10 Easy Road Trips From Montpelier, Vermont (All Outside Washington County)
Looking for fun
day trips from Montpelier, VT that get you out of town but don’t require an overnight stay? You’re in the perfect spot. Montpelier may be the nation’s smallest capital city, but it’s surrounded by some of the best scenery, food, and small-town charm in Vermont.
The best part? Most of these drives are an hour or less, so you can be home before dark.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Montpelier, all in nearby counties: Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Orange. No Washington County stops here—so you’ll truly feel like you “got away” for the day.
1. Burlington Waterfront & Church Street – Chittenden County
If you only make one road trip from Montpelier, let it be
Burlington, about 40–50 minutes northwest.
Stroll along the
Burlington Waterfront on Lake Champlain and you’ll see why visitors fall in love with this place. The boardwalk feels almost like a small seaside town, with boats in the marina, people biking by, and a soft breeze coming off the water.
Then head up the hill to
Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only downtown street lined with:
- Local shops and outdoor gear stores
- Street performers and live music (especially in summer)
- Patio dining with great people-watching
On a hot day, grab a maple creemee and wander between the lake and the shops. It’s an easygoing way to spend an afternoon and a classic
Vermont road trip from Montpelier.
2. Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms – Chittenden County
Just south of Burlington,
Shelburne packs a lot into a small area and makes a great full-day outing.
Start at the
Shelburne Museum, a huge outdoor museum spread across dozens of historic buildings. It feels more like wandering a little village than walking through galleries. You’ll find:
- A preserved steamboat you can walk on
- Quirky folk art and classic New England buildings
- Gardens and walking paths
After a few hours there, drive a few minutes to
Shelburne Farms, a working farm and historic estate on Lake Champlain. Highlights include:
- Walking trails with wide-open lake views
- Farm animals the kids will love
- Farm-made cheese and local snacks
It’s one of those places where time slows down. If you’re coming from Montpelier, leave in the morning, pack some snacks, and enjoy a long, relaxing day by the lake.
3. Stowe Village & Recreation Path – Lamoille County
Stowe is about 35–45 minutes from Montpelier and might be the most famous mountain town in Vermont. And there’s plenty to do even if you’re not skiing.
Park near downtown and explore:
- Stowe Village – Classic white church steeple, small boutiques, and cafés
- Stowe Recreation Path – A paved path stretching several miles along a river, perfect for walking, biking, or pushing a stroller
- Scenic bridges and meadows with mountain views
In fall, the foliage here is almost unreal. In summer, the rec path is perfect for a lazy afternoon walk. Bring a sandwich, take your time, and let the pace of life slow down a notch.
If you like photography, this is an easy win. Every turn seems to have another postcard view.
4. Smugglers’ Notch Road & Mountain Views – Lamoille County
Just beyond Stowe, the drive through
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most dramatic short drives you can take from Montpelier.
This narrow mountain pass winds between giant boulders and steep cliffs. In some spots, the road twists so sharply you’ll want to slow to a crawl—and that’s part of the fun.
What to do along the way:
- Stop at pull-offs to snap photos of the cliffs and rocks
- Stretch your legs on short hikes from the road
- Look for rock climbers on the ledges in warmer months
Note: This road is usually closed in winter, so it’s best in late spring, summer, and fall. If you enjoy scenic mountain drives, this short trip alone is worth leaving Montpelier for half a day.
5. Warren & Lincoln Gaps Scenic Loop – Addison & Washington/Border Area
While the gaps touch Washington County, the real payoff is on the
Addison County side, and you can build your loop to spend your time there.
The combo of
Lincoln Gap Road and
Middlebury Gap offers classic Vermont mountain scenery:
- Dense woods that open into sweeping vistas
- Twisty mountain roads that feel like a mini-adventure
- Access to hiking trails and quiet roadside pull-offs
On the Addison side, you can dip into small towns like Lincoln or stop near the Middlebury area for food and a stroll (just be sure you’re crossing the county line—Montpelier itself sits in Washington, but your fun is on the other side).
If you like Sunday drives, this makes a perfect
“windows down, no rush” kind of outing.
