Summer is one of the best times to explore Vermont by car. From rolling Green Mountains and peaceful lakes to charming small towns, covered bridges, and scenic country roads, the state offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, these best Vermont summer road trips will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the state.
Pack some snacks, create a playlist, and get ready to discover scenic routes and memorable stops across Vermont.
Why Take a Vermont Summer Road Trip?
Vermont is especially beautiful during the summer months, when the mountains are green, the lakes are inviting, and outdoor attractions are in full swing. A road trip also gives you the freedom to explore beyond the state’s most popular destinations.
One of the best things about Vermont summer road trips is that you can combine scenic drives with hiking, swimming, local food, shopping, and sightseeing. You can spend the morning exploring a mountain town and the afternoon relaxing beside a lake.
1. Take a Scenic Drive Along Vermont Route 100
Vermont Route 100 is one of the most popular choices for travelers looking for a scenic Vermont road trip. The route runs through much of the state and passes near mountain towns, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation areas.
Along the way, consider stopping in towns such as Stowe, Waterbury, Warren, and Ludlow. You can also find hiking trails, local restaurants, farm stands, and scenic viewpoints along the route.
Why visit: Mountain scenery, charming towns, outdoor activities, and plenty of photo opportunities.
2. Explore the Green Mountain Byway
The Green Mountain Byway is another excellent option for anyone searching for the best scenic drives in Vermont. The route connects several popular communities, including Stowe and Waterbury, while offering beautiful views of the Green Mountains.
Spend some time exploring Stowe before continuing your drive. You can enjoy local restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and scenic mountain views.
Why visit: Great combination of mountain scenery, Vermont towns, food, and outdoor activities.
3. Discover Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch
A summer drive through Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch is perfect for travelers who want mountain scenery without spending the entire day behind the wheel.
Start in Stowe and explore the town before heading toward Smugglers’ Notch. The narrow mountain pass features dramatic rock formations and forested surroundings.
Keep in mind that Smugglers’ Notch has restrictions for certain vehicles, so check current road conditions before planning your drive.
Why visit: Mountain views, hiking, scenic roads, and one of Vermont’s most distinctive landscapes.
4. Take a Lake Champlain Road Trip
For a different type of summer experience, head toward Lake Champlain. The area around the lake offers beautiful water views, waterfront communities, parks, and opportunities for boating and other outdoor activities.
Burlington is a natural stop along the way. Spend time walking around the waterfront, exploring local shops, or enjoying a meal before continuing your drive.
Why visit: Lake views, waterfront attractions, Burlington, parks, and summer activities.
5. Drive Through the Northeast Kingdom
If you want to get away from busy tourist areas, consider exploring Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. This region is known for its peaceful countryside, forests, lakes, and small communities.
Lake Willoughby is one of the area’s standout destinations. Its dramatic mountain surroundings make it an excellent place to stop, take photographs, hike, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Why visit: Peaceful roads, lakes, mountains, and a quieter Vermont experience.
6. Explore Route 30 and Southern Vermont
Southern Vermont offers another great option for a summer road trip. Route 30 takes you through scenic countryside and charming communities, making it a relaxing choice for a weekend drive.
Consider exploring areas around Manchester, Dorset, and nearby Green Mountain destinations. You will find historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, hiking opportunities, and beautiful rural scenery.
Why visit: Small towns, mountain landscapes, shopping, dining, and classic Vermont scenery.
7. Plan a Covered Bridge Road Trip
Vermont is famous for its historic covered bridges, and visiting several of them can turn into a fun summer road trip.
Create your own route and combine covered bridges with nearby towns, farms, hiking trails, and local restaurants. This is particularly enjoyable if you love photography or want a slower-paced day exploring the countryside.
Why visit: Historic architecture, scenic landscapes, photography, and Vermont charm.
8. Make the Most of a Vermont Lake Road Trip
Summer is an ideal time to explore Vermont’s lakes. Lake Willoughby, Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen, and other lakes around the state offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
Instead of choosing only one destination, plan a route that includes several scenic lake stops.
Why visit: Swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, and beautiful summer scenery.
9. Explore Vermont’s Mountain Towns
Some of the best places to drive in Vermont are found around its mountain towns. Stowe, Killington, Manchester, Waitsfield, and other communities offer easy access to scenic roads and outdoor attractions.
A mountain-town road trip can be as active or relaxing as you want. Stop for breakfast, explore local shops, take a short hike, and finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Why visit: Mountain views, local businesses, hiking, dining, and small-town experiences.
10. Take a Waterfall-Focused Road Trip
Summer is also a great time to include waterfalls in your Vermont road trip. Several waterfalls are located near hiking trails and scenic roads, making it easy to combine driving and outdoor adventures.
Plan a route around a few waterfalls and allow enough time for hiking and photography. Always check trail conditions and parking information before heading out.
Why visit: Hiking, waterfalls, forests, and refreshing summer scenery.
A Simple Vermont Summer Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a sample Vermont summer road trip itinerary that combines mountains, lakes, small towns, and scenic roads.
Day 1: Stowe and Waterbury
- Explore downtown Stowe
- Visit local shops and restaurants
- Drive through the surrounding mountain area
- Stop in Waterbury for food or local attractions
Day 2: Route 100 and Central Vermont
- Start your drive along Route 100
- Stop at scenic viewpoints
- Explore a small Vermont town
- Visit a local farm or covered bridge
- Finish the day near Warren or another nearby community
Day 3: Lake Champlain
- Head toward Burlington
- Explore the waterfront
- Enjoy a lakeside meal
- Visit a nearby park
- Watch the sunset over Lake Champlain
You can easily adjust this itinerary depending on your interests, starting point, and how much time you have.
Tips for Planning Vermont Summer Road Trips
Before heading out, a little preparation can make your trip much more enjoyable.
Check road conditions: Mountain roads can have seasonal restrictions or changing conditions.
Start early: Popular scenic destinations can become busy during summer weekends.
Plan fuel stops: Some rural areas have fewer gas stations and services.
Pack for outdoor activities: Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and layers are useful for summer adventures.
Leave time for stops: Don’t make your itinerary too packed. Some of the best Vermont experiences come from unexpected stops at farm stands, viewpoints, small towns, and local businesses.
Respect the countryside: Stay on marked trails, follow parking rules, and help keep Vermont’s natural areas clean.
Final Thoughts
From Route 100 and the Green Mountain Byway to Lake Champlain and the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont offers countless ways to enjoy a scenic summer drive.
The best road trips in Vermont aren’t just about reaching a destination—they’re about enjoying the mountains, lakes, small towns, farms, and local experiences along the way.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a multi-day adventure, these places to visit on a Vermont road trip can help you build a memorable summer itinerary.
So, grab your map, choose a route, and start exploring Vermont this summer.
