10 Easy Road Trips From East Barre, Vermont: Short Drives, Big Adventures
If you’re based in
East Barre, Vermont and itching to get out of town for a few hours, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit mountains, lakes, covered bridges, craft breweries, and some seriously good food.
To keep things fresh, all of these road trips are
outside of Washington CountyAddison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, and Orange Counties to find the best things to do near East Barre.
1. Stowe Village & Recreation Path (Lamoille County)
Stowe is one of those places that feels like a postcard come to life. From East Barre, it’s roughly a 45–60 minute drive, depending on your route.
Once you get there, park near the village and stretch your legs on the famous
Stowe Recreation Path.
- About 5.3 miles long, mostly flat, and great for walking or biking
- Runs along the river with mountain views and open fields
- Plenty of spots to stop for photos or a picnic
After your walk, wander
Stowe Village:
- Grab a coffee or ice cream
- Poke around the local shops and galleries
- Check out the classic white church and covered bridge views
On a nice fall day, this little trip is hard to beat. It’s an easy, low-stress outing that still feels like a full day away.
2. Burlington Waterfront & Church Street Marketplace (Chittenden County)
Looking for a bit more energy and people-watching? Head to
Burlington, about an hour from East Barre.
Start at the
Burlington Waterfront on Lake Champlain:
- Walk the paved path along the lake
- Watch the boats or just sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the Adirondacks
- Time it for sunset if you can – the colors over the water are incredible
Then wander up to
Church Street Marketplace:
- Pedestrian-only street lined with shops and restaurants
- Street performers in warmer months
- Great spot for people-watching with a coffee or local beer
If you like a mix of
small-city vibe and classic Vermont charm, Burlington is one of the best road trips from East Barre you can make.
3. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour in Waterbury (Washington County – SKIP THIS)
3. Lake Willoughby: Vermont’s “Norwegian” Lake (Caledonia County)
If you’re up for a slightly longer but still easy drive (about 1 hour 15 minutes from East Barre), head to
Lake Willoughby in Caledonia County.
This glacial lake is wedged between steep cliffs, and it honestly looks more like Norway than New England.
What you can do there:
- Relax on the public beach on the south end
- Go for a swim in crystal-clear water (yes, it’s cold!)
- Take a short hike on nearby trails for overhead views
If you enjoy photography, bring your camera. The dramatic cliffs and deep blue water make this one of the most scenic day trips near East Barre.
4. Montpelier Brewery & Food Run – SKIP (Washington County)
4. Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive & Hikes (Lamoille County)
From East Barre, drive about an hour to reach the legendary
Smugglers’ Notch area, not far from Jeffersonville in Lamoille County.
The
scenic drive through the Notch (Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville) is narrow, winding, and packed with huge boulders and cliffs. It usually closes in winter, so this is a late-spring-to-fall outing.
Once you’re there:
- Pull into one of the roadside parking areas to scramble on the rocks
- Try a short hike like the Sterling Pond Trail if you’re up for a climb
- Have a picnic with mountain views
If you like drives where the journey is the main event, this is one of the most iconic short road trips from East Barre.
5. Quechee Gorge & the Quechee Area (Windsor County – SKIP)
5. Lake Champlain at Burlington’s Oakledge Park (Chittenden County)
Another great way to “do” Burlington, especially in summer, is to treat it as a
lake day.
Drive about an hour from East Barre to
Oakledge Park in Burlington:
- Grassy areas and small beaches along Lake Champlain
- Picnic tables, grills, and shady spots under big old trees
- Access to the Burlington Bike Path
If you bring bikes, you can ride the path north toward downtown Burlington. If not, just walk along the lake, skip rocks, and enjoy the mountain views across the water.
This is an easy-going day trip that works for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a calm escape.
6. Middlebury’s Historic Downtown & River Views (Addison County)
About an hour southwest of East Barre,
Middlebury is a classic Vermont college town with a cozy downtown and a river running through it.
