10 Easy Road Trips From Jeffersonville, Vermont (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you’re based in
Jeffersonville, Vermont and you’ve already hit all your favorite local spots, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got mountains, big lakes, covered bridges, craft beer, and classic New England towns just waiting for a day trip.
The best part? These road trips all take you
out of Lamoille County and into nearby counties like
Chittenden, Franklin, Washington, Caledonia, and Orleans. So you get a change of scenery without spending half your day in the car.
Below are 10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Jeffersonville, with ideas for what to see, where to walk, and how to make the most of a simple drive.
1. Burlington & Lake Champlain (Chittenden County)
Burlington is about a 45–50 minute drive from Jeffersonville, mostly along Route 15 and Route 289. It’s the classic “big day in the city” for northwest Vermont.
Why go: Lake views, food, shopping, and a fun college‑town vibe.
Top things to do:
- Stroll Church Street Marketplace – A pedestrian-only street with shops, street performers, coffee spots, and outdoor patios. It’s great for people‑watching.
- Walk the Burlington Waterfront – Head down to the boardwalk and bike path. On a clear day, the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain look unreal.
- Take a sunset cruise – In warmer months, book a short boat ride on Lake Champlain. It’s relaxing, and the views are classic Vermont.
- Hit the breweries – Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity, Switchback, and more are all packed into the city and nearby South Burlington.
If you’re only going to do one quick out‑of‑county trip from Jeffersonville, Burlington should be near the top of the list.
2. Stowe Scenic Loop (Washington County)
You might know the Jeffersonville side of the mountain, but crossing over into
Washington County opens up a different view of the area.
Why go: A classic Vermont drive with mountain views, pretty side streets, and good food.
Ideas for a simple day:
- Drive over to the Stowe side – Take Route 108 and enjoy the twisty mountain roads (check seasonal closures in winter).
- Walk Main Street in Stowe Village – Although the “village” part is small, it’s packed with galleries, coffee, bakeries, and cute shops.
- Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum – A short, easy stop if you like ski history and vintage gear.
On the way home, slow down and enjoy the old barns and fields. This loop is more about the drive than a checklist of attractions.
3. Montpelier: America’s Tiniest Capital (Washington County)
From Jeffersonville, Montpelier is usually a 55–65 minute drive, depending on your route. It’s the kind of small capital city that surprises people who expect skyscrapers.
Why go: History, food, and a walkable downtown.
Don’t miss:
- Vermont State House – The gold-domed building is hard to miss. You can walk the grounds and, in many seasons, join a tour inside.
- Downtown Montpelier – Compact, full of local restaurants, bookshops, and cafés. Park once and explore on foot.
- Hubbard Park – A short drive uphill from the center. There’s a stone tower and wooded trails with quiet views over the city.
If you like low-key cities where you can actually hear the river and birds, Montpelier is your kind of place.
4. Waterbury: Ice Cream, Beer, and a Covered Bridge (Washington County)
Waterbury is roughly an hour from Jeffersonville, and it’s one of the best day trips for food‑lovers in Vermont.
Why go: Big flavors in a small town.
What to do:
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury Center) – Classic stop for a factory tour and a scoop. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s fun.
- Hit the breweries – Waterbury has long been a craft beer hub, with well-known names and cozy taprooms.
- Explore downtown – Grab coffee, poke around the local shops, and walk over the small bridge near the river.
If you like the idea of pairing ice cream with world‑class beer (not at the same time… unless that’s your thing), this is the spot.
5. Lake Willoughby & the Northeast Kingdom (Orleans County)
This one’s a little longer—usually about 1 hour 20 minutes from Jeffersonville—but it honestly feels like you’ve driven into another world.
Why go: Dramatic cliffs, clear water, and pure quiet.
Highlights:
- Lake Willoughby – A deep, fjord‑like lake surrounded by steep mountains. Even just pulling off at a public beach and staring at the water is worth the drive.
- Short hikes – There are trails around Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor with overlooks of the lake. Check conditions and pick one that matches your comfort level.
- Backroad exploring – Orleans County has long, winding backroads with farms, ponds, and old cemeteries that feel frozen in time.
Pack snacks and layers. Services get thinner out here, but that’s exactly the charm.
6. Newport & the Canadian Border Vibe (Orleans County)
From Jeffersonville, Newport is about 1 hour 15–30 minutes away, near the top of Vermont, right by the Canadian border.
Why go: Lake views, a lakeside path, and that “almost in Canada” feel.
