10 Easy Road Trips from Derby Line, Vermont: Best Things To Do Just Beyond Orleans County
If you’re based in
Derby Line, Vermont in Orleans County and you’re itching for a quick escape, you’re in a sweet spot. Within about an hour or so, you can hit charming small towns, mountain views, waterfalls, covered bridges, and quiet lakes—without needing a passport or a full tank of gas.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips to nearby counties in Vermont, focusing on:
- Caledonia County
- Essex County
- Franklin County
- Lamoille County
No stops in Orleans County itself—these are all
near Derby Line, not in it.
Whether you’ve got half a day or a full weekend, these drives offer simple, laid-back fun and plenty of classic Vermont scenery.
1. St. Johnsbury (Caledonia County): Museums, Maple, and Main Street Wandering
St. Johnsbury is one of the best
easy road trips from Derby Line. It’s a small town with a surprising amount to do, especially if you like history and old-school charm.
Why go: You get a walkable downtown, a top-notch museum, and green spaces—all in one spot.
Highlights:
- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – A classic Vermont museum with natural history exhibits, old-school curiosities, and a small planetarium. Great for kids and adults who like “old cabinet of wonders” vibes.
- St. Johnsbury Athenaeum – A historic library and art gallery. Step inside for the painted ceilings, woodwork, and quiet reading nooks.
- Maple tastings – Look for local maple shops or roadside stands. It’s Vermont—you’re never far from something maple-flavored.
If you like slow mornings, this is a perfect
day trip from Derby Line: stroll Main Street, grab coffee, linger in the museum, then head back before dark.
2. Burke Mountain & East Burke (Caledonia County): Bikes, Hikes, and Big Views
If you’re craving some mountain time, head to the
Burke Mountain / East Burke area. It feels like a tiny mountain village tucked into the hills.
What to do:
- Drive up Burke Mountain (when the auto road is open) for sweeping views of the Northeast Kingdom. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
- Hiking – There are trails for different levels. Pack water and a light jacket; mountain weather can change faster than you’d think.
- Kingdom Trails (in season) – Famous mountain biking and fat biking trails. Even if you’re not riding, it’s fun to see the bike scene around town.
If you’re used to flat roads, these winding mountain drives feel like a mini adventure—without having to drive all day.
3. Danville & Joe’s Pond (Caledonia County): Classic Lake Day Road Trip
Looking for something easy and laid-back?
Danville, VT, and nearby
Joe’s Pond make a simple, relaxed road trip from Derby Line.
Ideas for your visit:
- Picnic by the water – Pack sandwiches, chips, and a cooler. Find a spot with a view of the pond and take it slow.
- Quiet backroad drives – The rural roads around Danville are peaceful, with rolling fields, barns, and mountain backdrops.
- Small-town stops – Pop into a local general store for snacks or ice cream.
If you like road trips that feel like a step back in time—no crowds, no rush—this one delivers.
4. Island Pond (Essex County): Lakeside Strolls and North Woods Vibes
In Essex County,
Island Pond sits in the middle of forest and water, giving strong “edge of the wilderness” energy while still being easy to reach.
What you’ll find:
- Lake views – Walk along the water, sit on a bench, and watch the light shift on the pond.
- Small village center – A few shops and places to grab a bite, with that remote, friendly North Country feel.
- Driving the backroads – Even just rolling through this part of Essex County makes you feel like you’ve gone much farther from home than you really have.
If you like quiet places where the loudest sound is the wind and the occasional truck rolling by, Island Pond is your spot.
5. Brunswick & the Connecticut River Byways (Essex County): Scenic, Quiet, and Underrated
If you enjoy drives where the journey is the main attraction, head toward
Brunswick and the backroads near the
Connecticut River.
Road trip ideas:
- Scenic pull-offs – Watch for small overlooks and places to safely pull over for photos of the river and forested hills.
- Wildlife spotting – You’re in one of Vermont’s least-populated counties. Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and maybe even a moose if you’re lucky.
- Old bridges and dirt roads – This is “slow driving” country—perfect when you just want to roll the windows down and decompress.
This makes a great Sunday drive when you don’t have a strict schedule and just want to wander.
