What Are the Best Scenic Vermont Drives?

Top 3 Scenic Vermont Drives

Recognized for its unparalleled country landscapes and stunning mountains, Vermont is home to some of the most beautiful driving routes in the country. If you plan on exploring this intriguing state by car, you should add some of these scenic Vermont drives to your list of things to do. To discover even more destinations with stunning natural sights, check our Select Registry properties near natural wonders. You can experience some of the country’s most unusual rock formations and mountainous hikes while staying in a unique property.

Stone Valley Scenic Byway

The Stone Valley Scenic Byway runs along Vermont’s Route 30 from Manchester through Hubbardton. Along the way, you’ll pass several serene lakes and majestic pastures surrounded by towering mountains looming over the valley in the distance. During your drive, you can stop at one of the rivers or lakes for a quick swim or pack up your fishing gear and spend a couple hours trying your luck on the water. Don’t miss the many Vermont country stores you’ll pass as your enter several quaint villages on your journey. If you’re planning to stop in the area for the night, you can check out one of these Select Registry properties along the route.

Where to Stay Along the Stone Valley Scenic Byway

Barrows House: Located in Dorset, the Barrows House is right on Route 30 in the midst of a quintessential Vermont town. Enjoy a few nights in one of the beautifully decorated 27 rooms. In the evening, dine at the on-side restaurant, then unwind at the inn’s taproom. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis courts, and intricately landscaped gardens.

The Inn at Ormsby Hill: Also found along the Stone Valley Scenic Byway in Manchester Center, the Inn at Ormsby Hill is a gorgeous property with a long history. From the grounds, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Green Mountains, and you can spend the afternoon exploring the property before dining in the conservatory.

The Dorset Inn: Another Dorset property, this inn is the longest consecutively running lodge in the state, operating for more than 220 years. A traditional New England Inn, the Dorset Inn is a romantic property with charm and personality.

The Inn at Manchester: No matter what time of year you decide to visit the Inn at Manchester, you’ll discover raw, Vermont beauty all around you. In the winter, explore the snowy town and spend a day skiing. During the warmer months, embark on a hike through the nearby Green or Taconic mountains after you’ve cruised down the Stone Valley Scenic Byway.

Connecticut River National Byway

Running along the border of Vermont and New Hampshire, the Connecticut River is a beautiful sight to behold with an equally beautiful scenic byway that follows the water. If you’re planning to stay near the New Hampshire border on your trip to Vermont, you should certainly add this drive to your list of things to do. The only National Byway in Vermont, this route features historical sites, outdoor recreational activities, and even performing arts centers. Make your drive a full-day activity and plan several stops along the way to fully experience the culture of the area.

Where to Stay Along the Connecticut River National Byway

Inn on Putney Road:Located right along the gorgeous Connecticut River, the Inn on Putney Road is a charming, quintessential Vermont property featuring six expertly decorated rooms. From this convenient location, you’ll have easy access to the downtown area of nearby Brattleboro as well as the river itself. You can spend your mornings or evenings strolling through the inn’s gardens, playing a game of pool in the billiards room, or unwinding in the onsite hot tub.

Lake Champlain Byway

Much like the Connecticut River National Byway, the Lake Champlain Byway follows this large body of water along one of Vermont’s borders. However, this beautiful route runs along the northern border between Vermont and Canada. Lake Champlain is one of the most famous bodies of water in the state, spanning the length of 120 miles with a width of 12 miles at its widest point. From this route, considered on of the best scenic drives in Vermont, you’ll see unparalleled views of the Green Mountain state’s most beautiful lake. If you’re visiting the area in the summer, throw on your swimsuit and take a dip in the water along the route.

Where to Stay Along the Lake Champlain Byway

Swift House Inn: From Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont, you can pick up the Lake Champlain Byway and opt to follow the entire 81-mile route or drive part of the way before turning back. At Swift House Inn, you’ll have the unique opportunity to spend a few nights in the former governor’s mansion, which has been converted into a 20-room inn located on four acres of land with beautiful gardens. From this property, you’ll be able to easily enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, including biking through the Champlain Valley, hiking around the Green Mountains, and fishing in one of the area’s streams or rivers.

Stay Select!

While deciding which scenic drive in Vermont you plan to embark on during your stay, don’t forget to browse our other Select Registry Vermont properties. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful, rustic state is on a road trip. Make your way through the landscape and book your stays with Select Registry properties along the way for a more personalized experience.