Things to do:
- Walk the Newport waterfront – You can stroll along Lake Memphremagog, sit on benches, and watch the boats.
- Grab lunch downtown – Small cafes and diners make it easy to grab a simple meal before or after your walk.
- Scenic drives around the lake – If you like just driving and looking, the roads leading out of Newport give nice views of the water and farmland.
If you’ve never been this far north in Vermont, this trip feels like a mini adventure without leaving the state.
7. St. Albans & Lake Champlain’s Northern Shore (Franklin County)
St. Albans sits about 45–55 minutes from Jeffersonville, making it one of the easier quick trips.
Why go: A historic downtown plus lakeside parks and open views.
How to spend your time:
- Walk downtown St. Albans – Check out the old brick buildings, local shops, and small-town feel along Main Street.
- Head to the lake – A short drive west gets you to the shores of Lake Champlain, with parks where you can walk, picnic, or just look out across the water.
- Rail trail riding or walking – There are flat paths and trails in the area that are family-friendly and easy for casual walking or biking.
I like St. Albans for days when I want something different from Burlington, but still want that mix of town and lake.
8. Burlington’s Neighbor: South Burlington & Shelburne (Chittenden County)
Instead of stopping in Burlington, you can keep going south for a slightly calmer feel with plenty to do.
Why go: Family‑friendly attractions and mellow lake views.
Ideas:
- Shelburne Museum (Shelburne) – A large, outdoor-style museum with historic buildings, art, and even a steamboat. You can easily spend half a day here.
- Shelburne Farms (seasonal access) – A beautiful working farm with trails and lake views. Great for kids and for anyone who loves old farm architecture and open fields.
- South Burlington breweries and eateries – Just outside Burlington, you’ll find laid‑back taprooms and casual restaurants that are less busy than downtown.
If you like the idea of Burlington but want more space and less hustle, this area is a nice compromise.
9. Lyndonville & the Northern Covered Bridge Country (Caledonia County)
Lyndonville is about 1 hour 15–30 minutes from Jeffersonville, depending on your route. This part of Caledonia County is big on bridges and backroads.
Why go: Classic Vermont scenery without the crowds.
What to look for:
- Covered bridges – The area around Lyndonville and Lyndon is known for multiple covered bridges. It’s fun to make your own mini “bridge tour” and stop for photos.
- Walk through town – Simple, small, and friendly, with a few local spots to grab coffee or lunch.
- Scenic detours – Drive the smaller side roads and enjoy rolling hills, barns, and quiet valleys.
This is a low‑key day: lots of driving, short walks, and plenty of spots to pull off and take pictures.
10. St. Johnsbury & the Fairbanks Museum (Caledonia County)
A bit farther than some of the others—plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes each way—but still doable as a day trip from Jeffersonville.
Why go: A solid blend of culture, history, and small-town Vermont.
Don’t miss:
- Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – A quirky, old‑school natural history museum with taxidermy, science exhibits, and a planetarium. Great for curious kids and adults.
- Walk around downtown – St. Johnsbury has a few blocks of historic buildings, churches, and local shops that are easy to explore on foot.
- Take the slow road back – On your return, try a different route. You’ll see a mix of forests, rivers, and wide‑open views.
If you’re in the mood for a “mini field trip” kind of day, St. Johnsbury delivers.
Tips for Planning Your Jeffersonville Road Trips
To keep your day fun and stress‑free, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check drive times – Many of these trips are in the 45–90 minute range one way. Decide how much time you want to spend in the car.
- Watch the seasons – In fall, these drives are insanely pretty. In winter, check road conditions, especially mountain routes.
- Pack a small “Vermont kit” – Water bottle, snacks, an extra layer, and maybe a hat and gloves. Weather can change fast in the hills.
- Start with one or two – You don’t need to cover everything at once. Pick a direction—lake, mountain, or “Northeast Kingdom”—and just explore.
Where Will You Go Next From Jeffersonville?
Living in or visiting
Jeffersonville, Vermont means you’re sitting in the middle of some of the best day trips in the state. Within a short drive, you can:
- Wander lakeside in Burlington or Newport
- Sample ice cream and beer in Waterbury
- Walk a gold‑domed capital in Montpelier
- Discover quiet corners of Caledonia and Orleans Counties
Now it’s your turn:
- Have you taken any of these road trips from Jeffersonville?
- Which spot would you add to the list?
Drop your favorite routes, hidden gems, and must‑stop diners in the comments—your tips can help the next traveler plan a perfect Vermont day.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Jeffersonville or nearby. A simple share can inspire someone’s next great road trip.
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