10 Relaxing & Fun Things To Do Near West Woodstock, Vermont (Windsor County)
If you’re dreaming about a peaceful Vermont getaway,
West Woodstock in Windsor County is a great place to start. This tiny village sits just a few minutes west of downtown Woodstock, but it feels a world away—quiet roads, rolling hills, and the Ottauquechee River flowing by.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, here are
10 things to do near West Woodstock, VT that show off the best of this scenic corner of New England.
1. Stroll the Covered Bridges Around West Woodstock
One of the most charming things about this area? The covered bridges. They look like something out of a movie, and they’re all within a short drive of West Woodstock.
Some local favorites include:
- Lincoln Covered Bridge – Just west of West Woodstock, right off Route 4. It crosses the Ottauquechee River and is easy to walk or drive across.
- Taftsville Covered Bridge – A bright red bridge east of Woodstock village, originally built in the 1830s and beautifully restored.
- Middle Bridge in Woodstock Village – A classic photo spot right in the heart of Woodstock.
If you like photography, early morning or late afternoon light makes these bridges glow. I once pulled over “just for a minute” at Lincoln Bridge and ended up staying nearly half an hour watching the river and listening to nothing but the water and a few birds.
2. Explore Downtown Woodstock Village
From West Woodstock, it’s only about a 5–10 minute drive into
Woodstock village, often called one of the prettiest small towns in America. And it lives up to the hype.
In town, you can:
- Browse local shops filled with Vermont-made gifts, crafts, and home goods.
- Grab a coffee and pastry from a cozy café, then people-watch on the green.
- Walk the historic village green and quiet side streets lined with old New England homes.
- Dine at farm-to-table restaurants that highlight local cheese, maple, and seasonal produce.
Everything is walkable, and parking is usually manageable if you’re patient. This is a great “first afternoon” activity after you arrive in West Woodstock and settle in.
3. Visit Billings Farm & Museum
Just across the river from Woodstock village sits the
Billings Farm & Museum, one of the top things to do near West Woodstock, VT—especially for families.
This working dairy farm and museum combines:
- Friendly farm animals – Cows, sheep, goats, and more you can see up close.
- Hands-on exhibits – Learn how Vermont farm families lived over 100 years ago.
- Seasonal events – Ice cream socials, harvest festivals, winter programs, and more.
If you grew up far from farms, this place gives a gentle, kid-friendly look at rural life. It’s also a good rainy-day backup, since much of it is indoors or under cover.
4. Hike (or Snowshoe) Mount Tom in Woodstock
If you look up from Woodstock village, you’ll probably notice
Mount Tom rising above town. It’s part of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and offers some of the best views around.
What to expect:
- Several well-marked trails with moderate climbs—nothing too extreme.
- Hikes that can be done in 1–3 hours, depending on the route you choose.
- Beautiful overlooks where you can see Woodstock village and the surrounding hills.
In the winter, the same trails are popular for
snowshoeing or winter hiking with microspikes. Trails can be a bit rooty and rocky in spots, so sturdy shoes help.
If you only have time for one hike near West Woodstock, Mount Tom is hard to beat.
5. Walk the Trails and Gardens at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Right next to Mount Tom is the rest of the
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the only national park in Vermont. It’s a mouthful to say, but the experience is calm and simple.
Here you’ll find:
- Carriage roads and walking paths through old-growth forest.
- The historic Rockefeller mansion (tours are seasonal—check ahead).
- Well-kept gardens and lawns that are perfect for a slow stroll.
This is one of those places where you don’t need a big plan. Just park, pick a trail, and wander. If you’re visiting in the fall, the foliage views from these paths are absolutely worth the trip.
6. Drive the Scenic Route 4 Corridor
West Woodstock sits right along
Route 4, which makes it a great base for scenic drives through central Vermont.
A simple half-day loop might include:
- Heading west toward Bridgewater and Plymouth Notch.
- Stopping at small shops, general stores, and roadside maple stands (in season).
- Continuing on to the Killington area, then looping back.
