Vermont Route 100 Road Trip: Towns, Stops, and Best Views

Vermont Route 100 is Vermont’s ultimate fall road trip. The 216-mile scenic byway runs nearly the entire length of the state, following the eastern edge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian line. It’s often referred to as “Vermont’s Main Street” because it connects so many of the state’s small towns, mountain resorts, and rural communities.

Unlike interstate highways, Route 100 moves at a slower pace. Think winding country roads, historic villages, and roadside farm stands instead of fast-moving traffic. You’ll find covered bridges, general stores, waterfalls, ski towns, and some of the best fall foliage in Vermont along this road. It’s no surprise this stretch is considered one of the best scenic drives in Vermont, and one of the best foliage drives in all of New England.

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Where Does Route 100 Start and Stop?

Route 100 starts at the Massachusetts-Vermont border near Stamford, VT, and ends at the Canadian border near Troy and Newport, Vermont (or vice versa).

From north to south, it passes through many of the state’s most beloved destinations:

• Northern Route 100: Wesfield, Eden, Hyde Park

• Central Route 100: Stowe, Waterbury, Waitsfield, Warren

• Southern Route 100: Ludlow, Weston, West Dover

If you drove it straight through, it would take about five hours, but most travelers stretch it into a weekend or longer to explore the towns, hikes, and local food stops along the way.

How to Get to Route 100 in Vermont

Vermont Route 100 is easy to access from several major highways and nearby airports, making it a simple road trip add-on from other New England destinations.

• From Burlington, VT: Take I-89 south to Waterbury (Exit 10) and you’ll connect directly to Route 100, one of the prettiest stretches of the drive. (If you’re exploring Burlington, don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Burlington, VT.)

• From Montpelier, VT: Head west on VT-2 or VT-12 to reach Route 100 near Waitsfield or Waterbury.

• From Boston, MA: Follow I-93 north to I-89 north and exit at Waterbury. It’s about a 3-hour drive.

• From Albany, NY: Take Route 7 north to Bennington, then Route 9 east to Wilmington, where Route 100 begins. Take Route 7 North, then follow VT-11 East to connect with Route 100 North.

• From Montreal, Canada: Drive south on I-89 or Route 133 to reach the northern start near Newport and Troy.

If you’re flying in, Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the most convenient gateway, about 30-45 minutes from Route 100’s central section.

For those coming from farther south, Albany International Airport (ALB) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) are common starting points for Vermont road trips.

Planning Your Vermont Route 100 Itinerary

As you build your Route 100 Vermont itinerary, allow two to three days to drive it comfortably. That gives you time to explore small towns, hike to waterfalls, and stop for maple creemees or cider donuts along the way.

Take a look at our Vermont 100 map before you go. The drive runs north-south almost the entire length of the state, making it easy to combine with other New England routes like the Kancamagus Highway in nearby New Hampshire.

When to Drive Vermont Route 100

The byway is open year-round, but fall is the most popular time to drive Vermont Route 100. Peak color usually hits late September through mid-October.

Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Summer is perfect for hiking and lake days. Winter transforms the same mountains into ski destinations, with resorts like Sugarbush, Killington, Okemo, and Mount Snow lining the route.

Our Experience Driving Route 100

We first drove Vermont Route 100 during our 2022 Travel Season, a five-month road trip through New England that covered everything from Maine’s rocky coast to the covered bridges of Vermont.

The central section between Stowe and Warren was our favorite! It’s a stretch that perfectly combines mountain views, small towns, and delicious local food that’ll make you fall in love with Vermont.

The foodie road trip we put together there remains one of the most memorable day trips we’ve ever planned. We still talk about it to this day! In fact, I ate about half a block of Cabot cheddar cheese just last night. It’s that good… even though I’m updating this post three years later, we still pick up a block of Cabot cheese every fall!

Whether you’re here for the foliage, the food, or just the feeling of the open road, this drive holds a special place in our hearts.

What Towns Are on Route 100 in Vermont?

