10 Easy Road Trips From Lyndonville, Vermont (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you’re based in
Lyndonville, Vermont and craving a quick change of scenery, you’re in a sweet spot. Within an hour or so, you can hit mountains, lakes, covered bridges, and some surprisingly tasty small-town food.
The best part? All of the trips here take you
out of Caledonia County and into nearby corners of Vermont and New Hampshire—perfect if you’ve already hit all your local spots and want something new.
Below are
10 short road trips from Lyndonville into the surrounding counties of
Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington (VT) and
Grafton County (NH).
1. Jay Peak Resort & Jay Village (Orleans County, VT)
If you love the mountains,
Jay Peak is a no-brainer. It’s about an hour northwest of Lyndonville, and the drive alone—winding past farms and forest—is half the fun.
Why go:
- Year-round mountain views
- Hiking in summer and fall
- Skiing and riding in winter
- Indoor waterpark (great for kids and rainy days)
Even if you’re not a skier, it’s still a fun day trip. You can ride the tram in season, grab a burger or a beer, and just soak in that “top of the world” feeling. I once went up there on a random Tuesday in October and had entire trails almost to myself—just me, the crunch of leaves, and the sound of the wind.
Distance from Lyndonville: Around 45–55 miles, roughly 1–1.25 hours by car.
2. Island Pond & Brighton State Park (Essex County, VT)
Looking for water instead of mountains? Head northeast to
Island Pond in Essex County. It’s a laid-back little town wrapped around a peaceful lake.
Things to do:
- Swim or paddle at Brighton State Park
- Walk the sandy beach and picnic by the shore
- Rent a kayak or canoe in season
- Leaf-peep along the lakeshore in fall
The vibe here is simple and quiet. Bring a camp chair, a sandwich, and a good book. On some afternoons, the loudest thing you’ll hear is a loon calling across the water.
Distance from Lyndonville: About 35–45 miles, around 50–60 minutes.
3. Stowe Village & Mountain Road (Lamoille County, VT)
If you want that classic postcard Vermont scene, point your car toward
Stowe. This is one of the most famous
things to do near Lyndonville if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
Highlights:
- Charming village with shops and cafés
- Art galleries and local craft stores
- Scenic drives up the Mountain Road
- Hikes with big views of Mount Mansfield
Stowe does get busy, especially on fall weekends, but that energy can be part of the fun. Grab an ice cream, stroll the sidewalks, and people-watch. There’s a mix of hikers in trail gear, families with strollers, and couples on a weekend escape.
Distance from Lyndonville: Around 60–70 miles, usually 1.25–1.5 hours.
4. Smugglers’ Notch & Route 108 (Lamoille County, VT)
Just when you think Vermont can’t get any more scenic, you drive through
Smugglers’ Notch. This narrow pass cuts right through huge boulders and cliffs near Mount Mansfield.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- Twisting mountain road (Route 108) with dramatic rock walls
- Short walks to viewpoints and boulder fields
- Gorgeous fall foliage
- Fun photo stops along the way
Fair warning: the road is steep and tight in places, and it usually closes in winter, so check conditions before you go. But when it’s open, it feels like you’ve driven into another world.
Distance from Lyndonville: Roughly 65–75 miles, about 1.5 hours depending on route and traffic.
5. Montpelier – The Smallest State Capital (Washington County, VT)
Yes, Vermont’s capital is tiny—but in the best way.
Montpelier is an easy day trip that mixes history, food, and a walkable downtown.
What to do in Montpelier:
- See the gold-domed Vermont State House from the outside
- Stroll Main Street and nearby side streets
- Browse local bookstores, bakeries, and coffee shops
- Walk along the Winooski River path if the weather’s nice
Montpelier has a friendly, local feel. It doesn’t try to be flashy. I once ducked into a café there on a snowy afternoon and ended up chatting with the barista about the best swimming holes for summer—classic Vermont small talk.
Distance from Lyndonville: Around 55–65 miles, roughly 1.25 hours.
6. Barre’s Granite Quarries & Downtown Murals (Washington County, VT)
If you’re into unique local history, head to
Barre, just south of Montpelier. This town grew up around the granite industry, and you can still feel that heritage.