Along the way, you’ll see classic rolling farms, old barns, and those long, tree-lined stretches that New England is known for. In October, this drive becomes a full-on color show.
If you enjoy just “going for a drive” with no strict schedule, this is a perfect way to explore more of Windsor County from your base in West Woodstock.
7. Taste Vermont Maple and Local Products
You can’t visit Vermont and skip the maple. Around West Woodstock and the wider Windsor County area, you’ll find plenty of chances to sample the local flavors.
Look for:
- Roadside farm stands selling maple syrup, jams, and baked goods.
- Country stores with shelves full of Vermont cheese, cider, and snacks.
- Seasonal maple sugarhouses that welcome visitors, especially in late winter and early spring.
If you’re staying in a rental with a kitchen, buying local ingredients and cooking a simple breakfast—pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup, maybe—is a wonderful way to slow down and feel “at home” in West Woodstock.
8. Relax by the Ottauquechee River
The
Ottauquechee River runs right through West Woodstock and continues east toward Woodstock and beyond. It adds a peaceful backdrop to almost everything in this area.
Ways to enjoy it:
- Sit on a riverside bench or rock and just listen to the water.
- Walk along quiet village roads that follow the river’s edge.
- Stop at one of the pull-offs along Route 4 for quick views and photos.
On warm days, you may see people wading or picnicking near calmer spots along the river (always use caution and respect private property signs). Even just opening your car window and hearing the water as you drive through West Woodstock feels relaxing.
9. Visit Quechee Gorge and Quechee Village
About 20–25 minutes east of West Woodstock you’ll find
Quechee Gorge, sometimes called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” It’s one of the most popular natural attractions in this part of the state.
Highlights include:
- A tall bridge over the gorge with sweeping views of the rocky canyon and river below.
- Short trails that lead down toward the water (steeper in spots but manageable for most people with good footwear).
- Nearby Quechee Village with shops, glassblowing studios, and places to eat.
If you’re staying in West Woodstock, Quechee makes an easy half-day outing: enjoy the gorge, explore the village, then head back to your quiet base in the countryside.
10. Take a Day Trip to Killington for Mountain Fun
If you’re okay with a slightly longer drive, the
Killington area is about 30–40 minutes west of West Woodstock along Route 4. It’s known for skiing, but there’s something to do year-round.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Ski or snowboard at Killington Resort in winter.
- Try mountain biking on lift-served trails in summer and fall.
- Ride the gondola to the summit for wide views across the Green Mountains.
- Explore hiking trails, golf, and other mountain activities.
The nice thing about staying in West Woodstock is that you can enjoy all the action and adventure at Killington, then return to a quieter, more peaceful home base in the evening.
Planning Your Stay in West Woodstock, Vermont
West Woodstock itself is small and peaceful—think quiet roads, inns, vacation rentals, and a few local spots—while all the bigger attractions sit within a 5–40 minute drive. That’s what makes it such a good base for exploring
Windsor County and central Vermont.
Here’s a quick recap of the best
things to do near West Woodstock, VT:
- Visit covered bridges like Lincoln and Taftsville
- Explore charming Woodstock village
- Tour Billings Farm & Museum
- Hike Mount Tom
- Walk the trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
- Take a scenic drive along Route 4
- Sample Vermont maple and local products
- Relax by the Ottauquechee River
- See Quechee Gorge and Quechee Village
- Head to Killington for mountain adventures
Whether you’re coming for fall foliage, a snowy winter escape, or a laid-back summer break, West Woodstock offers that classic Vermont mix of nature, history, and small-town charm.
Share Your West Woodstock Vermont Experience
Have you visited West Woodstock or the nearby towns in Windsor County?
- Which covered bridge was your favorite?
- Did you hike Mount Tom, visit Quechee Gorge, or explore the national park?
Drop a comment below and share your tips, favorite spots, or questions about planning a trip to West Woodstock, VT.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who loves small New England towns, scenic drives, and quiet getaways—your share might just inspire their next Vermont adventure.
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