio to Vermont Public’s news or classical station and enjoy the drive.
(Chasing “peak”? The state provides foliage reports here.)
Fairfax-Fairfield loop
Fairfax - Fletcher - Fairfield - Bakersfield - Enosburg
About 59 miles. Google Maps link
This route treats you to views of farms and mountains in Franklin County and includes some gravel roads. You can stop at the President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site in Fairfield (open weekends through Oct. 12; weekday visits by appointment) to learn about the 21st president of the United States. Stretch your legs while admiring more than 70 sculptures at the Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in Enosburgh Falls (by donation, open Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 13). The sculpture park is also a lovely place to bring a picnic.
Add-ons:
- Grab coffee or pizza at Stone’s Throw in Fairfax at the beginning or end of the route.
- From the northeast corner of this route, you can get to Jay Peak Resort and its panoramic views with another 30 minutes of driving. You can hike to the summit or, until mid-October, take the tram.
- You’ll cross the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail on your journey; if you want to bike or walk a portion of this 93-mile gem, you can park at the Fairfield Community Center.
- Tack on a trip to St. Albans for food and shopping, plus an easy, kid-friendly hike at Aldis Hill Park at Hard'ack Recreation Area.
Recommended listening: Brave Little State’s 8th Annual Brief History of Vermont Road Names
Ripton-Goshen
Ripton - Goshen
About 14 miles one-way. Google Maps link
The dirt road that connects the mountain towns of Ripton and Goshen is worth driving at any time of the year, but fall is when it really stuns. Start this route from either Ripton or Goshen. If you’re headed from Ripton, you’ll see some trailheads and an entrance to the Moosalamoo Campground on this quiet, mostly residential road. Stop at the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center, where you can take a breather and learn about the nearby trails. From there, you can head to the four-way stop and take Flora White Road to the Blueberry Hill Management Area, where a short uphill walk yields beautiful, panoramic views of the Greens. Continue down Flora White Road to loop through Goshen, home of the acclaimed poet Ruth Stone. From that same four-way stop, you can take Silver Lake Road and park at the trailhead for a hike down to a peaceful mountain lake.
Add ons:
- Take Gap Road from Goshen into Brandon for a meal at 22 Park Eatery, Café Provence, River Pub & Grill
- Stop by the Ruth Stone House in Goshen to read the historic marker, or check their calendar for free workshops and readings.
- Branbury State Park at Lake Dunmore is a short drive from either Ripton or Goshen, and it features picnic areas, camping and more trails with attractions like the scenic Falls of Lana.
In Goshen, two generations of poet laureates converge
Three gaps
Roxbury - Warren - Lincoln - Bristol - Ripton - Hancock
About 73 miles. Google Maps link
This long loop brings you through three mountain passes: Roxbury Gap, Middlebury Gap and Lincoln Gap. (Note: Lincoln Gap is a seasonal road that closes for the winter in mid-October; the other two gaps are not maintained in the winter and therefore not safe for travel.) You’ll also pass several waterfalls, including Moss Glen Falls and Warren Falls roadside on Route 100.
Stop at the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail for a relaxing walk with Frost’s poems installed along the way; not far away is the charming Ripton Country Store, which is worth a visit even if you don’t intend to buy anything.
Bristol is a good stop for walking, shopping and food. You can also stop at Bristol’s Eagle Park for a picnic by the New Haven River.
Add-ons:
- Continue on Route 100 in either direction – it’s many people’s favorite fall road.
- Bristol has many good restaurants; one is the Tillerman, where you can also find free outdoor music nights Wednesdays through Oct. 8.
- Walk around downtown Middlebury for shopping and food.
- Continue south from Ripton toward Goshen (see above).
Planning a drive? Share this guide with a friend.
Peacham and Groton loop
Peacham - Ryegate - Groton - Marshfield - Danville
About 55 miles. Google Maps link
This route brings you past several ponds and hiking trails and through the picturesque towns of Danville and Peacham.
