Scenic Drives

Vermont’s classic New England scenic routes are the meandering kind, taking drivers through historic downtowns and past bucolic farmlands. With plenty of places to stop along the way, including general stores, farm stands, and classic covered bridges, there’s much to discover. Gaps and mountain passes, with their winding curves and long-range scenery, wow at every turn. Vermont’s auto toll roads, lead right to the top of some of Vermont’s highest peaks, making summit views accessible by car. Byways and back roads are some of the best ways to explore the state.

The covered bridges of the Green Mountains star on postcards, on social media and in stories about our state for a reason – they’re beautiful, historic and unique. Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges dating from 1820, boasting more covered bridges per square mile than any other U.S state.

Motorcycle riders will discover thrilling curves that cradle lakes and wrap around mountains leading past bucolic farms and through historic downtowns. Some of the best routes? The 200-mile Green Mountain Byway runs through the center of Vermont from north to south, with views and places to stop aplenty. The gently curving Route 5 hugs Lake Willoughby, Vermont’s deepest lake, whose skyline is defined by the rugged mounts Pisgah and Hor, affording riders plenty to see along the way. The Lake Champlain Byway’s mostly flat terrain takes motorcyclists on a scenic tour of the Champlain Islands, offering a west-coast feel right here in the East. Scenic Route 9, the Molly Stark Byway, is famous for its pleasure cruising, passing historical monuments and other landmarks, including the highest village in Vermont.

Remember, motorcyclists are required by Vermont law to wear helmets.

Vermont’s roads are beautiful, and part of that beauty is how quickly conditions can change. In the winter, some mountain passes and gap roads close for the season. Some dirt roads are considered Class 4, which means they aren’t maintained in the winter for traffic, whereas roads classed 1-3 are. In the winter, snow tires are strongly recommended, and it’s important never to drive too fast for conditions. As winter melts into spring, “mud season” means many dirt roads are soft and might not be safe to drive on until they solidify. With spotty cell service in parts of the state, your phone’s GPS may not work; order a free paper map as a backup. Vermont is home to hundreds of public electric vehicle charging stations.