10 Easy Road Trips From North Springfield, Vermont (That Take You Out of the County!)
If you live in or near
North Springfield, Vermont, you probably know Windsor County pretty well. But what about the fun day trips just
outside your home county?
Today, we’re heading beyond Windsor County lines and checking out nearby adventures in:
- Grafton County, NH
- Sullivan County, NH
- Addison County, VT
- Bennington County, VT
- Orange County, VT
- Rutland County, VT
- Windham County, VT
All of these make easy
short road trips from North Springfield—perfect for a free Saturday, a long weekend, or a last‑minute getaway.
1. Explore College-Town Vibes in Hanover, New Hampshire (Grafton County)
Just across the Connecticut River,
Hanover, NH is a classic New England college town and a super easy day trip.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Walk around the scenic Dartmouth College campus.
- Check out the Hood Museum of Art for free galleries and rotating exhibits.
- Grab coffee and people‑watch along Main Street.
- Stroll down to the river for a peaceful walk.
On one visit, I spent an hour just wandering the green, watching students toss a Frisbee while leaves floated down in October—it felt like a movie set.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 50–60 minutes, depending on your exact route.
2. Get on the Water at Mascoma Lake in Enfield, NH (Grafton County)
If you’re craving water views without driving all the way to the ocean,
Mascoma Lake is a great choice.
Things to do around Mascoma Lake:
- Launch a kayak or canoe from public access points.
- Relax on the shoreline with a picnic.
- Walk or bike nearby roads for lake views.
- Look for loons and other birds—early morning is best.
Bring a thermos of coffee, show up just after sunrise, and the water is usually glass‑smooth. It’s a calm, simple escape from everyday noise.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: roughly 1 hour 10–20 minutes.
3. History and River Views in Claremont, New Hampshire (Sullivan County)
Claremont has an old mill town feel, with red‑brick buildings and views of the Sugar River.
What to check out:
- Walk near the old mills and bridges for cool photo spots.
- Explore the downtown area with local shops and cafes.
- Catch a performance or event at the historic Claremont Opera House (check their schedule ahead of time).
- Look for riverside parks to stretch your legs.
If you like places with a bit of grit and history mixed together, Claremont is surprisingly fun for a few hours.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 35–45 minutes.
4. Hike and Play at Mount Sunapee & Lake Sunapee, NH (Sullivan County)
If you’re into outdoor activities,
Mount Sunapee and
Lake Sunapee make a great full‑day road trip.
In warm weather:
- Hike trails at Mount Sunapee State Park with great viewpoints.
- Swim at the state park beach on Lake Sunapee.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a lakeside picnic.
In winter:
- Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding at Mount Sunapee Resort.
- Warm up afterward with hot chocolate in nearby towns.
The mix of mountain and lake in one spot gives you that vacation feeling without going far from home.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
5. Discover Middlebury’s Small-Town Charm (Addison County, VT)
Middlebury is one of those Vermont towns that feels like a postcard—stone bridge, waterfall, and a pretty downtown.
Things to do in Middlebury:
- Walk through the Middlebury College campus.
- Check out the falls right in town for great river views.
- Browse local shops, bookstores, and galleries.
- Stop for ice cream or grab a local beer and relax.
It’s a perfect gentle day trip: walk, shop, eat, repeat. If you like photography, you’ll find plenty of spots to snap.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 1 hour 30–45 minutes.
6. See the Views at Mount Abraham & the Green Mountains (Addison County, VT)
Want a deeper taste of the Green Mountains? Head toward the
Mount Abraham area in Addison County.
What to expect:
- Hiking: Trails in the Mount Abraham area offer sweeping mountain views.
- Scenic drives: Winding roads and classic Vermont scenery—farms, forests, ridgelines.
- Fall foliage: In October, the colors can be incredible in this region.
If you’re not up for a long hike, just enjoy the drive and stop at overlooks or trailheads for short walks.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: usually around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the trailhead.
7. Bennington Battle Monument & Downtown Bennington (Bennington County, VT)
Bennington offers a blend of Revolutionary War history, mountain views, and small‑town streets.
Highlights:
- Visit the Bennington Battle Monument, the tallest structure in Vermont.
- Ride the elevator (seasonal) to the top for wide‑open views of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts.
- Stroll through downtown Bennington for shops, galleries, and eateries.
- Look for covered bridges nearby if you enjoy a mini driving tour.
Standing at the top of the monument and seeing how far the hills roll out really puts the region in perspective.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
8. Art, Food, and Trails in Manchester, Vermont (Bennington County)
Manchester has that polished mountain‑town feel: outlets, galleries, and outdoor access all in one place.
Things to do in Manchester:
- Shop designer and outlet stores along Main Street and nearby areas.
- Visit local art galleries and the Northshire-style independent bookstores and shops.
- Drive or hike around the Equinox Mountain area for views.
- Enjoy a sit‑down meal or a casual café with mountain scenery.
It’s an easy place to spend a whole day wandering without a strict plan.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: around 1 hour 30–45 minutes.
9. Historic Vibes and Country Roads in Chelsea, Vermont (Orange County)
If you want something low‑key and very “classic Vermont,”
Chelsea in Orange County fits the bill.
What you’ll find:
- A historic village green lined with old buildings.
- Quiet country roads, great for a scenic drive.
- Nearby backroads that shine in late summer and fall.
This is more of a “slow down and breathe” trip than a big attraction stop. It’s perfect when you want to get out of North Springfield and just drive somewhere peaceful.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: about 1 hour 15–30 minutes.
10. Lake, Mountains, and Ski Town Energy in Rutland & Killington (Rutland County, VT)
Rutland County gives you a lot of options, from a busy small city to big‑mountain terrain.
In and around Rutland:
- Walk downtown Rutland to see public art, murals, and local shops.
- Visit local museums or seasonal farmers markets.
Head toward Killington:
- In winter, ski or snowboard at Killington Resort or nearby Pico.
- In summer and fall, hike or bike on mountain trails.
- Drive around nearby lakes for classic Vermont views.
You can keep this trip as active—or as relaxed—as you want.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: roughly 1 hour to Rutland, a bit more to Killington.
Bonus: Windham County Scenic Drives & Villages
While Windham County has many small towns and backroads, one of the simplest day trips is to just
drive its scenic routes.
Ideas for Windham County:
- Follow country roads that weave through hills and forests.
- Stop in small villages for coffee, snacks, or short walks.
- Plan this one especially for foliage season or a quiet Sunday drive.
Think of it as a “no itinerary” road trip: roll down the windows, turn up the music, and see where the day leads.
Approximate drive from North Springfield: many parts of Windham County are 45–90 minutes away, depending on your route.
Tips for Planning Your North Springfield Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from North Springfield, VT more enjoyable:
- Check the weather: Mountain and lake plans can change fast with rain or snow.
- Call ahead: Confirm hours for museums, ski areas, and attractions, especially off‑season.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger go a long way.
- Fill up your gas tank: Some rural stretches don’t have frequent stations.
If you’re traveling with kids, pick a town with a mix of walking, treats, and maybe a park—Middlebury, Hanover, or Manchester are great choices.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip From North Springfield
Have you taken any of these
day trips from North Springfield, Vermont? Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Grafton, Sullivan, Addison, Bennington, Orange, Rutland, or Windham counties?
- Drop a comment with your best route, hidden gem, or must‑stop café.
- Share this post with friends and family who are always asking, “What can we do this weekend?”
The more ideas we share, the easier it gets to turn an ordinary day into a mini adventure on the backroads around North Springfield.
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