10 Best Things to Do Near Bellows Falls, Vermont (Windham County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Bellows Falls, Vermont (Windham County)

Bellows Falls, Vermont might be a small village, but it’s packed with New England charm, river views, and easy access to some of the best things to do in southern Vermont and nearby New Hampshire. If you’re planning a Vermont road trip, looking for a weekend getaway from Boston or New York, or just curious about this little corner of Windham County, this guide is for you. Below are 10 fun things to do in and around Bellows Falls, VT that are perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

1. Stroll the Historic Downtown & Bellows Falls Canal

Start right in the heart of downtown Bellows Falls. The village is compact, walkable, and full of character. You can:
  • Check out the old brick buildings and faded “ghost signs” from the 1800s.
  • Walk down to the Bellows Falls Canal, one of the oldest canals in the United States.
  • Watch the water rush through the gorge and listen to the roar of the Connecticut River.
On a quiet morning, it’s easy to imagine what this town felt like during the old mill and railroad days. If you like history and photography, you’ll find a lot of little details to capture. Tip: Look for the old stone arch bridge abutments and locks. They’re right there, but a lot of visitors miss them because they don’t know what they’re looking at.

2. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Connecticut River

Bellows Falls sits right on the Connecticut River, which forms the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. That means you have easy access to two states for the price of one trip. Hop in the car and:
  • Drive north on Route 5 on the Vermont side.
  • Or cross the bridge into New Hampshire and cruise up Route 12.
Along the way you’ll find:
  • Pretty river views
  • Rolling hills and old farms
  • Plenty of spots to pull over for photos
In fall, this drive turns into a wall of color. In winter, it’s peaceful and quiet, with snowy fields and icy river views. It’s the kind of classic New England scenic drive people dream about.

3. Hike Fall Mountain for a View of Bellows Falls

Looking for a short hike with a big payoff? Head just across the river into New Hampshire to Fall Mountain in the town of Walpole, only a few minutes from Bellows Falls. The trails vary in difficulty, but many are family-friendly. When you reach the viewpoints, you’ll see:
  • The village of Bellows Falls tucked along the river
  • The Connecticut River winding through the valley
  • Green hills stretching out in every direction
It’s a great spot to bring a picnic, catch a sunset, or simply soak in the quiet. Pack: Good walking shoes, a bottle of water, and maybe a light jacket. Even in summer, it can feel a bit cooler at the top.

4. Visit the Rockingham Meeting House

Just a few miles from downtown Bellows Falls, you’ll find one of Vermont’s true historical treasures: the Rockingham Meeting House. Built in the late 1700s, this simple wooden church looks almost unchanged from colonial times. When you step inside, you’ll see:
  • Original woodwork and pews
  • A high pulpit and old-fashioned box seats
  • A peaceful old cemetery outside
Walking around here feels like stepping into another century. It’s quiet, calm, and surprisingly moving, even if you’re not usually a history buff. Why go? It’s one of the best-preserved early public buildings in Vermont and offers a real sense of how people gathered and worshipped long before electricity and cars.

5. Chase Covered Bridges in Windham County

You can’t talk about Vermont without talking about covered bridges, and the Bellows Falls area doesn’t disappoint. Use Bellows Falls as your base and take a mini road trip to find nearby bridges like:
  • Worrall Covered Bridge in Rockingham
  • Hall Covered Bridge in Rockingham
  • Other small, lesser-known bridges scattered around Windham County
What makes covered bridges so special? They’re like time machines. Many were built in the 1800s and still carry local traffic today. Plus, they make great backdrops for photos, especially in autumn or after a fresh snowfall. Idea: Turn it into a little scavenger hunt. Mark a few bridges on your map and see how many you can visit in an afternoon.

6. Explore Springfield, VT: Art, History & A Waterfall

About 20–25 minutes north of Bellows Falls, you’ll find the town of Springfield, Vermont, another classic mill town with its own flavor. Things to do there include:
  • Watching the Black River Falls roar under the downtown bridges
  • Exploring local shops and cafés
  • Visiting small museums or seasonal events
Springfield has that “real Vermont” feel—less polished than some tourist towns, but very welcoming. It’s an easy half-day trip and pairs nicely with time in Bellows Falls. Tip: If you’re into old industrial architecture or photography, this area is full of interesting old mills and brick buildings.

