10 Best Short Road Trips from Newport, Vermont (Orleans County)

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10 Easy Road Trips From Newport, Vermont: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Orleans County

If you’re staying in Newport, Vermont (up in Orleans County) and you’ve already walked the waterfront, hit the local spots, and you’re wondering, “Okay… what’s next?” — this guide is for you. Within about an hour or so of driving, you can reach charming small towns, hidden swimming holes, quirky museums, and epic mountain views. The best part? These are all out-of-county road trips, so you’ll be exploring more of Vermont beyond Orleans County. Below you’ll find 10 short road trips from Newport into the surrounding counties of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, and Lamoille. Each one makes a great half‑day or full‑day adventure.

1. Jay Peak Resort (Franklin County) – Mountains, Water Park & Year-Round Fun

Jay Peak might be the most famous mountain near Newport, and it’s just over the county line in Franklin County. If you’re visiting in winter, you probably already know about the legendary snowfall and skiing. But even if you’re here in summer or fall, Jay Peak is still worth the drive.
  • Indoor water park with slides, lazy river, and a surf wave — perfect for kids or a rainy day.
  • Tram rides to the summit for big views of the Green Mountains and into Canada.
  • Hiking trails ranging from easy walks to tougher climbs.
  • Restaurants and bars on-site if you want to make a full day of it.
From Newport, it’s roughly a 35–45 minute drive, depending on your route. If you’re traveling with family, this is one of the easiest “everyone’s happy” day trips.

2. Stowe & Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Area (Lamoille County) – Iconic Vermont Postcard Views

Stowe is one of those classic Vermont towns people dream about: church steeple, mountain backdrop, cozy shops, and great food. It’s in Lamoille County and makes an amazing full‑day trip from Newport. Here’s what you can do:
  • Drive or walk along the Stowe Recreation Path – flat, family‑friendly, and lined with pretty views.
  • Visit the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for hiking or gondola rides in season.
  • Explore the dramatic cliffs and twists of Smugglers’ Notch — the road itself is an adventure.
  • Grab coffee, local beer, or ice cream in the village and stroll around the shops.
It takes about 1.5 hours from Newport by car, but the beautiful back roads make the drive part of the experience. If you love scenic overlooks and classic Vermont photos, this road trip checks all the boxes.

3. Burke Mountain & Kingdom Trails (Caledonia County) – For Bikers, Hikers & Leaf-Peepers

Just south of Orleans County is Caledonia County, where you’ll find Burke Mountain and the nearby town of East Burke. This area is famous for the Kingdom Trails, one of the top mountain biking trail networks in New England. Even if you don’t bike, there’s plenty to do:
  • Ride the Burke Mountain chairlift in summer and fall for sweeping views.
  • Hike to scenic viewpoints with relatively short, rewarding trails.
  • Visit East Burke village for casual food, a drink, or a sweet treat after your adventure.
  • Drive around the back roads in fall — the foliage can be jaw‑dropping.
From Newport, you’re looking at roughly a 40–50 minute drive. If you’re into outdoor adventure, this is one of the best day trips near Newport.

4. St. Johnsbury (Caledonia County) – Museums, Maple & A Walkable Downtown

If you like small-town culture and a little bit of everything, St. Johnsbury in Caledonia County is a great pick. It’s about an hour’s drive from Newport and makes for a relaxed, easy day. A few highlights:
  • Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – quirky natural history, old-school exhibits, and a planetarium show if you time it right.
  • Stroll the downtown for coffee, bakeries, and small shops.
  • Check out any local festivals or farmers markets, especially in summer and early fall.
  • Stop at a maple syrup or specialty food shop on your way in or out of town.
If you’re taking a break from hiking or skiing and want a slower‑paced outing, St. Johnsbury is a solid choice.

5. Island Pond (Essex County) – Quiet Lake Town in the “Northeast Kingdom”

Head east from Newport into Essex County, and you’ll slip into a quieter, more rugged slice of Vermont. Island Pond is a tiny town with a big lake and a peaceful vibe. Things to do around Island Pond:
  • Walk along the shore and enjoy the views of the water and surrounding hills.
  • Launch a kayak or canoe if you brought one, or look for local rentals.
  • In winter, the area is popular for snowmobiling and winter sports.
  • Use Island Pond as a jumping‑off point to explore nearby forest roads and trailheads.
The drive from Newport is usually around 40–50 minutes, with a nice mix of forest and open views along the way. If you’re craving a low‑key day by the water without big crowds, this is a good pick.