Highlights:
- Middlebury Falls – A waterfall right in the center of town, with viewing spots nearby
- Downtown shops – Local bookstores, galleries, and cafes
- Middlebury College campus – Leafy walks and open greens
Take a slow stroll, grab lunch, and maybe a local cider or coffee. Middlebury has a relaxed, lived-in feel that’s perfect for a low-key road trip from East Barre.
7. Vergennes & the Falls on Otter Creek (Addison County)
Not far from Middlebury, the small city of
Vergennes packs in more charm than its size suggests. It’s roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from East Barre, depending on your route.
The star of the show is
Otter Creek Falls:
- Waterfall dropping right below downtown and the bridge
- Great photo spots from the sidewalks and nearby overlooks
- Nice place to sit and listen to the water while you sip a coffee
Vergennes also has a few restaurants and shops clustered around the compact main street. If you’d like to turn it into a longer day, you can combine this with Middlebury or a quick spin along the shores of Lake Champlain in Addison County.
8. Peacham Village & Backroads Exploring (Caledonia County)
If your idea of a perfect road trip is rolling hills, dirt roads, and quiet,
Peacham in Caledonia County is a great choice. It’s about a 45–60 minute drive from East Barre.
Peacham is often called one of the most photographed villages in Vermont, and it’s easy to see why:
- A classic white church and town buildings
- Views of surrounding hills and farms
- Peaceful backroads that feel far from everything
This is more of a
slow wandering trip:
- Drive the backroads and stop whenever a view catches your eye
- Pack snacks or a picnic, as services are limited
- Come in fall for legendary foliage
If you ever wanted to feel like you stepped straight into a Vermont calendar photo, this is the place.
9. Floating the White River Near Sharon or Royalton (Orange County)
When the weather warms up, locals head to the
White River in Orange County to cool off. The Sharon and Royalton area is about an hour from East Barre, and it makes a perfect summer day trip.
Popular activities:
- Tubing – Float lazily downstream on an inner tube
- Swimming – Dip into the river at pull-offs and swimming holes
- Picnicking – Relax on grassy banks or sandy spots along the shore
If you go tubing, plan ahead:
- Bring your own tube or rent from local outfitters (check in advance)
- Wear water shoes or old sneakers
- Pack sunscreen, water, and maybe a dry bag for your phone
There’s something about drifting down a river on a hot day that hits the reset button on your brain. It’s simple, cheap, and memorable.
10. Randolph Village Arts & Food Stop (Orange County)
For a mellow afternoon road trip from East Barre, head about 45–60 minutes south to
Randolph in Orange County.
Randolph has a nice mix of small-town life and surprising arts and food:
- Historic downtown with brick buildings and local shops
- Arts scene anchored by local theaters and community events (check what’s on while you’re there)
- Cafes and eateries where you can grab lunch or an early dinner
This is the kind of place where you park once, wander slowly, and see what you find. If you like discovering quiet towns that tourists often skip, Randolph is a solid pick.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From East Barre
To make the most of your
East Barre day trips, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check the season: Some roads (like Smugglers’ Notch) close in winter.
- Fuel up first: Rural Vermont stretches can be long between gas stations.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, evenings and higher elevations can get chilly.
- Bring cash: A few small shops or farm stands may not take cards.
I’ve found that the best Vermont road trips often come with a little flexibility. Leave room to follow a side road, stop at a farm stand, or pull over for that random mountain view.
Share Your Favorite Vermont Road Trip
If you live in or near East Barre, or you’ve visited the area, you probably have your own go-to spots:
- Did I miss a favorite lake, village, or scenic drive?
- Have a secret swimming hole or leaf-peeping route you’re willing to share?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can discover new road trip ideas from East Barre, Vermont.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who might be planning a Vermont getaway. A simple share can help more people explore these beautiful corners of the Green Mountain State.
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