7. Take a Day Trip to Chester or Grafton

If you want a classic postcard-perfect Vermont village, you’re in luck. Two great options are an easy drive from Bellows Falls:
  • Chester, VT (about 20–25 minutes away)
    • Pretty green with historic houses
    • Antique shops and small galleries
    • Good spots for coffee or lunch
  • Grafton, VT (about 30–35 minutes away)
    • Restored historic buildings
    • A peaceful little village with classic New England charm
    • Nearby walking and hiking trails
Both towns feel like stepping into a New England travel magazine. They’re calm, beautiful, and easy to explore on foot. Make a loop: Start in Bellows Falls, head to Chester, then swing over to Grafton before coming back. It makes a perfect one-day scenic circuit.

8. Enjoy Local Food, Coffee & Small-Town Vibes

One of the best things to do in Bellows Falls is also one of the simplest: slow down and enjoy the local spots. Around the village you’ll find:
  • Cafés where you can sip coffee and people-watch
  • Casual restaurants and diners serving comfort food
  • Bakeries and small shops with local treats
If you’re used to chain restaurants and big-box stores, the pace here feels refreshing. Conversations take a bit longer. People hold the door for you. The server might actually ask where you’re from and mean it. Travel tip: Ask a local where they like to eat. You’ll almost always find a spot you wouldn’t have discovered on your own.

9. Visit Walpole, NH for Chocolate, Cheese & Country Charm

Cross the river into Walpole, New Hampshire, just a short drive from Bellows Falls. This little town is known for its peaceful village center and farm country all around. Depending on what’s open and in season, you might:
  • Pick up local cheese or chocolates
  • Walk around the village green
  • Drive quiet back roads surrounded by fields and forests
Walpole pairs perfectly with a morning or afternoon in Bellows Falls and gives you a taste of both sides of the Connecticut River Valley. Why include it in a Bellows Falls trip? It’s incredibly close, feels slightly different in style, and adds another layer to your New England experience.

10. Experience Vermont’s Seasons: Foliage, Snow & Summer Rivers

One of the best “things to do” near Bellows Falls isn’t a single attraction—it’s simply experiencing the changing seasons in this part of Vermont. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy:
  • Fall
    • Peak foliage usually from late September into October
    • Scenic drives along the Connecticut River
    • Apple picking and farm stands in the region
  • Winter
    • Snowy covered bridges and quiet roads
    • Nearby ski areas within an hour’s drive
    • Cozy cafés and small-town holiday lights
  • Spring
    • Rushing rivers and waterfalls
    • Maple sugaring season (think fresh maple syrup)
    • Early wildflowers and greener hills
  • Summer
    • Swimming holes and river access spots nearby
    • Farmers markets and outdoor events in Windham County
    • Hiking, biking, and easy nature walks
If your schedule is flexible, consider planning your Bellows Falls trip around the kind of weather and activities you enjoy most.

Planning Your Trip to Bellows Falls, Vermont

Here are a few quick tips to help you plan:
  • Getting there: Bellows Falls is right off Interstate 91, making it an easy stop on a New England road trip.
  • How long to stay: One to two days is enough for the village and nearby sights, but you can easily stretch it into a long weekend by adding Chester, Grafton, Walpole, or Springfield.
  • Who it’s good for: Couples, families, history lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a slower, more relaxed Vermont experience.
You won’t find big theme parks or flashy attractions here. Instead, you’ll get river views, old buildings, winding roads, and friendly people—the kind of trip that stays with you because of how it felt, not just what you checked off a list.

What Would You Add to This Bellows Falls Bucket List?

Have you visited Bellows Falls, Vermont or anywhere else in Windham County?
  • Did you find a great hiking trail?
  • Discover a cozy café or diner?
  • Stumble on a hidden waterfall, farm stand, or covered bridge?
Share your favorite things to do in and around Bellows Falls in the comments—your tips can help other travelers plan their own Vermont getaway. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s dreaming about a New England trip. The more people discover small towns like Bellows Falls, the more these communities can thrive while still keeping their unique charm.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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