Vermont Scenic Drives
More details of these scenic drives will be arriving soon.
Scenic drive directions are designed to be available on your mobile phone or
other devices as you travel.
But as cellular service may be sketchy with some carriers in rural Vermont, please feel free to print any or all the content.
Smugglers’ Notch Circular Scenic Drive
Smugglers’ Notch earned its name way back in 1807 when the Embargo Act prohibited trade with Britain and Canada and the residents of northern Vermont used this pass across Mount Mansfield to continue trading with their closest city, Montreal. Later the path was used as part of the Underground Railroad helping escaped slaves into Canada. And during Prohibition, a lot of whiskey found its way south through the Notch. This surprising scenic drive is a narrow road that winds its way around large boulders as it passes across Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. There are good hiking trails to enjoy, but just driving through is fun. The road is closed from late November through snow season, some time in April. This circular drive begins in Hyde Park, goes past the zip line canopy adventure Arbortrek, and visits a number of small towns including Stowe. Coming soon: Click here for printable directions for Smugglers’ Notch scenic drive.
Vermont Covered Bridge Scenic Drive
This drive is lovely in the summer, but spectacular when the fall foliage is turning Vermont’s hills and mountains into a scenic wonderland of color. The circular route with many covered bridges purposely returns to Hyde Park on Route 100 South to face the mountains and give you the best views.
Scenic Drive: Hyde Park to St. Johnsbury, Vermont
This is Vermont Route 15, otherwise known as The Grand Army of the Republic Highway, 40 scenic miles of Vermont farmland and small towns through rolling hills along the Lamoille River. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail follows pretty much the same path but meanders a bit more toting up 53 miles from its start in St. Johnsbury to the village of Hyde Park. The trail is reserved for non-motorized use until snow season when snow mobiles join hikers and cross-country skiers. Stops along this scenic drive include the Cabot cheese factory where you can taste a series of cheeses of different ages to find your favorite, a unique railroad covered bridge, and a charming library with a collection of Hudson River school landscape paintings. Click here for printable directions for the Hyde Park to St. Johnsbury scenic drive.