6. Middlebury’s College Town Charm – Addison County
Middlebury is a classic New England college town about an hour from Montpelier. It has just enough going on to fill a day, without feeling crowded.
Things to check out:
- Downtown Middlebury – Small shops, cozy cafés, and views of the waterfall on Otter Creek
- Middlebury College campus – Walk the grounds, admire the stone buildings, and enjoy the open lawns
- Local breweries or cider spots if that’s your thing
On one visit, I spent over 20 minutes just watching the water rush over the falls downtown. It’s the kind of simple moment you don’t plan, but remember later.
If you’re looking for a mellow, walkable place for lunch and wandering, this is one of the best
day trips near Montpelier.
7. Quechee Gorge & Quechee Village – Orange County Area
Swinging southeast from Montpelier, you can explore
Quechee Gorge, often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” While the gorge itself is in Windsor County, you’ll pass through
Orange County towns and can tie in Orange County stops on the way, making it a natural out-of-county adventure.
At the gorge, you can:
- Walk across the bridge and look straight down into the rocky chasm
- Follow trails down toward the river (steeper, but worth it if you’re able)
- Check out nearby shops and classic Vermont general store vibes
It’s an easy spot to stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the sound of rushing water. If you’re traveling with kids, they usually love the view from the bridge.
8. Groton State Forest Lakes & Trails – Caledonia/Orange Border
Northeast of Montpelier, near the line between
Caledonia County and
Orange County, you’ll find the lakes and forests of the Groton area. This region is dotted with small state parks and quiet ponds.
Depending on which park you pick, you can:
- Swim at a sandy lakeshore in summer
- Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle across calm water
- Follow short hiking trails to overlooks and picnic spots
It’s an easy half-day or full-day trip if you love being outdoors but don’t need big crowds or long hikes. Pack a cooler, some folding chairs, and maybe a book, and you’re set.
9. Littleton & the Vermont–New Hampshire Border Drive – Caledonia Area Gateway
Heading toward the northeast, Montpelier connects you to
Caledonia County and beyond. One fun idea is to use Caledonia County as your gateway and drive into neighboring New Hampshire border towns like Littleton for a cross-state outing.
Why go?
- The drive takes you through classic Vermont farmland and rolling hills
- You’ll pass through small Caledonia County communities that feel frozen in time
- The border area offers fun, walkable downtowns and river views
Think of this trip as a relaxed “just drive and see what we find” route. Stop where something catches your eye—a roadside stand, a country store, or a view you can’t resist photographing.
10. Scenic Back Roads Through Orange County Villages
If you want a very low-key day—no major attractions, no big crowds—consider a simple
Orange County back-roads loop.
What makes this special isn’t one single sight, but the whole experience:
- Small villages with white churches and old cemeteries
- Rolling fields, red barns, and those classic New England stone walls
- Quiet dirt roads where you might not see another car for miles
Bring a paper map or download offline maps before you go, then just wander. Stop for photos, pull over at covered bridges, and let the day unfold. It’s the perfect kind of road trip if you’ve been staring at screens all week and need to breathe again.
Tips for Planning Your Montpelier Road Trips
To make these
day trips from Montpelier smoother:
- Check road conditions – Mountain gaps and back roads can close in winter or mud season.
- Fill up on gas in town – Some rural stretches have no stations for a while.
- Pack layers – Weather in the hills changes fast, even in summer.
- Bring snacks and water – Especially for routes with fewer services.
If you’re coming from out of state, these short drives are a nice way to see more of Vermont without packing and unpacking your suitcase every night.
Where Will Your Next Montpelier Road Trip Take You?
Living in or visiting Montpelier means you’re never far from mountains, lakes, and small towns that feel like they belong on a postcard. Whether you’re into scenic drives, easy hikes, lake days, or cute downtowns, there’s an
out-of-county day trip waiting just down the road.
Have you tried any of these routes from Montpelier? Do you have a favorite back road, small town, or secret swimming hole nearby?
Please share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your own tips and must-see spots near Montpelier. And if you found this guide helpful,
share it with friends or family planning a Vermont trip so they can start dreaming up their own road adventures too.
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