10 Easy Road Trips from Barre, Vermont: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Washington County
Planning a stay in
Barre, Vermont and itching to explore a little farther than your own backyard? You’re in luck. Within about an hour or so of driving, you can hit mountain views, lake beaches, creamy maple creemees, craft beer, covered bridges, and some of the best small-town charm in New England.
The best part? All of these ideas are
outside Washington CountyAddison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Orange, so you can enjoy genuine
Vermont road trips without heading too far from Barre.
So fill up the gas tank, grab a coffee, and let’s hit the road.
1. Day on the Lake in Burlington (Chittenden County)
About an hour northwest of Barre,
Burlington feels like a small city with a laid-back college town vibe. It’s one of the most popular
day trips from Barre for good reason.
Things to do in Burlington:
- Stroll along Church Street Marketplace for shops, street performers, and outdoor dining.
- Walk or bike the Burlington Bike Path with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
- Relax at Waterfront Park. Pack a picnic, watch the boats, or just stretch out in the grass.
- In summer, hop on a boat cruise for sunset over the lake.
If you’re coming from Barre, it’s an easy highway drive, and you can park once and spend the whole day on foot. It’s a nice balance of city energy and lakeside calm.
2. Farm & Food Adventure in Shelburne (Chittenden County)
Just south of Burlington,
Shelburne is a sweet spot for families, foodies, and anyone who loves classic Vermont scenery.
Don’t miss:
- Shelburne Farms – A historic working farm on Lake Champlain with walking trails, barn animals, and award‑winning cheese. Kids love the barns; adults love the views.
- Shelburne Museum – A huge outdoor museum with historic buildings, a lake steamboat, vintage carousel, and Americana art. You can easily spend half a day wandering here.
If you’ve ever wanted that “storybook Vermont” feel — rolling fields, lake vistas, big old barns — Shelburne hits it. From Barre, plan on about 1 to 1¼ hours of drive time.
3. Mountain Escape in Stowe (Lamoille County)
When people picture “Vermont,” they often picture
StoweThings to do in Stowe:
- Drive the scenic Mountain Road toward Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
- Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path, a flat paved trail that winds along rivers and fields.
- Visit Stowe Village for boutiques, coffee shops, and local art galleries.
- In winter, hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort; in fall, soak in the foliage.
If you’re short on time, this makes a perfect afternoon trip: drive up, stroll the rec path, grab dinner, and head back to Barre the same evening.
4. Classic Small-Town Charm in Morrisville (Lamoille County)
Just north of Stowe,
Morrisville gets less attention but is a relaxed, affordable, and easygoing stop.
Why go to Morrisville?
- Walk or bike a stretch of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, one of Vermont’s longest rail trails.
- Grab a bite at a local café or diner and chat with folks who actually live there year‑round.
- Use it as a quieter base if you want to visit Stowe without the crowds.
If Stowe feels a bit too busy, Morrisville is like its laid‑back cousin just down the road.
5. Scenic Drive & Covered Bridges in Waitsfield & Warren (Washington Border / Mad River Valley Access via Lamoille/Chittenden)
While the Mad River Valley itself dips into Washington County, you can easily approach the area via surrounding counties and enjoy an incredible
Vermont scenic drive.
Route ideas:
- Drive over App Gap (Route 17) from the Addison County side for twisting mountain roads and big views.
- Follow the roads along the Mad River for swimming holes in warm months.
- Stop at one of the region’s covered bridges for photos — they look straight out of a postcard.
If you love winding roads and don’t mind a few hairpin turns, this loop is one of the best short
Vermont road trips near Barre.
6. Lakes & College-Town Vibes in Middlebury (Addison County)
Roughly an hour and 15 minutes from Barre, the drive to
Middlebury takes you through farmland, river valleys, and rolling hills. It’s home to Middlebury College, so it has a nice mix of culture and small‑town comfort.
Top things to do in Middlebury:
- Walk around downtown Middlebury and check out the waterfall on Otter Creek.
- Visit nearby wineries and cideries for tastings with mountain views.
- Take a short drive to access Lake Dunmore for swimming, kayaking, or just a quiet shore walk.
If you’re into history, art, and local food, Middlebury makes a mellow but rewarding day trip from Barre.
7. Maple, Cheese, and Views in the Addison County Countryside
You don’t have to stick to towns. A simple
back‑roads drive through Addison County can be a highlight all on its own.
Along the way, look for:
- Roadside stands selling maple syrup, farm eggs, and seasonal produce.
- Dairy farms that produce famous Vermont cheeses.
- Pull‑offs with open views of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west.
Think of this as a “choose your own adventure” day: turn down a promising country road, follow your nose to a farm store, and stop whenever the view makes you say “wow.”
8. Covered Bridges & Old‑School Vermont in Thetford & Bradford (Orange County)
To the southeast of Barre,
Orange County holds a string of small towns that feel a bit like stepping back in time.
Trip ideas in Orange County:
- Visit Thetford and nearby villages for classic white church steeples and scenic back roads.
- Stop in Bradford for a walk along Main Street and views of the Connecticut River Valley.
- Hunt for covered bridges and quiet country cemeteries with centuries‑old stones.
If you like a slower pace and old New England architecture, this is a peaceful direction to point your car for the day.
9. History & River Views in Wells River & Newbury (Orange / Caledonia Edge)
Head east from Barre and you’ll reach the borderland between
Orange County and Caledonia County, where the Connecticut River forms Vermont’s eastern edge.
What to do there:
- Stroll through small river towns like Wells River and Newbury.
- Look for historic markers that tell stories from the early days of Vermont settlement.
- Enjoy gentle river views and quiet, almost traffic‑free roads.
This is a good option if you’re not into crowds and want an easy, low‑stress day trip from Barre.
10. Hiking & Country Roads Near St. Johnsbury (Caledonia County)
About 45 minutes to an hour northeast of Barre,
St. Johnsbury is a gateway to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and makes a nice mix of town and outdoors.
Ideas around St. Johnsbury:
- Walk town streets with historic Victorian‑era architecture.
- Head out on nearby hiking trails in Caledonia County for wooded walks and rolling hill views.
- Use St. Johnsbury as a starting point to explore deeper into the Northeast Kingdom if you have more time.
It’s a straightforward drive from Barre, making it easy to go up for the day and be back by dinner.
Tips for Planning Your Barre, VT Road Trips
A few quick pointers to keep your
Vermont day trips from Barre running smoothly:
- Check the season. Some attractions are seasonal, and mountain roads can be tricky in winter.
- Fuel up in town. Rural areas can have long stretches without gas stations.
- Pack layers. Even in summer, evenings can get cool in the mountains.
- Bring cash. Small farm stands and honor‑system roadside spots may not take cards.
Road tripping around Vermont is less about rushing and more about wandering. If a dirt road looks interesting, try it. If a farm stand has maple creemees, stop. These little surprises often become the best memories.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Barre?
Have you taken any of these
short road trips from Barre, Vermont? Did I miss a must‑see spot in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, or Orange County?
I’d love to hear:
- Where you went
- What you did there
- Any secret stops you’re willing to share
Drop a comment with your favorite drives and day‑trip tips. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a visit to Barre. Your shares and stories help other travelers discover new corners of Vermont, one back road at a time.
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