10 Easy Road Trips Near Essex Junction, Vermont (That Take You Out of Chittenden County)
If you live in or are visiting
Essex Junction, Vermont, you probably already know the local hot spots. But what if you want to get out of Chittenden County for the day and explore somewhere new?
The good news: within about an hour or so of Essex Junction, you’ll find lakeside towns, mountain views, covered bridges, craft breweries, and even a ferry ride over to New York State. All perfect for low-stress
Vermont day trips.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Essex Junction, focusing on nearby counties:
Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Washington (VT) and
Clinton, Essex (NY).
All distances are approximate and based on driving from Essex Junction.
1. Lake Champlain Islands Escape – Grand Isle County, VT
Looking for a lazy day by the water? Head north to the
Lake Champlain Islands in
Grand Isle County, about 35–45 minutes from Essex Junction.
You’ll cross over causeways and bridges with wide-open lake views that honestly feel a bit like the coast.
- Top stops: Grand Isle State Park, Sand Bar State Park, North Hero Village
- Drive time: Around 30–40 minutes
What to do:
- Spread out a blanket at Sand Bar State Park and dip your toes in the lake.
- Walk the quiet back roads in North Hero and admire the old farmhouses and lake cottages.
- Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from a lakeside pull-off.
On one of my last drives up there, I pulled over at a random roadside spot just to watch a storm roll across the water. It took maybe 20 minutes, but it felt like a whole mini-vacation.
2. Ferry Over to Plattsburgh, New York – Clinton County, NY
Want to make your day trip feel like more of an “adventure”? Take the
Essex Junction to Plattsburgh route and ride a
Lake Champlain ferry across the water.
- Drive time to ferry (Port Kent or Grand Isle): About 45–60 minutes
- Ferry ride: Roughly 15–30 minutes depending on route
In Plattsburgh (Clinton County):
- Stroll the downtown area with its small shops and cafes.
- Relax at the city beach when it’s warm out.
- Follow the historic walking trails and learn about the Battle of Plattsburgh.
The ferry ride alone is worth the trip. You can sit outside, feel the breeze, and watch the mountains of Vermont slowly slide into the distance.
3. Classic Vermont Charm in Stowe – Lamoille County, VT
You can’t talk about
things to do near Essex Junction without mentioning
Stowe in
Lamoille County. It’s about a 45-minute drive, and the ride itself is beautiful.
- Drive time: Around 40–50 minutes
Things to do in Stowe:
- Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path along the river.
- Drive the Auto Toll Road on Mount Mansfield (in season) for sweeping views.
- Explore the village, with its church steeple, galleries, and coffee shops.
If you’re visiting in fall, this drive feels like being inside a postcard. The foliage, the barns, the mountains—it’s about as “Vermont” as it gets.
4. Covered Bridges & Country Roads in Jeffersonville – Lamoille County, VT
Just past Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll find
Jeffersonville, another gem in
Lamoille County. It’s smaller and more low-key than Stowe, which can be a plus if you’re not into crowds.
- Drive time: About 45–55 minutes
What to see and do:
- Hunt for covered bridges in the area and snap some photos.
- Float the river in summer with a tube or kayak (check local outfitters).
- Grab a relaxed meal at a local café or pub.
If you like scenic drives, getting there via Route 15 is half the fun—rolling fields, old barns, and long stretches where you’re the only car around.
5. Historic Vergennes & Basin Harbor – Addison County, VT
Head south into
Addison County and visit
Vergennes, Vermont’s smallest city. It’s about 45–55 minutes from Essex Junction, and it makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
- Drive time: Around 45–55 minutes
Ideas for your day:
- Walk the compact downtown and browse local shops.
- Check out Vergennes Falls Park and watch the water rush over the dam.
- Continue out to Basin Harbor on Lake Champlain for lake views and a drink on the porch (in season).
It’s an easy-going kind of place. Think old brick buildings, a small main street, and people who will still hold a door open for you.
6. Classic College Town Vibes in Middlebury – Addison County, VT
Just a bit farther into
Addison County you’ll hit
Middlebury, home to Middlebury College and a lively, walkable downtown.
