10 Easy Road Trips Near Derby Center, Vermont (All Outside Orleans County)
Planning a visit to
Derby Center, VT and looking for fun things to do just beyond the county line? Or maybe you already live there and need a few fresh ideas for a weekend drive.
You’re in luck.
Derby Center sits in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom, which makes it a perfect jumping-off point for short
road trips into nearby counties like
Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, and Lamoille. In under 2 hours (often much less), you can reach lakes, covered bridges, mountain views, and small towns that feel straight out of a postcard.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Derby Center that will get you exploring more of northern Vermont—without spending all day in the car.
1. St. Johnsbury: Art, History & Maple in Caledonia County
If you only have time for one day trip from Derby Center, St. Johnsbury is a strong contender. It’s about an hour southwest, but the drive itself is part of the fun—rolling hills, barns, and plenty of mountain views.
Why go: It’s the cultural hub of the Northeast Kingdom and perfect for a relaxed day of walking, browsing, and snacking.
- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – A quirky mix of natural history, old-school taxidermy, Victorian displays, and a cozy planetarium. Kids and curious adults both love it.
- St. Johnsbury Athenaeum – A historic library and art gallery with big 19th‑century paintings and ornate woodwork. It feels like stepping back in time.
- Maple treats downtown – Pop into local cafes or shops for maple candies, creemees (Vermont soft-serve), and baked goods.
If you’re traveling with family, you can easily spend half a day here without anyone getting bored.
Road trip tip: Pair St. Johnsbury with a quick scenic drive along Route 2 or a picnic at a nearby roadside pull-off.
2. Burke Mountain & Kingdom Trails: Outdoor Fun in Caledonia County
About an hour from Derby Center, the Burke area offers some of the best outdoor recreation in northern Vermont.
In summer and fall:
- Kingdom Trails – A huge network of mountain biking and hiking trails. You don’t need to be a hardcore biker; there are mellow routes for beginners too.
- Burke Mountain scenic drives and hikes – Drive up the mountain road for sweeping views, or hike one of the marked trails.
In winter:
- Burke Mountain Resort – Skiing and snowboarding with a local, laid‑back feel. Less crowded than the big-name resorts in central Vermont.
I once drove up here on a foggy fall morning and by the time I reached the overlook, the clouds had lifted just enough to reveal waves of orange and red hills. It felt like standing above an ocean of trees.
Road trip tip: Bring layers. Mountain weather can change fast, even if Derby Center feels warm and sunny when you leave.
3. Island Pond & Brighton State Park: Quiet Waters in Essex County
Looking for something peaceful? Head about 40–50 minutes east to
Island Pond in Essex County, one of the more remote-feeling spots near Derby Center.
Highlights:
- Brighton State Park – Great for swimming, paddling, and picnicking. The lake is ringed by forest, so it feels quiet and tucked away.
- Canoe and kayak time – The calm water makes it friendly for beginners and families.
- Simple lakeside town vibes – A few local spots to grab a bite, then head right back to the water.
If you’re trying to unplug, this is one of the best quick escapes from Derby Center. There’s often cell service, but it’s the kind of place where you’ll forget to look at your phone.
Road trip tip: Pack bug spray in late spring and early summer. The scenery is worth it, the mosquitoes… less so.
4. Norton & the Quebec Border Backroads: Remote Essex County
For a different kind of adventure, drive about an hour northeast to
Norton, right on the Canadian border in Essex County. This one is more about the journey than a long list of attractions.
What makes it special:
- True “end of the road” feeling – Long stretches of quiet highway, forests, and small clusters of houses.
- Scenic pull-offs and back roads – Great for photography, especially with fall foliage or fresh snow.
- Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for moose crossing signs. You might actually see one, especially early or late in the day.
It’s the kind of drive where conversation drifts, the radio gets turned down, and you just watch the landscape roll by.
Road trip tip: Gas up before you go. Services can be sparse in this corner of Vermont.
5. St. Albans & Lake Champlain: Small City by the Water in Franklin County
About 1 hour 30 minutes west of Derby Center,
St. Albans offers a nice mix of small-city energy and easy lake access on
Lake Champlain.
Things to do:
- Downtown St. Albans – Stroll the main street, grab coffee, check out local shops, and peek into the historic buildings.
- Taylor Park – A classic New England town green that’s perfect for a quick rest or people-watching.
- Nearby lake access – Short drives from downtown will get you to viewpoints and small parks along Lake Champlain.
If you’re craving something a bit more urban after time in Derby Center and the hills, this makes a great change of pace.
Road trip tip: Combine St. Albans with a quick stop at a farm stand along the way for fresh produce or maple syrup.
