Lunenburg, Vermont: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Lunenburg, Vermont (Essex County): Iconic Things To Do Just Over The Line

If you’re staying in or around Lunenburg, Vermont in Essex County and wondering what else is nearby, you’re in luck. Within an hour or so, you can reach some of the prettiest spots in northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire. The twist? This guide focuses only on out-of-county road trips — so nothing in Essex County itself. Instead, we’ll head into:
  • Coos County, New Hampshire
  • Grafton County, New Hampshire
  • Caledonia County, Vermont
  • Orleans County, Vermont
These 10 short trips are perfect if you’re based in Lunenburg and want fun, easy things to do nearby: hiking, views, small towns, breweries, covered bridges, and classic New England scenery.

1. Drive the Kancamagus Highway (Grafton County, NH)

If you’re up for a classic New England drive, the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a must. It’s one of the most famous scenic roads in the Northeast. From Lunenburg, plan on roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive to reach the western end of the “Kanc” near Lincoln, New Hampshire in Grafton County. It’s a longer day trip, but still very doable.
  • What to do: Pull over at scenic overlooks, short hiking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Best time: Fall foliage is absolutely wild along this route, but summer is great for river dips.
  • Good stops: Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge, Lower Falls.
I still remember my first drive on the Kanc. I thought, “Okay, how good can a highway really be?” Then I hit the first overlook and just sat there in the car for a minute, staring at all those rolling mountains. It feels like driving straight through a postcard.

2. Explore Littleton, New Hampshire’s Charming Main Street (Grafton County, NH)

Just across the river from Vermont, the town of Littleton, NH in Grafton County is a cozy, vibrant spot for a half-day trip. From Lunenburg, you’re looking at about a 45–60 minute drive, depending on your route.
  • Stroll Main Street: Pop into local shops, bookstores, and cafes.
  • Walk the Riverwalk: There’s a pleasant path by the Ammonoosuc River, with a covered pedestrian bridge.
  • Find Pollyanna: Littleton celebrates the classic character Pollyanna, and there’s a statue you can’t miss.
If you’re traveling with kids (or just a sweet tooth), check out the candy and ice cream spots downtown. It’s the kind of place where you actually slow down, wander, and just enjoy being out.

3. Visit Franconia Notch State Park (Grafton County, NH)

Franconia Notch is one of the most iconic areas in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and it’s within reach for a day trip from Lunenburg. Plan on about 1.5 hours of driving to reach the notch area off I‑93 in Grafton County.
  • Flume Gorge: A famous boardwalk hike through a narrow, dramatic gorge. Around 2 miles total.
  • Canon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Ride to the top for sweeping views of the White Mountains.
  • Echo Lake Beach: A mountain lake with a small beach and boat rentals in season.
If you like variety, this road trip has it all in one spot: easy trails, big mountain views, and water you can actually dip your toes in after a hike.

4. Hike or Drive Around Mount Washington (Coos County, NH)

From Lunenburg, you’re close enough to visit the tallest peak in the Northeast: Mount Washington in Coos County, New Hampshire. Depending on your route, it’s roughly 1.5 hours to the Mount Washington area.
  • Mount Washington Auto Road: Drive your own car (seasonal, weather-dependent) up this famous road. It’s steep, winding, and unforgettable.
  • Cog Railway (nearby but in Coos area): A historic train that climbs to the summit. Great if you’d rather ride than drive.
  • Hiking: If you’re experienced and prepared, there are rugged trails. Weather can change fast, so don’t treat it lightly.
On my first visit, I watched the temperature drop and the wind pick up just in the time it took to walk around the summit. It really does have its own weather system up there.

5. Take a Relaxing Day in St. Johnsbury, Vermont (Caledonia County, VT)

St. Johnsbury, in Caledonia County, is one of the easiest road trips from Lunenburg. It’s about 30–40 minutes away, depending on your route, and makes for a gentle change of pace.
  • Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: A classic New England natural history museum with a quirky, old-school feel.
  • Walk around downtown: Historic brick buildings, local shops, and cafes.
  • Parks and paths: Look for local trails or town parks for an easy stroll.
If you’re planning a longer stay near Lunenburg, St. Johnsbury is a nice “reset” day: a bit of culture, a bit of walking, and an easy drive back before dinner.