You’re in luck if you happen to drive this route on certain fall foliage festival days:
- Thursday, Oct. 2: Peacham (including rare open hours for the Ashbel Goodenough Blacksmith Shop and Snow Roller Barn Museum)
- Sunday, Oct. 5: Danville (arts and crafts vendors)
When you reach Peacham, turn onto Church Street. There are nice views from the fire department and from the cemetery that’s across the street.
Stop in the Groton State Forest for a fabulous (and popular) lookout from the summit of Owl’s Head Mountain. You can either hike the full mountain (4.7 miles round trip) or drive up to the upper parking lot for a short walk to the summit.
Add-ons:
- Test your navigational skills at the famous Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville. Start early in the day — people aren’t allowed to enter the maze after noon on weekdays or 1 p.m. on weekends. And it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance ($15-30; kids 4 and under free; closed for the season on Oct. 13).
- In Marshfield, check out Marshfield Falls (visible from Lower Depot Road, off of School Street).
- Deviate from the route by taking the historic Bayley-Hazen Road between Peacham and Danville. This road dates to the Revolutionary War, when the Continental Army needed a shorter route to Canada to help in their siege of Quebec. It’s also the name of an excellent blue cheese by Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro.
- Find Star Pudding Farm Road in Marshfield and listen to Brave Little State report the story of the name.
Northeast Kingdom byway
Lyndon - Lake Willoughby - Derby - Newport
About 40 miles. Google maps link
If you’re driving the upper portion of the scenic Northeast Kingdom Byway, Route 5A stretches between Derby and Lyndon. We recommend starting or ending this drive in Newport, where you can check out local restaurants and shops. You can also work Shattuck Hill into your route between Newport and Derby for views that won’t disappoint. Shattuck Hill is beloved by locals for its beautiful view of Lake Memphremagog, which straddles the border between Canada and some of the Northeast Kingdom’s northernmost communities. Look for the designated parking area. This route also takes you along the east side of Lake Willoughby. There are beaches on both the south and north ends of the lakes where you can make a stop.
Add-ons:
- Stop for a bite to eat at the Willoughby Lake Store or the The Gap Pub and Grill.
- Stretch those legs and take a hike at Willoughby State Forest. There are a number of great trails with different levels of difficulty. The popular and challenging Mount Pisgah Trail has a trailhead right off of Route 5A.
- Extend your drive and get a glance of Canada from Derby Line, where the historic Haskell Free Library and Opera House straddles the border.
For more activities and stops in this area, check out our Day Trips guide to the Northeast Kingdom.
Rutland, Manchester and Mount Equinox
Rutland-Wallingford-Mount Tabor-Manchester-Sunderland-Arlington
About 50 miles. Google Maps link
Take Route 7 from Rutland south, and turn onto Route 7A to continue into Manchester and beyond.
Pause in Wallingford to take a self-guided walking tour of the village’s beautiful historic buildings.
You can stop at Emerald Lake State Park for hiking, fishing, a picnic area and more.
Want to get a little more elevated? Until Halloween, you can pay a fee to drive the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive in Arlington.
Add-ons:
- Start your day in Rutland to get a donut at the 100-year-old Jones’ Donuts.
- Make a reservation to wander (and take personal photos) at the Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park — free admission, donations accepted, open Thursdays and Saturdays from May to October.
- Fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, right next to the Orvis flagship store.
- Take scenic photos at two covered bridges in Arlington: the Chiselville Covered Bridge and the bridge on Covered Bridge Road.
- Turn onto Route 103 for scenic views in Shrewsbury.
The Molly Stark Byway
Bennington-Woodford-Searsburg-Wilmington-Marlboro-Brattleboro
About 40 miles one-way. Google Maps link
Route 9 between Bennington and Brattleboro is one of Vermont’s designated scenic byways, with lots of cultural amenities on either end.
Stop at the Hogback Mountain Country Store in Marlboro for the famous “100-mile view” overlook.
Stretch your legs at Molly Stark State Park, with a 1.7-mile hiking loop that brings you to the fire tower on Mount Olga.
For more activities and stops in this area, check out our Day Trips guide to Southern Vermont.