Don’t miss:
- Views of huge granite quarries on the surrounding hills (check for tours or viewpoints)
- The impressive stonework at local monuments and cemeteries
- Colorful murals and public art downtown
- Casual spots to grab pizza, sandwiches, or a coffee
Granite might not sound exciting at first, but seeing the scale of these operations—and the detail in the carved stones—can be surprisingly moving. It’s a glimpse into the working side of Vermont, not just the vacation brochures.
Distance from Lyndonville: Around 60–70 miles, about 1.25–1.5 hours.
7. Newbury & The Connecticut River Valley (Orange County, VT)
For a slower-paced day trip, head south along the Connecticut River to
Newbury and nearby small towns in Orange County.
Why this drive feels special:
- Lovely views of the Connecticut River
- Old farmhouses, barns, and church steeples
- Quiet village centers with a classic New England feel
- Peaceful backroads perfect for a Sunday drive
This is the kind of trip where you don’t need a long to-do list. Just roll down the windows, put on your favorite playlist, and pull over whenever you see a pretty overlook or a roadside stand selling maple syrup.
Distance from Lyndonville: Roughly 35–50 miles depending on which town you stop in, about 45–60 minutes.
8. Groton State Forest & Its Chain of Lakes (Orange & Washington Counties, VT)
If you want the full-outdoors experience without driving all day, point your GPS toward
Groton State Forest. This area stretches across parts of Orange and Washington Counties and is packed with lakes, trails, and picnic spots.
Popular activities:
- Swim at one of the state park beaches
- Hike to overlooks with big valley views
- Picnic by the water
- Paddle a kayak or canoe on a quiet pond
On a hot summer day, the water here feels amazing. I’ve driven down with friends, tossed a cooler in the trunk, and spent the whole afternoon swimming and floating until the sun started to dip behind the hills.
Distance from Lyndonville: Usually 35–55 miles depending on which lake or trailhead you choose, about 45–70 minutes.
9. Franconia Notch State Park (Grafton County, NH)
Cross the border into New Hampshire and aim for
Franconia Notch in Grafton County. This is one of the most iconic mountain drives in New England.
Highlights along the notch:
- Jaw-dropping mountain views right from the highway
- Access to trails with views of the White Mountains
- The lake at Echo Lake Beach (seasonal)
- Historic sites and scenic overlooks
On a clear day, the ridgelines here feel huge compared to most of Vermont. If you’re used to shorter hills around home, these peaks will definitely impress you.
Distance from Lyndonville: Around 55–70 miles depending on your exact stop, usually about 1.25 hours.
10. Hanover & Dartmouth College (Grafton County, NH)
For a more “college town” vibe, head to
Hanover, New Hampshire, home of Dartmouth College, just across the river from Vermont in Grafton County.
What to enjoy in Hanover:
- Walk the Dartmouth campus and green
- Explore bookstores and shops downtown
- Find a cozy spot for lunch or coffee
- Stroll along the Connecticut River if time allows
This is a great road trip if you want a change from pure nature and feel like mixing in a bit of culture, energy, and people-watching. Students, locals, and visitors all blend together here.
Distance from Lyndonville: Roughly 65–75 miles, about 1.25–1.5 hours.
Tips for Planning Your Lyndonville Road Trips
To make the most of your
short road trips from Lyndonville, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check the season: Mountain roads like Smugglers’ Notch can close in winter; lakes and tram rides may be seasonal.
- Pack layers: In Vermont and New Hampshire, weather can shift fast, especially in the hills.
- Bring snacks and water: Services can be spread out, especially in Essex and Orleans Counties.
- Fill your gas tank first: Some routes feel very remote (in a good way), but gas stations can be few and far between.
- Have a loose plan: Know your main stop, but leave room for random viewpoints or farm stands.
Think of these drives as mini-adventures. You don’t need a perfect itinerary—just a sense of curiosity and a little time.
Where Will You Drive First?
From lakes in
Essex County to mountains in
Orleans, Lamoille, and Grafton Counties, and cozy towns in
Orange and
Washington Counties, there are plenty of
things to do near Lyndonville, VT without ever getting on a plane.
Which of these 10 road trips sounds best to you?
Have you already taken any of these drives from Lyndonville?
Share your favorite routes, hidden gems, and must-stop diners in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on social media. Your tips might inspire someone else’s next weekend adventure.
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