6. Discover Lyndonville & Local Covered Bridges (Caledonia County, VT)

Love covered bridges and small-town Vermont? Head over to Lyndonville in Caledonia County, roughly 45–60 minutes from Lunenburg. This area has more than one classic covered bridge within a short drive.
  • Find the bridges: Drive slow, take back roads, and enjoy those red and weathered wooden spans over quiet streams.
  • Walk the village: Grab coffee or lunch and wander the streets.
  • Photo spots: Covered bridges are perfect for family photos or just making your friends at home jealous.
Think of this outing as a “slow travel” day. No rush, just old bridges, rolling hills, and that classic Vermont countryside vibe.

7. Lake Willoughby: The “Fjord” of Vermont (Orleans County, VT)

If there’s one lake trip you make from Lunenburg, consider Lake Willoughby in Orleans County. It’s about 1–1.25 hours away, depending on your route. People often compare Lake Willoughby to a mini fjord because of the steep cliffs that drop straight down to the water.
  • Beach time: There are small public beaches where you can swim or just relax with a picnic.
  • Hiking: Trails around Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor offer sweeping views of the lake.
  • Scenic drive: Even if you never get out of the car, the views along the shore are worth the trip.
On a calm day, the water is so clear and still that you get perfect reflections of the cliffs. It’s one of those places where you catch yourself whispering without even meaning to.

8. Kingdom Trails & Burke Mountain Area (Caledonia County, VT)

If you’re into mountain biking, hiking, or just scenic drives, the Burke / East Burke area in Caledonia County is a strong choice. From Lunenburg, it’s around a 45–60 minute drive.
  • Kingdom Trails: Famous mountain biking network (day passes required). In winter, some trails are used for fat biking or Nordic skiing.
  • Burke Mountain: Scenic chairlift rides in season, winter skiing, and hiking opportunities.
  • Village vibe: Small, outdoorsy town feel with spots to grab food and drinks.
You don’t have to be a hardcore biker to enjoy this area. Even just watching riders cruise by and soaking up the mountain-town energy makes for a fun outing.

9. Newport & Lake Memphremagog (Orleans County, VT)

Head north toward Newport, Vermont, in Orleans County, roughly 1–1.25 hours from Lunenburg. It sits right on Lake Memphremagog, a long international lake that stretches up into Canada.
  • Waterfront walk: Stroll along the lakeshore path and enjoy the views.
  • Boating or paddling: In season, look for rentals or tours to get out on the water.
  • Food with a view: Find a spot to eat near the lake and linger over lunch.
It has a different feel than the mountain lakes — more open, more expansive. On clear days, you can see far up the lake toward Canada.

10. Gorham & the Androscoggin River Valley (Coos County, NH)

Finally, head east into Coos County to the town of Gorham, New Hampshire, about 1–1.5 hours from Lunenburg, depending on your route through the mountains. Gorham sits along the Androscoggin River and makes a nice base for simple outdoor adventures.
  • Riverside views: Walk along the river, find a quiet spot to sit, and watch the water roll by.
  • Short hikes: Many nearby trails are less intense than the big summit climbs.
  • Scenic driving: The approach to Gorham from the west brings you through some classic White Mountain scenery.
If you like the idea of being close to the bigger mountains, but not necessarily up on them, Gorham is a comfortable middle ground.

Tips for Road Tripping from Lunenburg, Vermont

A few quick pointers to make these short road trips from Lunenburg smoother:
  • Fuel up early: Rural northern Vermont and New Hampshire can have long stretches without gas stations.
  • Check weather: Mountain weather, especially near Franconia Notch and Mount Washington, changes fast.
  • Bring layers: Even in summer, high elevations and lakeshores can feel cool.
  • Download maps: Cell service can get spotty once you’re off the main roads.
Think of Lunenburg as your quiet home base, with an easy network of day trips radiating out in every direction.

Ready to Plan Your Next Road Trip from Lunenburg?

From scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway, to calm lake days at Lake Willoughby, to mountain adventures near Mount Washington and Franconia Notch, there’s a surprising amount to do just outside Essex County. You can wake up in Lunenburg, enjoy a big day out in Coos, Grafton, Caledonia, or Orleans County, and still be back in time to watch the stars that night. Now it’s your turn:
  • Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips would you try first?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem near Lunenburg that I didn’t mention?
Share this post with friends or family planning a Vermont or New Hampshire getaway, and drop your thoughts or questions in the comments. Your own tips and stories help other travelers discover new places to explore near Lunenburg, Vermont!
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