10 Easy Road Trips Near Underhill Flats, Vermont (That Take You Out of Chittenden County)
If you’re based in or around
Underhill Flats, Vermont and itching for a short drive, you’re in a sweet spot. In under an hour or so, you can be in a different county — or even a different state — hiking a new trail, wandering a lakeside town, or hunting down maple creemees.
The best part? These ideas all take you
out of Chittenden County into nearby spots in:
- Addison County, VT
- Franklin County, VT
- Grand Isle County, VT
- Lamoille County, VT
- Washington County, VT
- Clinton County, NY
- Essex County, NY
So fill the gas tank, grab a coffee, and let’s talk about 10 short
road trips near Underhill Flats worth your weekend.
1. Classic College-Town Vibes in Middlebury, Vermont (Addison County)
Middlebury is about a 1–1.5 hour drive from Underhill Flats, depending on your route, and it feels like a mini vacation.
Why go: It’s got that picture-perfect New England college-town energy, with mountain views, historic buildings, and a laid-back pace.
Things to do in Middlebury:
- Stroll through the Middlebury College campus and check out the architecture and green spaces.
- Walk the paths along the Otter Creek and stop to watch the falls in town.
- Browse indie shops and bookstores downtown, then grab a coffee or a pastry.
- Visit nearby covered bridges for that classic Vermont photo-op.
If you like small towns with a little culture and a lot of charm, Middlebury is an easy win for a day trip.
2. Lake Views and Farm Country in Vergennes, Vermont (Addison County)
Just a bit north of Middlebury,
Vergennes is officially Vermont’s smallest city, but it punches way above its weight.
Why go: It’s close to Lake Champlain, has a cute downtown, and makes a great starting point for scenic drives.
Things to do in Vergennes:
- Walk the tiny downtown and grab lunch at a local café or diner.
- Drive a few miles out to find views of the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain.
- Pack a picnic and explore nearby rivers and backroads.
- Time your visit with sunset — the sky over the lake can be incredible on clear evenings.
If you enjoy slow drives, open fields, and big sky sunsets, this little city in Addison County is a great road trip from Underhill Flats.
3. Island Escape in North Hero & South Hero, Vermont (Grand Isle County)
Want to feel like you’re going on vacation without driving hours? Head north and west into
Grand Isle County and cruise the Lake Champlain islands.
Why go: You’re on actual islands, surrounded by water, farm stands, and laid-back lakeside life.
Things to do on the Champlain Islands:
- Drive across the causeways and soak in 360-degree lake and mountain views.
- Stop at roadside stands for local produce, maple syrup, and baked goods.
- Find a public access spot and enjoy a lakeside walk or a quiet picnic.
- Bring your bike and ride along low-traffic backroads.
On a warm summer day, this might be one of the best short
day trips from Underhill Flats — it feels surprisingly different from inland Vermont.
4. Maple Country and Quiet Roads in Enosburg Falls, Vermont (Franklin County)
Head north into
Franklin County, and you’ll find smaller towns, rolling hills, and a whole lot of maple sugar country.
Why go: Enosburg Falls offers river views, low-key downtown streets, and easy access to rural backroads.
Things to do in and around Enosburg Falls:
- Walk along the Missisquoi River and explore local parks.
- Drive the surrounding roads in spring to spot sugarhouses in action.
- Look for local diners or bakeries — small-town Vermont often hides the best comfort food.
- If you’re a cyclist, explore sections of the nearby rail trail and quiet country roads.
It’s a good pick if you like unhurried drives and want to see a different, less touristy side of northern Vermont.
5. Classic Vermont Village Charm in Stowe, Vermont (Lamoille County)
From Underhill Flats, Stowe is a very natural day trip, and it’s just over the line in
Lamoille County.
Why go: Stowe is one of Vermont’s most famous mountain towns, but you can absolutely enjoy it on a casual day trip.
Things to do in Stowe:
- Wander the village: browse shops, grab coffee, check out local art and gear stores.
- Drive through the valley for sweeping views of Mount Mansfield and the surrounding peaks.
- Walk or bike a section of the rec path for easy, scenic mileage.
- Visit local breweries or cider spots after your walk or hike.
Whether you like hiking, leaf-peeping, winter sports, or just browsing cute shops, Stowe is an easy “go-to” road trip near Underhill Flats.
6. Waterfalls and Shopping Breaks in Morrisville, Vermont (Lamoille County)
Just past Stowe,
Morrisville is more local, less touristy, and a solid add-on or stand-alone destination.