Route 100 passes through many of Vermont’s most charming towns, each worth a stop:

• Newport: At the northern end of Route 100, Newport overlooks Lake Memphremagog, a 30-mile international lake that stretches into Canada. Stop for a lakeside walk, paddleboard rental, or the Beebe Spur Rail Trail. Quiet, scenic, and less touristy, this stop is perfect for travelers who want to start their drive with open water and mountain views.

• Westfield: This quiet farming community marks the transition from open countryside into the Green Mountains. Here you’ll find the Benedictine monastery at Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey, an unexpected landmark on Route 100. It’s a peaceful stretch for photography.

• Eden: Centered around Lake Eden, this stop is all about still water and bright fall reflections. It’s a great place for photos or a short walk by the lake. This is one of the most scenic, remote sections before Route 100 moves into busier towns.

• Hyde Park: A quiet midpoint between Eden and Stowe, Hyde Park delivers small-town charm and easy access to the Green River Reservoir State Park for kayaking and wildlife watching. The drive south offers gentle mountain curves, old barns, and glimpses of rural Vermont life before the energy picks up in Stowe.

• Stowe: The postcard section of Route 100! Expect classic steeple views, covered bridges, and access to Mount Mansfield and Moss Glen Falls. Stop for lunch, local cider, or a short hike. Stowe’s mix of outdoor adventure and small-town New England charm makes it one of the drive’s top highlights.

• Waterbury: Route 100 meets flavor here. Between Stowe and Waterbury, you’ll find Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and the Cabot Cheese Farmers’ Store. Great for food lovers and families, this central hub also connects to the Green Mountain Byway. Expect a lively village surrounded by mountains, with easy access to waterfalls and scenic hikes.

• Waitsfield: In the heart of the Mad River Valley, Waitsfield blends rural beauty with local culture. Walk across the Great Eddy Covered Bridge, browse galleries, or grab maple creemees downtown. The valley’s open views and slower pace make this one of the most photogenic sections of Route 100.

• Warren: Just south of Waitsfield, Warren offers quiet roads, farm scenery, and proximity to Sugarbush Resort for hiking and scenic lift rides. Visit the Warren Store for sandwiches and maple treats, or detour to Lincoln Gap Road for mountain vistas. A peaceful, classic Vermont stop away from crowds.

• Ludlow: Anchored by Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow blends mountain adventure with small-town charm. Stop by Green Mountain Sugarhouse for maple creemees, local syrup, and lakeside photo ops. Afterward, explore nearby Buttermilk Falls or enjoy dinner at The Downtown Grocery, known for seasonal Vermont comfort food.

• Weston: A quintessential Vermont village with white-steepled churches, the Vermont Country Store, and the historic Weston Playhouse Theatre Company. Perfect for a stroll and a few classic photos.

• Londonderry: A laid-back stop along Route 100 known for Magic Mountain Ski Area, a local favorite with fewer crowds and Green Mountain views. In warmer months, Lowell Lake State Park offers a quiet place to kayak, paddleboard, or picnic by the water.

• West Dover: Tucked into the southern Green Mountains, Dover’s West Dover village anchors the lively resort area of Mount Snow. Known for four-season recreation, the mountain offers hiking, lift-served foliage views, and one of southern Vermont’s biggest ski areas. Even in the fall, the summit chairlift is worth it for panoramic photos.

• Wilmington: At the southern end of Vermont Route 100, Wilmington offers mountain charm and lakeside scenery. Stop at Molly Stark State Park for trail-views, then head to Lake Whitingham for mirror-like autumn foliage reflections. Visit the local sugar-house, Sprague & Son Sugarhouse, on Route 100 for fresh maple syrup and maple ice cream. Finish the day with dinner at Alpenglow Bistro for mountain views.

• Stamford: Just north of the Massachusetts border, Stamford marks the southern gateway to Route 100. It offers quiet forested roads and countryside views before the Green Mountains rise. Just ten minutes south, you’ll find Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams, MA, where you can walk through a white marble arch carved by glaciers and explore an old quarry.

Highlights Along Vermont Route 100

If you’re driving Vermont Route 100 from north to south, this lineup gives you the perfect mix of mountain views, local flavors, and small-town charm. Each stop shows off a different side of the Green Mountains, from waterfalls and breweries to historic villages and maple farms.

