Stone Valley Byway
Unhurried and Unspoiled
Located in west-central Vermont, the verdant Stone Valley derives its name from some of America's most noted marble and slate quarries and mills. Stone created millions of years ago influenced how the region grew and continues to prosper today. The valley and its people also played important roles in the making of the American nation. These and other discoveries await the visitor.
Winding through the valley pasture-lands, flanked by mountain silhouettes and the shores of beautiful lakes, the Stone Valley Byway links outdoor recreation and historic village centers. Travelers enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, Nordic skiing, golfing, and wildlife-viewing, among many other recreational opportunities. Route 30 invites bicycle touring, and state parks like those on Lake St. Catherine and Lake Bomoseen provide year-round outdoor adventure. Rivers tempt anglers of all skill levels, and the marshes, conservation areas, forests and wildlife management areas provide an outdoor playground for nature enthusiasts.
Arts and history attractions include acclaimed theater at the Dorset Playhouse, a Revolutionary War battlefield historic site and the museums operated by the Poultney Historical Society. The work of local artists can be seen at outdoor installations, events, and sometimes at farmers markets where they're prominently displayed alongside fresh and local Vermont-grown produce from the many farms in the valley.
STONE VALLEY BYWAY MAP
Discover Vermont history, culture and outdoor recreation along the Stone Valley Byway. Find your way around with our map.
Chews & Brews
If you'd like to make local food and beverages part of your Stone Valley tour, this itinerary is for you. Summer and fall are great times for visiting farmers markets or farms like Consider Bardwell Farm, makers of award-winning cheese. Come late winter, Merck Forest's maple sugaring operation is open to visitors throughout the sap run. And anytime of year, be sure to check local shops for specialty food items.
History & Heritage
The Stone Valley is a uniquely rich region of history. Visitors can explore a range of history, from America’s best preserved Revolutionary War battlefields and some of Vermont's best Historical Society museums, to a guided forest walk through the remains of a once-thriving slate quarry and mill operation.