The Strangest Road Names in Vermont and How They Got Them
Vermont’s rural charm and quirky history come alive not only in its rolling hills and maple syrup but also in the names of its roads, some of which have stories as colorful as the foliage in autumn. About 20 minutes northwest of Burlington, the Shelburne Museum sits peacefully on the shores of Lake Champlain. Here, visitors can wander the grounds where the nearby “Hunk Hollow Road” begins. The name harks back to the local dialect and tales of a mischievous settler nicknamed “Hunk,” whose antics in the 19th century gave the valley its unusual moniker. Walking along the museum’s leafy paths and peering out across the lake at sunset, you get a palpable sense of how local lore seeps into the land itself.
Head about 45 minutes south of Montpelier to the charming village of Waitsfield in the Mad River Valley, where you’ll find “Hell’s Gates Road.” This stretch runs near the entrance to the Camel’s Hump State Park, home to the iconic 4,083-foot peak that dominates the skyline. Hell’s Gates got its name from the rocky, narrow gorge that early settlers found unnerving, a natural bottleneck carved by rushing waters. Hiking the Camel’s Hump Trail, especially in summer or early fall, rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Green Mountains and a firsthand look at the rugged terrain that inspired such a fiery name.
Further east near Brattleboro, about 90 minutes from Keene, New Hampshire, lies the West River Trail, which passes close to “Frying Pan Road.” This road’s sizzling title comes from a centuries-old story of a blacksmith’s pan that was accidentally left in the forge, melting into an unrecognizable lump. The region itself is renowned for its historic covered bridges and vibrant arts scene. Strolling the West River Trail on a crisp autumn day, with golden leaves crunching underfoot, offers a sensory journey through Vermont’s blend of natural beauty and human history.
In Stowe, roughly 40 minutes northeast of Montpelier, “Dog Team Road” leads adventurous visitors near the Stowe Recreation Path. This easy, multi-use trail reveals the area’s winter heritage, where dog sled teams once navigated snowy routes now perfect for cyclists and walkers in warmer months. The road’s name preserves the memory of those hardworking animals and those who depended on them. Exploring the path in early spring, when snow still lingers in shady spots, brings a nostalgic charm and a reminder that every road here carries a story worth hearing.
Along the scenic Route 100 corridor, about an hour south of Burlington, the town of Warren boasts “Dead End Road.” It sounds ominous, but this quiet stretch near the Mad River is known for its quirky local legends and the annual Warren Old Home Days festival. Hiking the nearby Warren Falls Trail, visitors encounter a dramatic 25-foot waterfall set against mossy cliffs, making this area a secret gem. Summer offers lush greenery and the chance to swim in cool pools, contrasting beautifully with the road’s mysterious name.
Near Middlebury, just under an hour from Burlington, lies the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History. Just a short drive away is “Fifteen Mile Falls Road,” named for a series of cascading rapids along Otter Creek, beloved by kayakers and anglers alike. The museum’s exhibits detail early Vermont settlers’ interactions with these waterways. Visiting in spring, when the creek is swollen with meltwater, reveals the power behind the road’s evocative name and the natural forces that shaped the region.
Finally, a journey to the Northeast Kingdom, about two hours northeast of Montpelier, brings you to the village of Barton. Here, “Scratch Gravel Road” snakes through dense forests and quiet farms, its name derived from the coarse gravel once spread to keep horses from slipping on icy winter days. Barton’s serene beauty is best appreciated in late summer, when wildflowers bloom along the roadside and loons call from nearby lakes. Exploring this hidden corner of Vermont, you realize that every road, no matter how strange its name, is a thread in the fabric of the state’s living history.