Why go: It mixes small-town Vermont life with outdoor access and some surprisingly good food options.
Things to do in Morrisville:
- Explore local shops and grab lunch or a snack in town.
- Check out nearby waterfalls and short local walks.
- Bring a book and relax at a local café between drives.
- Use Morrisville as a jumping-off point to explore more of Lamoille County’s backroads.
If Stowe feels a bit crowded, heading a few extra miles to Morrisville can give you a calmer experience without losing the scenery.
7. Mountain Town with a Locals’ Feel: Waterbury, Vermont (Washington County)
Travel southeast into
Washington County and you’ll hit
Waterbury, a town that sits right between mountain adventure and easy highway access.
Why go: It’s known for food, beer, and quick access to hiking and scenic drives.
Things to do in Waterbury:
- Walk the downtown and pop into local restaurants, bakeries, and cafés.
- Use it as a launch point for hikes in the nearby mountains.
- Visit local breweries or tasting rooms if that’s your thing.
- Explore backroads to discover mountain views and hidden swimming spots in summer.
If you’re planning a full Vermont road trip someday, Waterbury is one of those towns that often becomes a favorite “base camp” — it works just as well for a simple day trip from Underhill Flats.
8. Small-State-Capital Energy in Montpelier, Vermont (Washington County)
How often do you get to say you visited the nation’s smallest state capital?
Montpelier is cozy, easy to walk, and very Vermont.
Why go: It has a historic downtown, a gold-domed State House, and plenty of local flavor.
Things to do in Montpelier:
- Walk the downtown streets and explore independent bookstores and shops.
- Take a look at the State House exterior and surrounding grounds.
- Grab lunch at a local café or bakery — veggie, vegan, and farm-to-table options are common here.
- Stroll along the river or nearby paths to stretch your legs between stops.
If you like low-key cities with a walkable core, Montpelier makes a very relaxed and rewarding
day trip from northern Vermont.
9. Lake Champlain & City Strolls in Plattsburgh, New York (Clinton County)
Ready to cross a state line? Head west across Lake Champlain into
Clinton County, New York and explore
Plattsburgh.
Why go: Plattsburgh gives you a small-city feel, lake access, and a change of scenery from Vermont — all within a reasonable drive.
Things to do in Plattsburgh:
- Walk around downtown and explore shops, murals, and historic buildings.
- Head to the lakeshore for a walk along the water or some beach time in season.
- Watch the sunset over Lake Champlain with the Green Mountains in the distance.
- Combine it with a scenic drive along the New York side of the lake.
There’s something fun about saying, “We went to New York for the day,” when it was just a short road trip from Underhill Flats.
10. Adirondack Gateway: Ausable Chasm & Surroundings (Essex County, New York)
A bit farther into
Essex County, New York, you’ll find one of the region’s most iconic natural attractions:
Ausable Chasm.
Why go: It’s often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and while that might be a stretch, it is a beautiful, dramatic river gorge.
Things to do around Ausable Chasm:
- Walk the trails and overlooks to see the chasm from different angles.
- Take your time on the scenic drives to and from the area.
- Explore nearby small towns in Essex County for food, coffee, and local shops.
- If you have extra time, keep driving deeper into the Adirondacks for even more mountain views.
This makes a great “slightly bigger” day trip from Underhill Flats when you want something that feels like a true adventure without needing an overnight stay.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Underhill Flats
To make the most of these
Vermont and New York day trips, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are within about 45–90 minutes, but weather and backroads can add a bit.
- Watch the seasons: Foliage, mud season, and winter storms can change both scenery and driving conditions.
- Bring layers: Mountain and lakeside weather can shift quickly, even on warm days.
- Support local: Try to eat, shop, and grab treats at local spots — it’s part of the fun and helps these small communities.
If you like to keep things flexible, pick one main stop (like Stowe, Middlebury, or Plattsburgh), then let the backroads and roadside signs guide you to extra discoveries.
Where Will You Road Trip Next from Underhill Flats?
Living near
Underhill Flats, VT means you’re surrounded by options: lakes, islands, mountain towns, college villages, and even quick hops into upstate New York. You don’t need a full week off to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new — sometimes a 60–90 minute drive is enough to reset.
Now I’m curious:
Which road trip would you try first? Are you more into lakes and islands, small cities, or quiet backroads?
- Drop a comment with your favorite day trip from the Underhill area.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always asking, “What can we do this weekend?”
Your ideas and experiences can help other travelers discover new places too — so don’t be shy.
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