72 Hours in Vermont’s Upper Green Mountains Region
Craft breweries, country stores, and covered bridges
Whenever you visit Vermont’s Upper Green Mountains — in summer for lush peaks or winter for snow-covered slopes — the region holds some of the most dramatic landscapes around. Within this mountainous terrain, you’ll find plenty of culture and charm in the form of craft breweries, country stores, and covered bridges.
Whether you’re planning a summer bike trip or a cozy winter getaway, activities abound throughout Vermont’s most mountainous stretch.
Day one
Biking Through Bucolic Landscapes on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
You could spend a full day hitting the gravel. Northern Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (that’s LVRT to locals) covers 93 miles and passes through 18 towns. This four-season, multi-purpose trail can be divided into various shorter segments; today, we’ll bike the Upper Green Mountains route between Jeffersonville and Morristown. As for logistics, you can either bring your own bike or rent one locally. Johnson-based Lamoille Valley Bike Tours offers both rentals and a shuttle service that allows for one-way biking.
Starting in Jeffersonville, you can grab coffee from the woman-owned Espresso on Main and perhaps scope out Burger Barn, a delicious dinner option for your journey back. Heading eastward on the LVRT, make sure to stop and admire the Historic Cambridge Junction Covered Bridge outside of town. Built in 1887, the bridge originally connected communities on either side of the Lamoille River, and it’s now one of the most photogenic landmarks along the trail.
In Johnson, the Butternut Mountain Farm Store sells an array of maple products — a quintessential Vermont souvenir. If you’ve already worked up a more substantial appetite, stop at Jenna’s Café, or save your lunch break for Hyde Park’s Two Sons Bakehouse.
The next stop is Morristown, where you can visit the Noyes House Museum — open Thursday through Saturday — and grab a pint from Lost Nation Brewing. For something sweet, nearby bakeries include Thompson’s Flour Shop and the popular North Country Donuts (open Friday through Sunday — order online that morning to pick up your donuts before noon).
From here, you could extend your ride into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, stopping in Hardwick for even more dining options. On the way, you’ll also encounter a piece of history in the town of Wolcott. Decommissioned as of 1994, the Fisher Covered Bridge ranks as the last operational covered railroad bridge in the US.
Explore New England’s Longest Rail Trail with Mirna
Surrounded by rolling hills and open farmland, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail connects 93 miles of beautiful scenery and idyllic towns like Cambridge and Jeffersonville. Join Mirna Valerio, a.k.a. “The Mirnavator,” for a ride on this accessible and scenic trail.
Day two
Exploring Stowe and Waterbury, From Hikes to Pints
Today unfolds with opportunities to discover your favorite adventures in Stowe and Waterbury. The morning’s first decision? Spicy or sweet, as your breakfast choices include jalapeño cheddar pancakes from Butler’s Pantry or pastries from Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe.
After breakfast, curate the day according to your interests. A ski town, Stowe thrives in winter, but its summer offerings beckon too. Hike, bike, or ride the gondola up Stowe Mountain in the warm season. If yesterday whetted your appetite for cycling but mountain biking isn’t your speed, check out the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile greenway. Winding through the downtown district, the path is peppered with places to shop, sip, and snack, creating a backdrop that can easily fill a whole afternoon.
For a leisurely outing, linger downtown and pop into Lake Champlain Chocolates, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, and The Current contemporary art museum. Keeping in theme with yesterday’s LVRT adventure, grab lunch at Ranch Camp, a bike shop–restaurant hybrid, and don’t miss the Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge on Stowe’s outskirts.
Just a few miles away, Waterbury welcomes you with your choice of pint — either filled with craft beer at Prohibition Pig Brewery or ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s. For an introduction to town, stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or pick up cheeses from the Cabot Creamery Store. If you’re up for a hike, take that cheddar to the aptly named Hunger Mountain Trailhead, or try the Monroe Trail at Camel’s Hump State Park.
The Ben & Jerry’s factory makes for a sweet stop in Waterbury. Take a guided tour and visit the graveyard of retired flavors, then nurse a cone from the on-site scoop shop. When you’re ready to switch from a feast for the taste buds to a feast for the eyes, check out the art at The Phoenix Gallery & Music Hall. For dinner in town, make a reservation at Hen of the Wood or Salt & Rind.
Day three
Markets, Mountains, and Modern Art in the Mad River Valley
As a four-season destination with two ski resorts, ample swimming holes, and forests with fall foliage or spring flowers, the Mad River Valley presents a blank canvas for your travels. In the summer, waterfalls and swimming holes — including Warren Falls, Lareau Swimming Hole, and Great Eddy Swimming Hole — prove the point. You can also rent kayaks or canoes to explore Blueberry Lake and take a guided kayak trip on the region’s namesake Mad River.
You have just as many options when it comes to trails, as the Upper Green Mountains region knows how to make use of its landscapes. At Burnt Rock Mountain Trail, for instance, visitors lace up hiking boots or strap on crampons or snowshoes, depending on the season. If you’re visiting Vermont for its slopes, head to Sugarbush or Mad River Glen to hit the ski trails.
Come lunchtime, try Waitsfield’s Toast & Eggs Restaurant or the James Beard-nominated Canteen Creemee Company. Vermont’s farm shops, which include the Warren Store and 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions, specialize in local products. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can’t beat a farm-fresh stop like the Waitsfield Farmers Market — located on the Mad River Green on Saturdays — or the von Trapp Farmstead.
For your last night in the Upper Green Mountains, conjure your creativity. The Mad River Valley nurtures an artist community — pay a visit to Waitsfield’s Bundy Modern, Artisans’ Gallery, and Mad River Glass Gallery, as well as Warren’s Moosewalk Studios and Gallery.
The artistry also extends to food. This evening, snag a table at Madbush Falls or Mad River Barn, both of which host live performers on select nights. Or try Scrag & Roe for Asian-inspired shareables.
Where to Stay in Vermont’s Upper Green Mountains
You can reserve a room at Jeffersonville’s Sterling Ridge Resort or Hyde Park’s Governor’s House, or find several accommodation options in Stowe, including the Stone Hill Inn and the upscale Edson Hill. Stowe also maintains mountain lodges and family-friendly resorts, such as The Lodge at Spruce Peak Hyatt, Field Guide Lodge, and von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Stowe Motel & Snowdrift.
If you’re basing yourself in Waterbury, the Old Stagecoach Inn maintains a comfortable, yet historic, ambiance. In Mad River Valley, bed and breakfasts include The Pitcher Inn and The Mad River Inn, while Hostel Tevere provides dormitory-style rooms. No matter where you stay, you’ll never be far from the region’s best adventures.