6. Newport City, Quebec Border Views & Lake Memphremagog Lookouts (Essex & Beyond)
While we’re staying out of Orleans County attractions themselves, you can still enjoy drives that skirt the edges and take you through parts of
nearby Essex County while catching glimpses of
Lake Memphremagog and the border region.
What makes it fun:
- Borderland scenery – Backroads near the international line have open fields, barns, and faraway mountain views.
- Lake lookouts – Seek out spots where you can safely park and catch a view of the long, narrow lake stretching north into Canada.
- Photo ops – Old farmhouses, winding roads, and changing skies make this ideal for casual photographers.
This is a good “short loop” drive when you want to get out of the house for a couple hours without a big activity plan.
7. St. Albans (Franklin County): Historic Downtown and Bayfront Strolls
About an hour or so from Derby Line,
St. Albans in Franklin County feels like a classic Vermont small city with a touch of lake life.
Don’t miss:
- Downtown St. Albans – A walkable core with brick buildings, local shops, and places to grab lunch or coffee.
- St. Albans Bay – Head out toward the bay area on Lake Champlain for water views and a slower pace.
- Seasonal events – St. Albans often hosts festivals and community events. If you time it right, your road trip can include live music, markets, or food trucks.
If you like a mix of small-city feel and lake access, this one checks the boxes.
8. Swanton & Missisquoi Wildlife Areas (Franklin County): Birdwatching and Big Sky Fields
For nature lovers, the
SwantonMissisquoiWhy it’s worth the drive:
- Scenic marshes and fields – Wide-open views, especially beautiful in early morning or late afternoon.
- Birdwatching – Bring binoculars if you have them. These wetlands draw plenty of birds, especially during migration seasons.
- Relaxed rural roads – Long stretches of flat road make this a low-stress drive.
If you’re someone who likes to just sit and listen to the birds or take slow walks, this road trip will feel like a reset button.
9. Stowe (Lamoille County): Famous Mountain Town Energy
When people think of Vermont getaways,
StoweWhat draws people in:
- Mountain views everywhere – Even just driving into town feels impressive, with slopes and ridgelines on all sides.
- Charming village center – Shops, galleries, and cafés line the main stretch. It’s touristy, but in a cozy, postcard sort of way.
- Outdoor options – Depending on the season, you’ll find hiking, biking, or snowy scenes. Or you can just sit on a bench and people-watch.
If you’ve got guests visiting you in Derby Line and want to show them a “famous Vermont town,” this is a strong choice.
10. Morrisville & the Lamoille River Valley (Lamoille County): Low-Key Alternative to Stowe
If you like the idea of visiting Lamoille County but prefer something quieter than Stowe, try
MorrisvilleThings to enjoy:
- Small-town main streets – Less crowded than Stowe but still with local spots to eat and shop.
- Lamoille River scenery – Watch for river views from bridges and roadside pull-offs.
- Backroad exploration – The roads tying Morrisville to nearby towns offer farm landscapes and mountain backdrops without heavy traffic.
This is a nice “Sunday afternoon cruise” destination when you want somewhere new but not overwhelming.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Derby Line, VT
To keep your
Derby Line day trips simple and fun, a little planning goes a long way.
- Check drive times – Many of these spots are in the 45–90 minute range, but backroads and mountain routes can make trips feel longer.
- Watch the seasons – Foliage in the fall is gorgeous but can be busy. Winter roads may be snowy or icy. Summer and late spring are perfect for lakes and hiking.
- Fuel and snacks – In rural Vermont, gas stations and cafés can be spread out. Fill up before you leave Derby Line and toss a few snacks in the car.
- Cell coverage – Some stretches, especially in Essex County, can have spotty service. It doesn’t hurt to screenshot maps before you go.
If you like the idea of exploring “your own backyard,” these nearby Vermont counties give you a lot of variety without a lot of driving.
Share Your Derby Line Road Trip Ideas
Have you done any of these
short road trips from Derby Line? Maybe you’ve found a hidden swimming spot, a favorite coffee stop, or a scenic overlook that isn’t on most maps.
- Which place in Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, or Lamoille County is your go-to escape?
- Do you prefer lakes, mountains, or small towns?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers and locals can discover new spots too.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy Vermont day trip ideas from Derby Line. The more people share their experiences, the better these road trip ideas get.
Comments
Post a Comment