Northern Vermont: Newport → Stowe

Lake Willoughby & Mount Pisgah (Westmore): Slightly off the northern end of Route 100, this glacier-carved lake is often compared to a fjord, framed by steep cliffs on both sides. Hike the Mount Pisgah Trail for one of the most stunning overlooks in Vermont, especially at sunrise or in peak foliage.

Montgomery & Its Covered Bridges (near Westfield): Northwest of Lowell, the small town of Montgomery is famous for having more covered bridges per square mile than anywhere else in Vermont. Each bridge offers classic red barn photo ops surrounded by forested hillsides.

Lake Memphremagog (Newport): Begin your drive at Vermont’s northern edge with open-water views at Lake Memphremagog, a 30-mile international lake shared with Québec. Walk the Beebe Spur Rail Trail or grab a coffee downtown before heading south on Route 100.

Eden Lake (Eden): A scenic pull-off right beside Route 100. In early fall, bright orange and gold hills mirror perfectly in the water, making it one of the most photogenic stops on the northern stretch.

Green River Reservoir State Park (Hyde Park): Just north of Stowe, this state park offers kayaking, bird-watching, and peaceful backroads for leaf-peeping.

Central Vermont: Stowe → Warren

Moss Glen Falls (Stowe): One of Vermont’s most beautiful waterfalls that’s just minutes off Route 100. The short trail leads to a picture-perfect cascade framed by forest.

Stowe Maple Products (Stowe): Visit during sugaring season (February-April) to see syrup being made, or stop any time for maple candies and pure Vermont syrup.

The Alchemist Brewery (Stowe): Home of the iconic Heady Topper IPA. Enjoy a drink in the beer garden and take in the mountain views that define this part of Route 100.

Stowe Cider (Stowe): A relaxed taproom serving small-batch ciders and hosting live music. Great for an afternoon stop or take-home cans.

von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall (Stowe): Austrian-inspired lagers and hearty food served with a mountain backdrop at the Trapp Family Lodge.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury): Classic Vermont in one stop: warm cider donuts, hot apple cider, and a peek inside a working mill. Their tasting room next door offers hard cider flights.

Cabot Cheese Farmers’ Store (Waterbury Center): Stock up on sharp cheddar, local jams, and snacks. The free tastings are reason enough to pull over!

Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury): Take the tour, visit the Flavor Graveyard, and try a scoop at one of Vermont’s most famous roadside stops.

Prohibition Pig (Waterbury): Part brewery, part smokehouse. Stop for BBQ brisket, mac and cheese, or a craft beer before continuing south.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids (Waitsfield): Just south on the Mad River Byway, this taproom produces some of New England’s most celebrated IPAs.

Sugarbush Resort (Warren): A four-season highlight for hikers, skiers, and foliage chasers. The fall chairlift rides and mountain views are worth the stop.

Great Eddy Covered Bridge (Waitsfield): One of Vermont’s most photogenic bridges, spanning the Mad River since 1833. It’s a quintessential Vermont photo stop.

Southern Vermont: Weston → Stamford

Weston Playhouse Theatre Company (Weston): One of Vermont’s oldest professional theaters. The nearby Vermont Country Store makes this a great stop.

Green Mountain Sugarhouse (Ludlow): Right off Route 100 near Echo Lake, this sugarhouse is famous for maple creemees and local syrup. Pair your stop with a short visit to nearby Buttermilk Falls.

The Downtown Grocery (Ludlow): Serves locally sourced Vermont comfort food. Ideal for dinner after exploring Okemo Mountain Resort.

Lowell Lake State Park (Londonderry): Paddle, picnic, or photograph mirrored fall foliage. Combine it with the nearby Magic Mountain Ski Area for hiking or early-season skiing.

Mount Snow Resort (West Dover): A lively stop for lift-served foliage views, hiking, and four-season mountain fun. West Dover village has lodging, restaurants, and trail access right off Route 100.

Lake Whitingham & Molly Stark State Park (Wilmington): One of southern Vermont’s most scenic stretches. Stop at Molly Stark State Park for a short hike or visit Sprague & Son Sugarhouse for maple ice cream and syrup. Evening light over Lake Whitingham makes for incredible photos.

