10 Short Road Trips From Huntington, Vermont (Chittenden County)
If you live in Huntington, Vermont, you’re quietly surrounded by some of the best road-trip territory in the Northeast. Tucked into the Green Mountains, this small town offers quick access to lake views, mountain scenery, historic villages, and classic New England charm — often without crowds.
Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Huntington, all located in nearby parts of Clinton County, NY; Essex County, NY; Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Washington Counties in Vermont. Each one works well for a half-day outing, an easy afternoon drive, or a relaxed weekend escape.
1. Middlebury Village & Otter Creek Falls (Addison County, VT)
Middlebury blends small-town charm with a lively downtown feel. Otter Creek Falls sits right in the village, making it easy to enjoy nature without hiking far.
It’s one of those places where history, water, and walkability come together naturally.
2. Vergennes & Basin Harbor Area (Addison County, VT)
Vergennes is Vermont’s smallest city, but it punches above its weight in character. Nearby Basin Harbor offers sweeping Lake Champlain views and peaceful shoreline stops.
- Walk along the falls in downtown Vergennes
- Enjoy lake views without the busy marina scene
- Take the slower roads along the shore
3. St. Albans Bay & Waterfront Park (Franklin County, VT)
St. Albans Bay feels relaxed and open, with long lake views and easy walking paths. It’s ideal when you want water scenery without a packed beach atmosphere.
Bring a coffee, find a bench, and let the lake do the rest.
4. South Hero Island Loop Drive (Grand Isle County, VT)
A drive through South Hero is simple and calming. Quiet roads, farmland, and lake views make this feel like a reset button for your day.
It’s not about rushing — it’s about letting the drive slow you down.
5. Burlington Waterfront & Bike Path (Chittenden County Border)
Even though Burlington sits nearby, the waterfront feels like a different world from mountain towns. The long bike path and lake sunsets are worth the short drive.
- Walk the Burlington Greenway
- Watch boats come and go
- Grab food near the waterfront
6. Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive (Lamoille County, VT)
Smugglers’ Notch offers one of Vermont’s most dramatic drives. The narrow mountain pass, massive rock walls, and winding curves make it unforgettable.
It feels a bit like driving through a stone hallway carved by nature.
7. Waterbury Village & Reservoir Views (Washington County, VT)
Waterbury combines small-town energy with easy access to scenic overlooks. The nearby reservoir offers peaceful water views framed by hills and forest.
It’s a great place to stretch your legs without committing to a long hike.
8. Plattsburgh City Beach & Lake Champlain (Clinton County, NY)
Crossing into New York opens up wide lake views and sandy shoreline at Plattsburgh City Beach. On clear days, you can see far across Lake Champlain.
It feels more like a coastal stop than an inland lake.
9. Ausable Chasm Area (Essex County, NY)
The Ausable River has carved deep stone walls through the landscape, creating dramatic scenery you can enjoy from overlooks or short walks.
It’s a reminder of how powerful moving water can be over time.
10. Keeseville Village & Stone Arch Bridge (Essex County, NY)
Keeseville offers quiet streets, river views, and one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the region. It’s a low-key stop that feels tucked away from busy routes.
Perfect for travelers who enjoy history without crowds.
Why Short Road Trips From Huntington Work So Well
Living in Huntington, Vermont means you’re never far from a change of scenery. Within an hour or so, you can go from mountain valleys to lakeshores to historic river towns.
These short road trips prove you don’t need long drives or big plans to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special.
Share Your Favorites
Do you have a favorite road trip near Huntington that didn’t make this list? Maybe a quiet back road, overlook, or small town you return to again and again?
Share this post with a fellow traveler and leave a comment below. Your suggestion might inspire someone’s next easy escape.
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