- Drive time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
Don’t miss:
- The old stone bridges and waterfalls right by downtown.
- A stroll through the campus—especially pretty in fall.
- Local bookstores, bakeries, and farm-to-table spots.
If you like a mix of history and youthful energy, Middlebury checks both boxes. It’s a perfect “wander around, grab coffee, sit on a bench and people-watch” kind of town.
7. Island Hopping & Birdwatching in North Hero & Isle La Motte – Grand Isle County, VT
If one Lake Champlain island isn’t enough, why not visit a few?
North Hero and
Isle La Motte in
Grand Isle County offer peaceful roads, quiet beaches, and big sky views over the lake.
- Drive time: About 50–70 minutes depending on the island
Things to do:
- Drive slowly along the shoreline roads and watch for herons and ospreys.
- Stop at small parks and boat launches to breathe in that fresh lake air.
- Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching—this area can be fantastic for it.
These islands are great if you’re craving quiet. Often, you’ll find more cows than cars.
8. Explore Vermont’s Capital – Montpelier, Washington County, VT
For a dose of history and small-city charm, head southeast to
Montpelier, the country’s smallest state capital, in
Washington County.
- Drive time: Around 45–55 minutes
In Montpelier you can:
- Walk around the Vermont State House and its gold dome.
- Stroll Main Street and State Street for bookstores, cafes, and local shops.
- Follow one of the short trails just outside town for a quick hike with a view.
Montpelier feels relaxed and approachable. You can park the car once and explore basically everything on foot, which is a nice break from driving.
9. Hiking & Brewery Time in Waterbury – Washington County, VT
On your way to or from Montpelier—or as its own trip—stop in
Waterbury, also in
Washington County. It’s a little over half an hour from Essex Junction, but remember: keep your stops outside Chittenden County lines.
- Drive time: About 35–45 minutes
Why go to Waterbury?
- Trailheads nearby for hiking and exploring the Green Mountains.
- Well-known breweries and eateries for a post-hike reward.
- A compact downtown with a genuine Vermont small-town feel.
If you’re the “hike in the morning, eat well in the afternoon” type, Waterbury makes a perfect day trip from Essex Junction.
10. Adirondack Gateway: Essex, New York – Essex County, NY
Cross Lake Champlain and step into a different vibe entirely: the
Adirondacks in
Essex County, New York. The town of
Essex, NY is a charming waterfront village with historic homes and a peaceful, almost timeless feel.
- Drive + ferry: About 1 to 1.5 hours depending on route and ferry schedule
What to do in Essex, NY:
- Stroll the quiet streets lined with old brick and stone buildings.
- Relax by the lakeshore and gaze back at the Vermont mountains.
- Use it as a starting point for deeper Adirondack adventures.
It feels just far enough away to feel “different,” but close enough that you can easily be back in Essex Junction by evening.
Tips for Planning Your Essex Junction Day Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Essex Junction, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the seasons: Some roads, ferries, and attractions are seasonal.
- Pack layers: Weather can change fast, especially near the lake and mountains.
- Bring snacks and water: There can be long stretches without many services.
- Gas up before you go: Especially if you’re heading toward the islands or into rural New York.
If you treat these trips like mini-adventures, even a simple 40-minute drive can feel special.
Final Thoughts – Start Exploring Beyond Essex Junction
Living in or visiting
Essex Junction, Vermont puts you in a sweet spot. In under an hour, you can be:
- Walking a beach on Lake Champlain
- Sipping coffee in a college town
- Hiking toward a mountain view
- Riding a ferry to another state
You don’t need a full week off or a massive budget. Just a half tank of gas, a loose plan, and a willingness to see what’s around the next bend in the road.
Now it’s your turn:
Where are you planning your first road trip from Essex Junction—Stowe, the Islands, Plattsburgh, or somewhere else?
Share your favorite out-of-county day trip ideas in the comments, and tell us what surprised you along the way.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy Vermont road trip ideas from Essex Junction.
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