6. Georgia & Milton Lakeside Drives: Franklin County Views
If you love water views but don’t want to deal with big crowds, explore the lakeside roads around
Georgia and
Milton in Franklin County. It’s about 1.5 hours from Derby Center, but you get rewarded with wide-open views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks in the distance on a clear day.
What to enjoy:
- Lakeside back roads – Slowly cruise along quiet routes near the lake. Lots of spots to pull over and take photos.
- Sunset watching – If you time your return for late afternoon or early evening, the sky can put on quite a show over the water.
- Picnic stops – Simple roadside pull-offs can become your dining room with a couple of sandwiches and a blanket.
This is more of a “choose your own adventure” drive, which can be nice if you don’t want a rigid schedule.
Road trip tip: Download your map ahead of time. Cell service can be spotty on smaller roads.
7. Stowe: Classic Vermont Mountain Village in Lamoille County
From Derby Center, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach
Stowe, one of Vermont’s most famous destinations. It’s in
Lamoille County, and it offers that classic “Vermont postcard” feel.
In warmer months:
- Stowe Recreation Path – A mostly flat, paved path perfect for walking or biking. You’ll pass fields, streams, and maybe a cow or two.
- Gondola rides & hikes – Go up toward Mount Mansfield for big mountain views.
In winter:
- Stowe Mountain Resort – Skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of cozy places to warm up afterward.
Stowe can be busier than the small towns closer to Derby Center, but it’s worth it if you want a classic Vermont day with coffee shops, outdoor gear stores, and mountain scenery all in one place.
Road trip tip: Parking can fill up on peak weekends, especially in foliage season and mid-winter. Go early if you can.
8. Smugglers’ Notch & Jeffersonville: Dramatic Mountain Pass in Lamoille County
If you enjoy dramatic scenery, point your car toward
Smugglers’ Notch and the village of
Jeffersonville, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from Derby Center.
What you’ll find:
- Narrow mountain pass – The Notch Road (when open in warmer months) twists between huge boulders and steep cliffs. It’s one of Vermont’s most striking drives.
- Short hikes and pull-offs – Plenty of places to step out, stretch, and grab stunning photos.
- Jeffersonville village – A small, artsy town with galleries and cafes—a nice counterpoint to the rugged cliffs just up the road.
The first time I drove this route, I actually pulled over just to take in how tight the road felt between the rocks. It’s not scary if you go slow, but it is unforgettable.
Road trip tip: The Notch Road is typically closed in winter. Even when it’s open, large vehicles (like big RVs) are not recommended due to tight turns.
9. Morrisville & the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
About 1 hour 20 minutes from Derby Center, the
Morrisville area offers a great mix of small-town charm and easy outdoor activity.
Key stop: The
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a long-distance path on an old railroad bed.
- Walk, bike, or run – The trail is relatively flat and great for all ages and fitness levels.
- Scenic bridges and river views – Keep your camera handy for river crossings and open fields.
- Grab a bite in town – After your trail time, Morrisville has spots for a casual meal or a coffee break.
If you’re trying to fit in some light exercise during your Vermont trip, this is an easy and rewarding option.
Road trip tip: Bring water and snacks. The trail feels remote in stretches even though you’re not far from town.
10. Lyndonville & Lyndon: Covered Bridges in Caledonia County
Wrap up your list of road trips with a classic Vermont theme:
covered bridges. About an hour from Derby Center, the
Lyndonville and
Lyndon area has several charming bridges all within a short drive of each other.
What to do:
- Covered bridge “crawl” – Use a simple map or GPS to hop from bridge to bridge. Each one has its own look and story.
- Photo ops – These make great backdrops for family photos, couple shots, or just a fun selfie.
- Picnic near the river – Many bridges cross small streams or rivers with spots nearby to sit and relax.
This is a mellow, low-pressure day trip. You can see as many or as few as you’d like and still feel like you experienced a classic piece of Vermont.
Road trip tip: Go early or on a weekday if you want photos without too many cars.
Planning Your Road Trips from Derby Center
To keep your
Derby Center road trip days smooth and enjoyable, it helps to plan just a little:
- Drive times – Most of these spots are between 40 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes away.
- Seasons matter – Some roads (like Smugglers’ Notch) close in winter. Always check ahead, especially after storms.
- Pack smart – Layers, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a simple paper map can go a long way in northern Vermont.
The beauty of staying in or near Derby Center is that you get a quiet home base, but you’re never far from something new to explore in Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, or Lamoille counties.
Share Your Vermont Road Trip Ideas
Have you taken a favorite
day trip from Derby Center that’s outside Orleans County? Maybe you found a hidden swimming hole in Essex County or a small diner in Franklin County that deserves some love.
- Drop your tips and stories in the comments.
- Share this post with friends or family planning a Vermont vacation or looking for easy weekend drives.
The more we share our experiences, the easier it is for other travelers to discover new corners of northern Vermont—one short road trip at a time.
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