Day Trips from Green Mountains. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many interesting locations are within easy day-trip distance from the core The Green mountains range.

Accessible Locations

Burlington (1-2 hrs)
Lake Champlain Islands (north of Burlington)
Middlebury (charming college town)
Woodstock/Quechee (picturesque villages)

Planning Your Excursion

Thinking about how you'll travel and what to anticipate on your outings.

Transportation Options

A personal automobile or rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring Vermont's diverse landscapes.

Getting Around

Rental Car: Essential for independent exploration.
Amtrak: Limited service to major towns.
Bus: Limited regional connections.

Tour or Independent Travel

Your Approach

Organized Tours: Specific interests (e.g., fall foliage).
Independent Travel: Most day trips, flexible pace.
Most destinations: Half-day or full-day visits.

Popular Day Trip Highlights

Must-See Options

Montpelier: Smallest U.S. State capital.
Bennington: Historic Battle Monument.
Lake George, NY: 1.5-2 hrs from southern Vermont.
Lake Placid, NY: 2.5-3 hrs from Burlington.

Further Excursions

North Conway, NH: White Mountains access (2-3 hrs).
Plan routes for optimal travel.
Limited public transport for longer regional journeys.
Consider traffic during peak seasons.

Day Trip Time Commitments

BurlingtonHalf to full day
MiddleburyHalf day
Woodstock/QuecheeFull day
MontpelierA half-day

BenningtonHalf day
Lake Champlain IslandsFull day
Lake George, NYFull day
Lake Placid, NYFull day

Travel Tip

Book short excursions directly through platforms like GetYourGuide for convenience and a wide selection of activities.

Natural Escapes

The Green Mountains are surrounded by stunning natural areas, ideal for open-air discovery.

Parks & Reserves

Explore protected lands like Green Mountain National Timberland and various state nature reserves offering hiking and recreation.

Scenic Views

Visit places like Lake Willoughby, often compared to a Norwegian fjord, for dramatic natural beauty.

Diverse Landscapes

From Button Bay State Park's lakeside access to dense forests, Vermont offers varied outdoor settings.

Featured Parks

Discover state parks and forests perfect for hiking, paddling, and enjoying tranquility.

Top Nature Spots

Camels Hump State Park: Extensive hiking trails.
Mount Ascutney State Park: Auto road to summit.
Groton State Forest: Multiple ponds and campgrounds.

Scenic Outlooks

Find breathtaking vistas across Vermont's diverse topography.

Views to Seek

Lake Willoughby: Deep glacial lake, fjord-like.
Owl'the Head of (Groton SF): Short hike, expansive views.
Button Bay State Park: Lake Champlain access.

Seasonal Natural Events

Fall FoliageLate Sept - mid-Oct

Maple SugaringMarch - April

WildflowersLate Spring - early Summer

Hiking SeasonSpring through Fall

Ski SeasonDec - March/April

PaddlingLate Spring - Early Fall

Outdoor Advice

Plan for limited connectivity in remote mountainous zones.
Download offline maps before venturing into wilderness spots.
Carry out all trash, including organic waste.
Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
Check weather forecasts, especially for alpine excursions.

Cultural Excursions

Step back in time with visits to historical sites and genuine rural villages.

Historical Sites

Explore well-preserved places offering unique insights into Vermont's past.

History Spotlights

President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (Plymouth Notch)
Justin Morrill Homestead (Strafford)
Historic village architecture (Grafton, Woodstock)

Rural Villages

Discover charming communities and scenic agricultural landscapes.

Village Charms

Grafton: Exceptionally preserved historic village.
Addison County: Known for dairy ranches and farmscapes.
Stowe/Waterbury Area: Working farms with farm stands.

Artisan Traditions

Vermont is home to a rich heritage of crafts and local products.

Craft & Food Creators

Local artisan cheese makers (Grafton).
Craft breweries and distilleries.
Ben & Jerry's Factory (Waterbury).

Covered Bridges

Discover the iconic covered bridges that dot the Vermont landscape, focusing on the area around Woodstock.

Photogenic Structures

Quechee Gorge area.
Scenic drives through rural areas.
Many provide charming photo opportunities.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your adventure to other regions or adjacent states.

Lake Champlain & Burlington

Add 1-2 days to explore Vermont's largest city, lake activities, breweries, and historical sites.

Northeast Kingdom

Add 2-3 days for remote Vermont experiences, including mountain biking trails and Lake Willoughby.

White Mountains, NH

Add 2-3 time to explore New Hampshire's stunning mountains, including Franconia Notch.

Regional Travel Notes

Regional travel mainly relies about personal or rental vehicles. Limited Amtrak and bus service exist between states. Consider a New England loop or a New York/Vermont/Quebec way for a comprehensive journey.

Itinerary Recommendations

Plan your perfect Green Mountains adventure with these suggested trips.

Time-Based Experiences

24H

Layover Highlights

Explore Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, or drive to Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury for a quick visit.

3D

Weekend Getaway

Focus on Stowe/Smugglers' Notch for hiking, village exploration, and Mount Mansfield gondola rides.

7D

One-Week Journey

Combine Northern, Central, and Southern The Green mountains range for a balanced mix of sights and activities.

Long-Term Stays

Consider renting a vacation home for a month or more.
Choose a central location like Waitsfield, Waterbury, or Rochester.
This allows for a comfortable base for slow-paced exploration.
Experience local life and discover hidden gems.
Ideal for comprehensive studies of specific activities or regions.
Enjoy seasonal changes at a relaxed pace.

Two-Week Exploration

Extend the one-week itinerary with additional regions.
Include Burlington and the Lake Champlain area.
Visit the more remote Northeast Kingdom.
Focus extensively on hiking or a specific activity like cycling.
Incorporate food or craft trails for a experience.
This allows for comprehensive discovery.

Logical Next Destinations

Montreal, Quebec

Approximately 2-hour drive from Burlington, offering a distinct European feel.

Boston, Massachusetts

Approximately 4-hour drive, a historic city with diverse attractions.

New York City, New York

Approximately 5-6 hour drive, a global metropolis.

Regional Travel Tip

All connections mainly rely on personal vehicles or rental cars. Amtrak and bus service are limited between states, making driving the most practical choice for regional travel.

Day Trips from Green Mountains