10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Vermont
Nestled just a short drive south of Burlington, the Green Mountains reveal one of Vermont’s most iconic adventures along the Long Trail. Stretching over 270 miles from the Massachusetts border to Canada, this is America’s oldest long-distance hiking path. A particularly rewarding segment is the climb to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, near the town of Stowe. You can take the Sunset Ridge Trail, a challenging but well-marked route of about 6 miles round-trip. From the summit, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, often framed by rolling clouds or vibrant fall foliage. This hike combines a vigorous workout with a quintessential Vermont mountain experience, especially breathtaking in autumn when the maples blaze with color.
Heading east from Montpelier, the capital city, about a 30-minute drive finds you in the heart of the Mad River Valley. The Sugarbush Resort offers more than just winter skiing; summer and fall bring a different adventure with its extensive network of mountain biking trails. The trails range from gentle green runs perfect for beginners to adrenaline-pumping black diamond descents. Riding through the dense hardwood forests, you’ll encounter babbling creeks and occasional glimpses of wildlife. The mix of natural beauty and well-maintained singletrack makes Sugarbush a magnet for biking enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds of more famous mountain bike destinations.
In southern Vermont, near the quaint town of Brattleboro, the West River Trail winds for over 16 miles along the scenic West River. This rail-trail follows an old railroad corridor and is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or hike. What sets this trail apart is its gentle grade combined with stunning views of rolling hills and historic covered bridges, such as the charming Worrall Covered Bridge. Because it’s a corridor running through a mix of riverbanks and small farmland, the trail offers a peaceful immersion into Vermont’s rural character. Late spring or early fall, when the weather is crisp but not harsh, is ideal for soaking in the vibrant greenery or early leaf color.
To dive into Vermont’s rich maple syrup tradition, the town of Middlebury, about 45 minutes south of Burlington, is an excellent starting point. Nearby, the Middlebury College Museum of Art occasionally features exhibits and collections highlighting Vermont’s agrarian past, but for a hands-on experience, visit a sugarhouse like the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Here, you can watch the traditional process of collecting sap and boiling it down to syrup over a wood-fired evaporator, learn how the sugarbush is managed, and even sample fresh maple treats. The height of the sugaring season in late winter and early spring brings a uniquely sweet and aromatic atmosphere that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere.
The vibrant arts scene of Burlington offers a different kind of adventure at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Located just a mile from the shores of Lake Champlain, this historic theater hosts an eclectic mix of concerts, dance performances, and cinema. Its beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco interior creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for enjoying Vermont’s thriving local artists alongside touring acts. Catching a live show here during the summer months lets you experience the city’s lively cultural pulse after a day spent exploring nearby Church Street Marketplace or waterfront parks.
On Vermont’s northeastern edge, the town of St. Johnsbury houses the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, about 90 minutes northeast of Montpelier. This quirky museum is a treasure trove of natural history with exhibits ranging from stuffed birds and minerals to a fascinating collection of fossils. The planetarium presents daily shows that illustrate the night sky over Vermont, connecting visitors to the state’s clear, dark winter skies. The Fairbanks, with its blend of science, art, and local heritage, offers an indoor adventure perfect for chilly or rainy days, and the surrounding Northeast Kingdom region becomes especially magical when the snow begins to blanket the landscape.
Near the southwestern border, the town of Manchester is renowned not just for its charming village but also for the Hildene estate, the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln. The estate sits about an hour south of Rutland and features beautifully maintained gardens and walking trails, including the peaceful Pond Walk that circles a small lake. The house itself is a showcase of Gilded Age architecture and history, complete with vintage automobiles and original family memorabilia. Visiting in late spring when the gardens burst into bloom adds a fragrant layer to the historical ambiance, making it a unique blend of Vermont’s pastoral beauty and American presidential legacy.
Just east of Middlebury, the Otter Creek Falls in the town of Middlebury offers a distinct water adventure about 45 minutes south of Burlington. This 30-foot waterfall is accessible via a short hike from the Otter Creek Trailhead and is a favorite spot for visitors seeking a tranquil place to picnic or photograph. The falls cascade into a quiet pool surrounded by lush forest, providing a perfect spot for cooling off on a warm summer day. The Otter Creek itself is Vermont’s longest river, and exploring its trails and waterfalls allows visitors to connect deeply with the state’s diverse aquatic ecosystems.
For a taste of Vermont’s thriving farm-to-table culinary scene, the town of Woodstock, about 45 minutes southeast of Montpelier, is a must-visit. The Woodstock Farmers Market, held seasonally in the village green, showcases local produce, cheeses, and baked goods from nearby artisanal farms. Nearby, the Simon Pearce glassblowing studio and restaurant offers a distinctive culinary adventure where you can watch artisans craft delicate glassware while enjoying dishes made from regional ingredients. The combination of stunning riverside views, handcrafted beauty, and vibrant flavors makes Woodstock an all-encompassing cultural and sensory experience best savored during the summer and early fall harvest seasons.
Finally, no Vermont adventure would be complete without exploring the serene beauty of Lake Willoughby, located roughly 30 minutes east of St. Johnsbury. This glacial lake is famed for its deep, clear waters framed by dramatic cliffs towering over 1,500 feet high. Hiking the Willoughby State Forest’s Mount Pisgah Trail, a moderate 3-mile round trip, rewards visitors with panoramic views that often stretch to Canada on clear days. The lake’s unique fjord-like geography creates a microclimate rich with rare plants and wildlife, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers. Summer brings warm water perfect for kayaking or swimming, while autumn’s crisp air enhances the vistas with vivid fall colors.