10 Easy Road Trips Near Morrisville, Vermont (Outside Lamoille County)
If you live in or are staying around
Morrisville, Vermont, you might be wondering:
“What’s nearby that feels like a little adventure, but doesn’t take all day to reach?”
You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit charming small towns, breweries, mountain views, lakes, covered bridges, and even a state capital. And the best part? All of these suggestions are
outside Lamoille County, in the surrounding counties of Caledonia, Chittenden, Franklin, Orleans, and Washington.
Think of this as your starter list of
10 easy out-of-county road trips from Morrisville—perfect for a half-day escape, a lazy Sunday drive, or a last-minute weekend adventure.
1. Burlington & Lake Champlain – Big-Vibe City Day on the Water (Chittenden County)
From Morrisville to Burlington is roughly a 50–60 minute drive, depending on your route. It’s one of the most popular
day trips in northern Vermont, and for good reason.
In Burlington, you can:
- Stroll along the Church Street Marketplace for local shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Walk or bike the Burlington Bike Path along Lake Champlain.
- Sit by the water at Waterfront Park and watch the sunset over the Adirondacks.
- Grab a local beer at one of the many breweries around town.
If you like a little city energy but still want that Vermont charm, Burlington hits the sweet spot. I once spent an afternoon just people-watching on Church Street with an ice cream in hand—it felt like the whole state walked by at some point.
2. Stowe Mountain Pass & Smugglers’ Notch (Chittenden/Washington Border)
You’ll drive through Lamoille County to get there, but the real magic of
Smugglers’ Notch happens right along the border of Chittenden and Washington Counties.
This narrow mountain pass offers:
- Dramatic rock cliffs towering over the road.
- Short pull-off spots with beautiful views.
- Access to trailheads for hiking in warmer months.
In fall, the colors here look like someone cranked up the saturation on nature. If you enjoy
scenic drives near Morrisville, this one is a must. Just keep in mind that the Notch Road is usually
closed in winter due to snow and tight turns.
3. Montpelier – America’s Smallest Capital City (Washington County)
About 40–45 minutes south of Morrisville,
Montpelier feels cozy and laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you can park your car and explore the whole downtown on foot.
Things to do in Montpelier:
- Walk around the Vermont State House and its gold dome.
- Browse independent bookstores and local shops downtown.
- Grab a coffee and people-watch from a sidewalk table.
- Walk by the Winooski River for a quick stretch.
If you want a mellow day with history, coffee, and small-town energy, this is a great
road trip from Morrisville that doesn’t feel rushed.
4. Barre & Its Granite Quarries (Washington County)
Just east of Montpelier,
Barre is known as the “Granite Capital of the World.” If that sounds boring on paper, it’s really not in person.
Highlights around Barre:
- Visit the Hope Cemetery to see incredibly detailed granite sculptures and monuments carved by master stonecutters.
- Check out local granite sheds or visitor centers that explain the industry.
- Explore downtown Barre for diners and no-frills local spots.
It’s a different side of Vermont—less postcard-perfect farms, more real working-town grit. If you like learning how places were built, you’ll enjoy this one.
5. Waterbury – Ben & Jerry’s and Beyond (Washington County)
Waterbury sits right off I‑89 and makes a fun, easy stop about 30–40 minutes from Morrisville.
Here’s what many people come for:
- The famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory (tour availability can vary, but the scoop shop and “Flavor Graveyard” are fun stops).
But don’t stop there:
- Walk around downtown Waterbury and check out local restaurants and bars.
- Head to nearby parks or riverside spots for a simple walk.
If you’re doing a longer loop—say Morrisville → Waterbury → Montpelier—this area is a great place to break up the drive, stretch your legs, and, yes, eat ice cream.
6. Sugarbush & Mad River Valley Towns (Washington County)
If you’re willing to drive about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, the
Mad River Valley is a rewarding day trip. Think winding back roads, steep hills, and towns that feel tucked into the mountains.
Around the Sugarbush and Mad River Valley area, you can:
- Explore the villages of Waitsfield and Warren, each with classic Vermont charm.
- Check out local bridges and rivers for photos or a picnic spot.
- Visit mountain areas near Sugarbush Resort (even in summer and fall for hiking and scenic views).
If you’re into photography, this area feels like it’s made for it—rolling meadows, red barns, and that soft Vermont light in the late afternoon.
7. Island Pond & Northeast Kingdom Vibes (Orleans County)
Drive northeast from Morrisville for about an hour and you’ll hit a very different feel of Vermont—the
Northeast Kingdom, known for its quiet, wild beauty. A great small hub up that way is
Island Pond.
Options around Island Pond:
- Walk along the lakefront and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
- Drive back roads through forested areas with very little traffic.
- Look for trailheads and overlooks along the way.
This is a perfect road trip if you prefer
uncrowded, off-the-beaten-path Vermont instead of busier tourist spots.
8. Newport & Lake Memphremagog (Orleans County)
About an hour north of Morrisville,
Newport sits on the shore of Lake Memphremagog, a long lake that stretches into Canada.
In and around Newport, you can:
- Walk on the lakeside path and enjoy the waterfront views.
- Find a local spot for lunch or an afternoon coffee.
- Use it as a base for exploring other parts of the Northeast Kingdom by car.
If you’re craving water views but want something quieter than Burlington’s lakefront, Newport is a nice alternative.
9. St. Albans & Lake Champlain’s Northern Shore (Franklin County)
Northwest of Morrisville, about an hour away, you’ll find
St. Albans, another small city with a lively central area and access to Lake Champlain’s northern fringe.
You can:
- Wander through downtown St. Albans and its historic buildings.
- Head toward the lake for walks, views, and small public access spots.
- Plan your visit around local festivals that pop up throughout the year.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for
day trips from Morrisville that combine small-city comforts with quick access to nature.
10. St. Johnsbury – Museums & Classic Vermont Streets (Caledonia County)
Roughly an hour southeast of Morrisville sits
St. Johnsbury, a town with a surprising amount of culture for its size.
In St. Johnsbury, you might:
- Walk the main streets and admire historic downtown buildings.
- Explore local museums or galleries (check current hours before you go).
- Use the town as a starting point for exploring the hills of the Caledonia County countryside.
If you like small towns that mix history and architecture with local flavor, add this to your list.
Tips for Planning Your Morrisville Road Trips
To make the most of these
Vermont road trips from Morrisville, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the season: Some roads (like Smugglers’ Notch) close in winter. Always confirm conditions ahead of time, especially in mud season or after storms.
- Keep it flexible: Many of these spots are close to each other, so you can easily link two or three in a single day.
- Pack the basics: Water, snacks, and a light jacket go a long way in Vermont, no matter the month.
- Enjoy the drive: Honestly, in this part of the state, the journey is often as good as the destination. Don’t be afraid to pull over (safely) for a photo or a quick view.
Where Will You Go First?
Whether you’re craving lakeside sunsets in Burlington, quiet forest roads in the Northeast Kingdom, or a casual stroll through Montpelier, there’s a
short, out-of-county road trip from Morrisville that fits your mood.
Have you taken any of these drives before? Do you have a favorite stop I didn’t mention?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this helpful, please
share this post with friends or family planning a Vermont getaway. The more ideas we swap, the better everyone’s road trips become.
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