6. Brighton State Park (Essex County) – Lakeside Camping & Classic Vermont Woods

Very close to Island Pond, you’ll find Brighton State Park, one of the most relaxing places to spend a summer day in Essex County. At this park you can:
  • Go for a swim at the beach area.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy the grassy lawns or shaded spots.
  • Hike the short trails through the woods for some quiet and fresh air.
  • Book a campsite if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure.
From Newport, you’re usually there in under an hour. On a hot summer day, this makes an easy, low‑stress escape from town.

7. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (Franklin County) – Birdwatching & Gentle Walks

If you enjoy nature but don’t necessarily want a tough hike, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in Franklin County is a great fit. This area, near the northern reaches of Lake Champlain, is full of wetlands, birds, and gentle trails. What to expect:
  • Flat walking trails through marshes and along the Missisquoi River.
  • Great birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration.
  • Boardwalks and viewing platforms where you can take photos or just soak in the view.
It’s a bit longer of a drive — around 1.5 hours from Newport — but if you love wildlife, quiet spaces, and photography, it’s well worth the trip.

8. Enosburg Falls & Northern Franklin County Back Roads

For a classic small‑town Vermont vibe, consider a loop drive through Franklin County with a stop in Enosburg Falls. It’s not a huge tourist spot, and that’s part of its charm. Ideas for this road trip:
  • Walk around town, grab a coffee, snack, or lunch at a local spot.
  • Take a slow drive along the Missisquoi River and surrounding farmlands.
  • Plan your visit around a local event or festival if something is happening while you’re in the area.
Expect about a 1–1.25 hour drive from Newport, depending on your route. This is more of a “Sunday drive” type of day trip, perfect when you just want to wander a bit and see a different corner of Vermont.

9. Smugglers’ Notch Resort & Jeffersonville (Lamoille County)

On the northern side of Smugglers’ Notch (separate from Stowe’s side), you’ll find Smugglers’ Notch Resort and the village of Jeffersonville in Lamoille County. This area is great for:
  • Family‑friendly activities at the resort: pools, mini golf, and seasonal programs.
  • Hiking trails into the Notch and surrounding mountains.
  • Taking scenic drives with dramatic rock walls and tight turns in the Notch (seasonal road).
  • Exploring nearby art galleries and small shops in Jeffersonville.
From Newport, it’s usually around a 1.25–1.5 hour drive. If you’ve never driven through Smugglers’ Notch before, the winding road alone is an experience — just check seasonal closures, especially in late fall and winter.

10. Hardwick & Craftsbury Back Roads (Caledonia & Lamoille Border Area)

For a quieter, slightly under‑the‑radar day trip, head toward Hardwick and the Craftsbury area, near the edge of Caledonia and Lamoille counties. This region is full of rolling hills, farms, and small villages. Here’s how to enjoy it:
  • Stroll around Hardwick village for a bite to eat and a quick look at local shops.
  • Drive the back roads between Hardwick and Craftsbury — think barns, hayfields, and mountain views.
  • Look for local farm stands or seasonal markets and grab fresh produce or baked goods.
  • In winter, Craftsbury is known for cross-country skiing and a strong outdoor community feel.
Plan on about a 1–1.25 hour drive from Newport, depending on your route. This is a great choice if you enjoy a slower pace, rural scenery, and a real slice of everyday Vermont life.

Tips for Planning Your Newport, VT Road Trips

To make the most of these short road trips from Newport:
  • Check seasonal hours – Mountain lifts, water parks, and some attractions are seasonal.
  • Watch the weather – Mountain and Notch roads can change quickly in bad weather.
  • Bring layers – Even in summer, mountain areas can feel cool, especially in the evening.
  • Gas up in town – Some rural stretches don’t have many gas stations.
If you like variety, you could easily spend several days in Newport and hit a different direction each day — mountains one day, lakes the next, and small towns in between.

What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Newport?

Have you taken any of these drives from Newport into Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, or Lamoille County? Did I miss a hidden gem you think more people should know about? Share your stories in the comments — I’d love to hear which road trip was your favorite, or what surprised you most about traveling in this part of Vermont. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are planning a visit to Newport, VT. A simple share can help more travelers discover these easy, rewarding day trips just beyond Orleans County.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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