Add-ons:
- Visit Robert Frost’s house and final resting place. Frost’s house in Shaftsbury is now a museum owned by Bennington College and is open select days from spring to early fall. From November to April, you’ll have to make an appointment and perhaps pay an additional fee; see the museum website for more. After exploring the house, drive about 10 minutes south to the Bennington Centre Cemetery to pay respects (and perhaps read some poetry) at Frost’s gravesite.
- Browse a bookstore such as Bennington Bookshop or Everyone’s Books in Brattleboro.
- Take a historic walking tour of Bennington, where buildings date as far back as the 1760s. The town has shared a self-guided walking tour of 27 historic highlights. Architectural and Revolutionary War history buffs, rejoice.
- Check out the contemporary art exhibits at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. (Open Wednesday-Sunday, but check their website for special closure dates.)
Recommended listening:
Pleasant Valley scenic drive
Jeffersonville - Underhill
About 14 miles one way. Google Maps link
This route map looks a little wonky because we’re maximizing the views of Mount Mansfield. You’ll get a great view no matter which town you’re coming from: If you’re coming from Jeffersonville, you’ll see the mountain heading south on Lower Pleasant Valley Road. If you’re coming from Underhill Center, look for the view from Bryce Road.
Add-ons:
- Turn onto Pratt Road, and you’ll find apple picking (and on the weekends, fresh apple beignets) at Stony Grove in Jeffersonville.
- Get a meal at the Burger Barn in Jeffersonville (cash only) and its new ice cream shop/arcade neighbor, Old Tower Ice Cream — or buy a sandwich for the road at the Cupboard Deli.
- Take a detour into Cambridge as you listen to the Brave Little State episode about the story behind Pumpkin Harbor Road.
- Take a walk at the Peter A. Krusch Nature Preserve in Cambridge.
Ludlow-Weston
About 14 miles one-way. Google Maps link
Route 100 winds along the Jewell Brook and West River between Ludlow and Weston. Both towns are worth exploring.
Ludlow is a ski town; several shops will be happy to get you outfitted for the winter. You can also spend some time browsing the shelves at the Book Nook, an independent bookstore.
Weston is a well-known tourist destination. You can spend hours wandering the Vermont Country Store, the Weston Village Store or the Weston Village Christmas Shop. The Old Mill Museum is picturesque even when it’s closed.
Add-ons:
- Hike Okemo Mountain and take in the views from the fire tower.
- Visit the Benedictine Monks at Weston Priory outside of town to join in during a prayer time or take a meditative walk around the grounds.
- A 10-minute drive from Ludlow will bring you to Crowley Cheese in Mount Holly, one of the nation’s oldest cheese factories, to see how cheddar is made by hand — and, of course, taste it for yourself. Call ahead to confirm the cheesemaking schedule.
- Make it a whole cheesy day with a visit to the Plymouth Cheese Factory in Plymouth, which still uses its original 1890 cheddar recipe.
- Also in Plymouth is the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Spend some time with the words of his famous speech “Vermont is a State I Love.” (Open through Oct. 26.)
From the Green Mountain National Forest to the Upper Valley
Woodstock - Bethel - Rochester - Randolph
About 36 miles total. Google Maps link
The route between Rochester and Randolph is scenic and will take you across Rochester Gap (also known as Bethel Gap). Add on a spur through Bethel, Barnard and Woodstock to get deeper into the Upper Valley.
While you drive, here’s some recommended listening: A Rumble Strip episode that’s “a postcard from childhood,” and from Randolph.
Add-ons:
- Find Thai food at Saap restaurant in Randolph, whose chef won a James Beard Award in 2022.
- Walk around the village of Woodstock for a variety of shops and food options (expect tourist crowds).
- Drive about 15 minutes east of Woodstock to the Vermont Institute for Natural Science Nature Center and learn all about birds. Don’t miss their canopy walk.
Recommended listening: Finding God, and a place to pee, in East Barnard
Vermont Public's Favorite Fall Drives guide is sponsored by Adagio Chocolates of Middlebury, Vermont.
