10 Easy Road Trips Near Orleans, Vermont: Small-Town Drives, Big Outdoor Adventures
Planning a visit to
Orleans, Vermont and wondering what else is nearby? The village is tucked into the Northeast Kingdom, which makes it a perfect jumping-off point for short, scenic drives to other parts of northern Vermont.
The best part? Within about a 30–75 minute drive, you can reach quiet lakes, covered bridges, mountain views, and classic small towns. In this guide, we’ll look at
10 short out-of-county road trips from Orleans into the nearby counties of
Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, and Lamoille — no need to go far to find fun things to do.
1. St. Johnsbury & Dog Mountain (Caledonia County)
If you love art, history, and dogs (or even just one of the three), this is a must-do drive from Orleans.
About an hour south,
St. Johnsbury is one of the most interesting small towns in Vermont. Start downtown with a walk along the historic streets, then plan time for:
- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – Classic “cabinet of curiosities” style museum with natural history exhibits and a small planetarium. Great for a rainy day.
- St. Johnsbury Athenaeum – A beautiful old library and art gallery with soaring ceilings and 19th-century paintings.
- Dog Mountain & Dog Chapel – Just outside town, this hillside property is dedicated to dogs and the people who love them.
Dog Mountain is what most visitors remember: a winding drive up a hill, a
simple white chapel filled with photos and notes to beloved pets, and open fields where dogs can run off-leash. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s a surprisingly emotional and comforting place.
From Orleans, the drive is mostly on Route 5 and I‑91, so it’s simple and scenic. This is an easy
half-day road trip that can stretch into a full day if you linger.
2. Burke & Kingdom Trails (Caledonia County)
Looking for a classic Vermont mountain town with outdoor action? Head to
East Burke, about 45–60 minutes southeast of Orleans.
This area is known for:
- Kingdom Trails – Famous network of mountain biking trails with rolling fields, woods, and great views. In winter, many trails switch to fat biking and Nordic skiing.
- Burke Mountain – Skiing and riding in winter, mountain biking and hiking in summer. The summit views from the toll road are huge on a clear day.
- Quiet village vibe – A few spots to grab a coffee or a burger, all wrapped in that low-key Vermont feel.
When I first drove through East Burke, I remember thinking, “This is what people picture when they imagine rural Vermont” — barns, bikes on car racks, and mountains in every direction.
If you’re staying in Orleans, this makes a great
day trip for outdoor lovers. Pack layers: the weather on Burke Mountain can feel very different than in the valley.
3. Island Pond & Brighton State Park (Essex County)
If you want a quiet road trip with a “middle of nowhere” feel, point your car northeast to
Island Pond in Essex County, roughly 45–60 minutes away.
Island Pond is a small village on the shore of a long, narrow lake. It’s ideal if you’re looking for:
- Brighton State Park – Sand beach, picnic tables, boat rentals in season, and several easy hiking trails.
- Paddling and swimming – On a hot July afternoon, a swim in Island Pond feels almost old-fashioned in the best way.
- Leaf peeping – In fall, the hills surrounding the lake explode with color; the drive alone is worth the trip.
The route from Orleans usually winds along back roads and forested highways, so leave time to pull over at lakes or viewpoints. This is one of those drives where the journey is just as good as the destination.
4. Norton & the Remote Northeast Kingdom (Essex County)
Want to see what “remote” really feels like in Vermont? Take a longer, peaceful drive up toward
Norton, near the Canadian border in Essex County.
Here’s what makes this road trip different:
- Big forests and very few people – Long stretches of woods with occasional small camps and ponds.
- Moose country – You may spot a moose at dawn or dusk along the roadside, so drive slowly and keep an eye out.
- Borderlands feel – You’re right up against Quebec, giving the area a slightly different character from the rest of Vermont.
This isn’t a “lots of attractions” trip. It’s more of a
scenic drive adventure for folks who love backroads, simple picnic lunches, and quiet.
If you like to take photos of old farmhouses, distant mountains, or fog over bogs in the early morning, this will be your happy place. Just make sure you have a full tank of gas before you head out.
5. Stowe Village & Mountain Road (Lamoille County)
Stowe is one of the most famous
Vermont mountain towns, and it’s still reachable as a day trip from Orleans — usually around 70–90 minutes, depending on your route.
Once you get to Stowe in Lamoille County, there’s a lot to do:
- Historic Main Street – Shops, galleries, and cafés along a postcard-perfect village street.
- Recreation Path – A paved, mostly flat path along the river that’s great for walking, biking, or strollers.
- Scenic drives – The Mountain Road (Route 108) leads toward Smugglers’ Notch with plenty of viewpoints and trailheads.
Stowe is more polished and touristy than many places near Orleans, but that’s also what makes it fun for a day: ice cream stops, outdoor gear shops, cozy restaurants, and lots of people-watching.
If you’re craving a mix of
outdoor scenery and village charm, this is your best bet.
6. Smugglers’ Notch (Lamoille County)
Just beyond Stowe lies one of Vermont’s most dramatic drives:
Smugglers’ Notch, a narrow pass twisting between steep cliffs and giant boulders.
