Exploring Vermont by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon

Vermont’s rolling green hills and sparkling waterways come alive when seen from unconventional vantage points, and few experiences rival the charm of exploring the state by train, boat, or hot air balloon. Begin your journey in White River Junction, a key rail hub about 20 miles north of Lebanon, New Hampshire. Here, the Green Mountain Railroad offers scenic excursions through the verdant Connecticut River Valley. The “Vermont Scenic Railroad” trips trace rails along the river, revealing pastoral farms and forested hillsides. Riding vintage coaches, travelers glide past classic New England villages like Bethel and Barre, where granite quarries hint at the state’s industrial heritage. This slow-paced train journey, particularly enchanting in the autumn months, transforms Vermont’s fiery fall foliage into a living tapestry of reds and golds, a spectacle best savored from open-air cars.
A short drive west from White River Junction brings you to the shores of Lake Champlain near Burlington, the state’s largest city on the western edge. Here, the Spirit of Ethan Allen III invites visitors aboard one of the largest passenger ferries on the lake for tours and cruises. Glide past the islands that pepper this vast freshwater sea—some state parks, others private retreats—while the Adirondack Mountains rise dramatically to the west in New York. The boat’s open decks offer unobstructed views of the lake’s mirror-like surface, especially magical at sunset when the sky blazes with color. The cruises often include narration about the lake’s role in the Revolutionary War and its ongoing ecological significance, making the experience both scenic and educational. Summer is prime time for these boat excursions, when gentle breezes and warm temperatures make for perfect conditions on the water.
Further north, near the town of Stowe, about 45 minutes northeast of Burlington, Vermont’s soaring landscapes beckon those seeking an aerial perspective. Hot air balloon flights launched from the Stowe area float over the iconic Green Mountains, offering sweeping panoramas that stretch from rugged peaks to fertile valleys dotted with quaint farms and historic covered bridges. As the balloon drifts silently, passengers witness the patchwork of Vermont’s rural heartland unfold beneath them, with landmarks like Mount Mansfield—the state’s highest summit—rising majestically in the distance. Early mornings are the best time to ascend here; the calm air and soft dawn light enhance the tranquility and clarity of the views. Balloonists often land near the scenic Smugglers’ Notch, a narrow pass steeped in history and natural beauty, reinforcing how flight reveals hidden corners inaccessible by road.
Returning to the rail theme but in a more urban setting, the historic Amtrak station in Essex Junction, just six miles east of Burlington, anchors the junction of modern travel and old-state charm. From here, trains connect to the scenic Ethan Allen Express route, which runs south to Rutland, a gateway to the rugged Green Mountain National Forest. The forest’s Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, parallels the Appalachian Trail and offers loops ranging from gentle meadows to challenging ridge climbs. The southward rail journey into this region puts you in proximity to Vermont’s deep wilderness, where travelers can disembark for day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures. Fall and early summer provide the clearest conditions to appreciate the vast swaths of untouched forestland and the seasonal blooms or foliage.
At the opposite end of Lake Champlain, the tiny harbor town of Burlington serves as a launching point for more intimate waterborne excursions. From the waterfront docks, local outfitters offer kayak and sailboat rentals that let visitors explore the lake’s quieter bays and coves, such as Shelburne Bay just south of Burlington. These smaller craft allow you to navigate closer to the shoreline, where hidden beaches and wildlife-rich wetlands support osprey, herons, and occasionally bald eagles. Paddling near the Shelburne Farms estate, a historic nonprofit working farm, you can glimpse the interplay of Vermont’s agricultural tradition and conservation efforts. Early summer mornings here bring calm waters and abundant wildlife activity, ideal for those seeking a peaceful, immersive connection with nature.
To experience Vermont’s waterways from a different perspective, the Lamoille River offers serene canoeing and kayaking opportunities near the village of Morrisville, about 40 minutes northeast of Burlington. The river meanders through a blend of forest and farmland, with the backdrop of the Green Mountains framing the scene. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs alongside parts of the river, a converted rail corridor that invites hikers and cyclists to explore the same landscape from land. Launching a canoe in late spring or early fall highlights the region’s vibrant ecosystem, with migrating birds and changing foliage providing a live canvas. This combination of river and trail work together to showcase Vermont’s quieter, less traveled natural beauty.
Finally, fans of rail history will appreciate a visit to the Shelburne Museum, located about 10 minutes south of Burlington. While primarily known for its eclectic collection of American folk art, the museum’s grounds include a restored 19th-century railroad station and a full-size steam locomotive. These exhibits celebrate Vermont’s railroad heritage, illustrating the vital role trains played in shaping the state’s economy and culture. Visitors can stroll through the station’s vintage waiting rooms and imagine the hustle of travel in a bygone era. The museum’s sprawling outdoor galleries are particularly delightful on warm spring and summer days, when gardens and historic buildings invite extended exploration. The blend of art, history, and transportation at Shelburne Museum makes it a unique stop on any journey through Vermont’s diverse transportation landscape.