The Most Instagrammable Spots in Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains just over an hour south of Burlington, the town of Stowe offers quintessential Vermont charm framed by stunning natural beauty. The iconic Smugglers’ Notch State Park, about a 15-minute drive from Stowe’s center, is a must for capturing dramatic photos. The narrow mountain pass flanked by towering cliffs and lush forests creates a striking backdrop, especially along the scenic hiking trail to Sterling Pond. This moderate 3.7-mile loop rewards visitors with tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding peaks, a perfect mirror image on a clear autumn morning. The vibrant fall foliage here is unparalleled, making late September through October the absolute prime time for photographers seeking that glowing palette of reds, oranges, and golds.
In the heart of Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, about 45 minutes southeast of Stowe, the Vermont State House stands as an architectural gem. Its gleaming gold dome is especially captivating when bathed in the soft light of early evening. Visitors can stroll the State House Park and capture the stately columns and immaculate gardens that surround this historic building. A walk through downtown Montpelier’s quaint streets reveals colorful storefronts and murals that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Springtime bursts with blossoms here, while winter’s snow lends a magical quietude, contrasting sharply with the warm glow of the State House windows.
Travel northeast of Montpelier for roughly two hours to reach the Northeast Kingdom’s Kingdom Trails in East Burke, a sprawling network of more than 100 miles of multi-use paths. These are famed among mountain bikers but equally photogenic for hikers, especially in the summer and early fall when wildflowers bloom alongside the trails. The meticulously maintained routes wind through dense forests, past crystal-clear brooks and rolling hills. The variety of terrain—from gentle slopes to more challenging climbs—creates diverse vantage points, where beams of dappled sunlight break through the canopy, making every frame feel alive with movement and color.
Vermont’s southern charm unfolds in the town of Manchester, located about an hour and a half south of Burlington near the Massachusetts border. Hildene, the historic Lincoln family home, offers a unique juxtaposition of grand architecture and pastoral landscape. The Georgian Revival mansion is beautifully preserved, and its terraced gardens provide a sweeping view of the Taconic Mountain range. Visitors often find inspiration in the peaceful formal gardens and the striking symmetry of the estate’s design. Fall transforms Hildene into a vibrant tapestry, but the gardens are also stunning in late spring when tulips and peonies bloom profusely.
Heading west from Montpelier, just under an hour’s drive brings you to the shores of Lake Champlain at Burlington’s waterfront, a lively and photogenic spot. The Burlington Bike Path offers sweeping views across the water to the Adirondacks in New York, especially radiant during sunset when the sky ignites with color. The nearby Church Street Marketplace buzzes with life, featuring historic brick buildings and festive outdoor dining in warmer months. Winter’s frosty mornings bring a calm stillness to the lake, often capped with ice floes, creating a contrasting stillness to the summer vibrancy.
On Vermont’s eastern edge near White River Junction, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers a blend of natural beauty and conservation history. About 20 minutes south of White River Junction and an hour east of Montpelier, the park’s trails weave through forested hills alongside historic farm buildings. The peaceful carriage roads lined with towering hardwoods provide a sublime setting for fall photography, especially when the sunlight filters through the colorful canopy. The park is unique for its emphasis on sustainable land stewardship, and visitors can explore exhibits inside the mansion that chronicle Vermont’s conservation legacy.
Further north, near the Canadian border, the tiny village of Jay Peak, about two hours northeast of Burlington, is renowned for its winter sports and striking alpine vistas. The Jay Peak Resort’s tram ride ascends above the treeline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Memphremagog. Even in summer, the dense forests and wildflower-covered slopes create a stunning contrast against the resort’s rustic charm. Photographers drawn to winter scenes will find Jay Peak’s snowfalls among the heaviest in the region, transforming it into a sparkling wonderland from December through March.
Finally, the historic village of Woodstock, located about 45 minutes south of Montpelier, exudes old New England charm with its classic white-steepled church and covered bridges. The Middle Covered Bridge, crossing the Ottauquechee River, frames a postcard-perfect scene any time of year but is especially striking when framed by winter’s soft snow or spring’s fresh greens. Nearby, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller estate adds dimension with its grand architecture and manicured grounds. Woodstock’s vibrant village green, flanked by artisan shops and classic Vermont inns, is a lively hub for capturing the essence of rural Vermont life.
Each of these places invites visitors to slow down and experience Vermont’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures through the lens of a camera, promising images that capture the state’s timeless magic. Whether framed by mountain peaks, historic buildings, or shimmering lakes, Vermont’s scenery offers endless inspiration for every season.