From Orleans, you can either:
- Drive to Stowe and continue up Route 108 into the Notch, or
- Come in from the Jeffersonville side (also Lamoille County), depending on how you want to loop your road trip.
Highlights of Smugglers’ Notch:
- Hairpin turns and huge, broken rock formations right along the road
- Short hikes to viewpoints and caves, plus longer hikes for more serious trekkers
- Fall foliage that can feel almost surreal when the leaves hit peak color
Note: The road through the Notch is usually closed in winter due to snow and ice, so check conditions before you plan your trip. When it’s open, though, the drive alone is worth it.
This is one of those places where you’ll probably say, “Let’s just pull over one more time for a photo,” at least a dozen times.
7. Jeffersonville & the Lamoille Valley (Lamoille County)
On the western side of Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll find
Jeffersonville, a small, laid-back village in Lamoille County. From Orleans, it’s usually around 75–90 minutes, depending on your route.
Jeffersonville is a good base if you want something quieter than Stowe but still close to the mountains:
- Lamoille Valley Rail Trail – A multi-use trail great for easy biking or walking through farmland and along the river.
- Local art and craft shops – Small galleries and studios scattered around town.
- Views of Smugglers’ Notch Resort – Skiing and snowboarding in winter; zip lines and hiking in summer and fall.
If you enjoy scenic
country drives, covered bridges, and mellow small-town stops, pairing Orleans with a loop through Jeffersonville and back makes for a satisfying day on the road.
8. St. Albans & Lake Champlain (Franklin County)
When you’re ready for a change of scenery from mountains and forests, head west to
St. Albans in Franklin County, about 75–90 minutes from Orleans.
St. Albans sits close to the shore of
Lake Champlain, and it has:
- Downtown St. Albans – A walkable main street with brick buildings, cafés, and restaurants.
- St. Albans Bay Park – Picnic areas, a small beach, and sunset views over the water.
- Easy lake access – Great spot to dip your toes in Lake Champlain or launch a kayak.
This road trip feels different from the typical Northeast Kingdom experience. The air feels a little warmer, the landscape opens up, and the big lake gives everything a more coastal vibe.
If you’ve been hiking and exploring forests around Orleans for a few days, a
lake day in Franklin County is a nice change of pace.
9. Enosburg Falls & the Missisquoi Valley (Franklin County)
For a quieter Franklin County outing, consider a day trip to
Enosburg Falls, a small town near the Canadian border.
What you’ll find here:
- Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail – A gravel multi-use trail running through fields, forests, and along the Missisquoi River. Perfect for casual biking.
- Small-town main street – A few local restaurants, shops, and that “everyone knows everyone” feel.
- Scenic farm country – Rolling farmland, old barns, and distant ridges, especially pretty near sunset.
This is an ideal road trip if you prefer
low-key, local experiences instead of busier tourist towns. Pack snacks, bikes if you have them, and enjoy a slower day.
10. Montgomery & Its Covered Bridges (Franklin County)
If you love the idea of classic
New England covered bridges, Montgomery is a great target for a day trip.
Located in Franklin County, roughly 75–90 minutes from Orleans depending on your route, Montgomery has:
- Multiple historic covered bridges in and around town
- Quiet backroads perfect for a relaxed afternoon drive
- Mountain views with easy access toward Jay Peak (though Jay itself is in another county)
One fun way to do this trip is to make a personal “bridge tour.” Mark the bridges on a map, then connect the dots by driving from one to the next, stopping for photos and short walks along the way.
You’ll end the day with a camera full of red barns, wooden bridges, and winding rivers — basically every image people imagine when they think of Vermont road trips.
Tips for Road Tripping Out of Orleans, Vermont
To make these out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these trips are between 30 and 90 minutes from Orleans, but back roads can be slower than they look on a map.
- Fuel up in town – Gas stations can be spaced out in the Northeast Kingdom and Essex County, especially toward the border.
- Pack layers – Mountain and lakeside weather changes fast. A 75-degree afternoon in Orleans can feel like 60 degrees with a breeze on a ridge or by Lake Champlain.
- Watch for wildlife – Deer and moose are active at dawn and dusk. Drive carefully, especially on forested highways.
- Bring snacks and water – Some of the most beautiful places are also the least developed. Don’t count on a café appearing right when you get hungry.
Planning Your Next Vermont Road Trip From Orleans?
Orleans may be small, but it sits in a sweet spot. In less than two hours, you can reach:
- Mountain towns like Stowe and Burke
- Remote forests and lakes in Essex County
- Lake Champlain views in St. Albans
- Classic covered bridges and farm country in Franklin County
That mix makes Orleans a smart home base for exploring northern Vermont by car. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, swimming, photography, or just slow drives with the windows down, there’s a day trip here for you.
Now it’s your turn:
Have you taken any of these road trips from Orleans, Vermont? Do you have a favorite stop I didn’t mention, or a secret swimming hole or viewpoint you’re willing to share?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Vermont getaway. The more we swap ideas, the better everyone’s road trip becomes.
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