Natural Bridge State Park (near Stamford): Just 10 minutes south in North Adams, MA, this small park features marble cliffs, glacial formations, and short walking trails. It’s an easy, photogenic side trip before or after your Route 100 journey.

🍁 RTL Tip: If you’re chasing fall color, start in Newport, Hyde Park, or Stowe in late September, then follow the foliage south through Waitsfield, Warren, Weston, and Ludlow by early to mid-October. Vermont’s color moves downhill fast, and Route 100 is one of the best ways to watch it unfold!

Best Places to Eat along Route 100

We believe no Vermont road trip is complete without tasting the flavors that define the region: maple syrup, sharp cheddar, apple cider, and craft beer. Route 100 connects many of the state’s most iconic food stops, making it as much a delicious journey as a scenic one!

If you love eating and drinking your way through new places, the Waterbury-Stowe stretch of Route 100 is where to focus. Tons of great stops are within about 20 minutes of one another, and together they form an epic Route 100 foodie itinerary.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this next section are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only share places and products we truly love!

FAQ: Driving Vermont Route 100

Is the whole road paved and open to all vehicles?

Yes, Route 100 is fully paved and suitable for cars, motorcycles, and RVs.

Is it free to drive?

Yes, there’s no toll or entrance fee to drive Vermont Route 100.

How long does it take to drive Route 100 in Vermont?

Without stops, the full drive takes about 5 hours. Most travelers break it into sections: Stowe to Killington or Ludlow to Waterbury are two of the most scenic day drives.

Is Vermont Route 100 dog-friendly?

Yes! Most trailheads, waterfalls, and outdoor dining patios welcome dogs. Stowe Pinnacle Trail and Deer Leap Trail are both great dog-friendly hikes.

What are the best hikes along Vermont Route 100?

Some of the best hikes in Vermont sit right off Route 100 or nearby:

• Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge Trail (Stowe): The state’s highest peak, with sweeping 360-degree views.

• Sterling Pond Trail (Smugglers’ Notch): A moderate 2.3-mile climb to a peaceful mountain pond.

• Stowe Pinnacle Trail: A shorter but steep trail to one of the best overlooks in the area.

• Deer Leap Trail (Killington): A scenic hike with panoramic views.

• Mount Pisgah (Lake Willoughby): Farther north but worth the detour for dramatic lake and cliff views.

AllTrails is our favorite app for finding hiking trails along our road trip routes.

Where should I stay on Route 100 in Vermont?

You’ll find everything from cozy B&Bs to boutique cabins and mountain lodges along VT Route 100. We recommend staying overnight in Stowe, Vermont.

For travelers who prefer hotels, Fairfield Inn & Suites Waterbury-Stowe is centrally located between two of the route’s most popular towns, with free breakfast and cozy fireplaces in some rooms.

💡 RTL Tip: Book early for fall weekends. Vermont’s inns and hotels fill up fast.

Are there cideries or breweries nearby?

Yes, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and von Trapp Brewery are all local favorites right off the route.

Where are the best places to eat along Vermont Route 100?

Consider Prohibition Pig (Waterbury), The Downtown Grocery (Ludlow), or the Warren Store for sandwiches and maple treats.

Can I camp along Route 100?

Yes, campgrounds like Little River State Park (Waterbury) and Camp Plymouth State Park (Ludlow) are good for tent or RV stays.

What is the weather like on Route 100?

Fall brings crisp, cool days and chilly nights. Winter can be snowy and icy. Summer averages in the 70s °F with comfortable humidity.

Is Route 100 a good road trip for families?

Absolutely! Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Moss Glen Falls, and countless picnic spots make it a relaxed, family-friendly route.

When does fall foliage peak?

Northern and higher-elevation areas like Stowe usually peak late September to early October, while southern towns like Weston and Ludlow peak mid-October.

Plan Your Road Trip

Not sure what to pack? Check out our Road Trip Packing List for the exact things we use and love on every trip!

Want to plan another adventure? Explore our Free Resource Library for road trip itineraries, planning guides, and stories from the road.

And if Yellowstone’s on your list, don’t miss our comprehensive Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park!

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