10 Easy Road Trips Near North Troy, Vermont (That Take You Out of Orleans County)
If you’re based in or visiting
North Troy, Vermont in
Orleans County, you might be wondering: *What else is there to do nearby without driving all day?*
Good news — you can hop in the car and reach a surprising number of fun spots in under 1–2 hours. In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips from North Troy into the nearby counties of
Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, and Lamoille.
No complicated travel plans. Just simple drives, beautiful scenery, and classic Vermont experiences.
1. Stowe Village & Mountain Views (Lamoille County)
Stowe is one of those Vermont towns that feels like it was made for postcards. From North Troy, it’s roughly a
1.5-hour drive, depending on your route, but it’s worth every mile.
Once you roll into
Stowe Village, you’ll find:
- Charming main street with shops, cafés, and local art
- Easy walking paths along the river
- Great spots for coffee, ice cream, and people-watching
If you have a bit more time, drive up toward
Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Even if you don’t hike, the drive itself offers wide open views and fresh mountain air.
On a clear day, you can see layer after layer of rolling green hills. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget about your phone for a while.
2. Stowe Recreation Path – Bike, Walk, or Stroll (Lamoille County)
While you’re already in Stowe, don’t miss the
Stowe Recreation Path. This paved path runs about 5 miles one way and is perfect if you:
- Want a safe place to bike with kids
- Prefer a flat walk with great scenery
- Just want to stretch your legs after the drive
You’ll pass farms, bridges, and mountain views. There are several spots where you can step off the path and enjoy a snack or a drink.
If you’re not a hardcore hiker, this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without steep climbs or rough trails.
3. Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive (Lamoille County)
If you like dramatic landscapes and twisty mountain roads, add
Smugglers’ Notch to your list. It’s accessible from the Stowe side and makes for an unforgettable drive.
The road winds between towering cliffs and huge boulders. In some stretches, it feels like you’re driving through a stone maze. In fall, the foliage here is absolutely unbelievable.
Things to keep in mind:
- The road is narrow, with some sharp turns.
- Large RVs and trailers are not allowed through the notch.
- There are small pull-offs where you can park and walk a bit.
This is a great side trip if you’re already visiting Stowe and want to see something truly unique, less than an extra half hour of driving.
4. Burlington Waterfront & Church Street (Chittenden County, via Franklin/Lamoille)
While Burlington isn’t in one of the four listed counties, you’ll likely pass through
Franklin or
Lamoille County getting there, and it’s one of the most popular day trips from northern Vermont. From North Troy, count on about a
1.5- to 2-hour drive depending on your route.
Once you arrive, head for:
- Waterfront Park – Stroll along Lake Champlain, watch the boats, and enjoy the sunset.
- Church Street Marketplace – A pedestrian-only street with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
If you’re traveling with kids, the open spaces along the lake are perfect for running around. Adults can relax at a café or grab a local beer while soaking in the lake and mountain scenery.
5. Jay Peak Waterpark & Resort Area (Franklin County Side Activities)
Most people think of
Jay Peak as an Orleans County spot, but the surrounding area spills over into
Franklin County, giving you chances to explore nearby towns and roads.
You can:
- Take back roads into Franklin County for quiet country drives.
- Stop in small communities for diners and local general stores.
- Link this with a longer route toward St. Albans or Lake Champlain.
If you’re already near Jay for skiing or the waterpark, turning it into a mini road trip through Franklin County adds some variety to your day.
6. St. Albans & Lake Champlain Views (Franklin County)
About
1.5 hours from North Troy,
St. Albans makes an easy day trip into Franklin County. It’s a small city with a friendly feel and access to
Lake Champlain.
Things to check out:
- Downtown St. Albans – Restaurants, coffee shops, and historic buildings.
- Nearby lake access – Head west toward the lake for views and picnic spots.
If you enjoy simple pleasures like sitting on a bench, sipping coffee, and watching daily life go by, St. Albans is a relaxing stop. Think of it as a scaled-down Burlington with less traffic and more breathing room.
7. Island Pond – A Quiet Northern Escape (Essex County)
Head east from North Troy into
Essex County and you’ll find
Island Pond, a small village on a beautiful lake. The drive itself is a big part of the experience, with long stretches of forest and open sky.
Once in Island Pond, you can:
- Walk along the shoreline and enjoy the calm water.
- Bring a picnic and find a spot with a lake view.
- Explore nearby dirt roads and forest access points.
Island Pond has a quiet, tucked-away feel. If you’re someone who likes less crowds and more nature, this area will speak to you.
8. Norton & the Remote Northeast Kingdom Back Roads (Essex County)
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re at the edge of the map, a drive toward
Norton in Essex County might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a small community right near the Canadian border, surrounded by thick woods and long, empty roads.
Why go?
- The drive is peaceful, with very little traffic.
- You’ll see classic Northeast Kingdom landscapes: forests, wetlands, and old farmsteads.
- It’s a great “reset” drive when you just need some quiet.
Pack some snacks, top off the gas tank, and treat this one as a slow, thoughtful road trip. Sometimes the best “thing to do” is simply watch the world roll by outside your window.
9. St. Johnsbury’s Museums & Historic Downtown (Caledonia County)
From North Troy, heading south into
Caledonia County brings you to
St. Johnsbury, a small but lively town with more to do than you might expect.
In and around town, you can:
- Walk the historic downtown streets and admire old architecture.
- Visit local shops and grab lunch at a café or diner.
- Explore parks and short walking paths in the area.
St. Johnsbury works well as a “hub day” on your Vermont road trip. You can combine it with scenic drives deeper into Caledonia County or tie it into a loop that brings you back toward Lamoille or Essex.
10. Lyndonville & Back-Road Foliage Drives (Caledonia County)
Just a bit north of St. Johnsbury,
Lyndonville is another small Caledonia County town that makes a great base for back-road exploring.
Why make the drive?
- Quiet village feel with a handful of places to eat and refuel.
- Access to winding country roads that show off classic Vermont scenery.
- Excellent fall foliage routes, but still beautiful in summer and winter.
If you enjoy “getting lost on purpose” (with a map or GPS handy, of course), you’ll find plenty of side roads and turns to follow around Lyndonville. It’s a good place to just drive until a view makes you pull over and say, “Wow.”
Tips for Planning Your North Troy Road Trips
Before you hit the road, a few quick pointers:
- Check drive times: Even short distances in Vermont can take longer on winding roads.
- Fill up on gas: Some stretches, especially in Essex County, don’t have many gas stations.
- Pack layers: Weather in the mountains and near lakes can change quickly.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas.
If you like flexible travel, pick 1–2 main stops and then give yourself permission to explore any side road that looks interesting. That’s often where the real Vermont shows up — in the unexpected views and tiny towns you find along the way.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips from North Troy
Have you taken a road trip from
North Troy into
Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, or Lamoille County?
- Which drive did you enjoy most?
- Did you find a hidden swimming hole, a great bakery, or an amazing overlook?
Drop your stories and tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to northern Vermont. A simple share can help someone else find their next favorite small town or scenic drive.
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