Vermont Villages & Mountain Roads

Approximate driving distance: 140 miles / 225 kilometres
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes without stops

Leave Boston and travel north through New Hampshire toward the White Mountains.

As you approach North Conway, the landscape changes from cities and farmland to forests, rivers and mountain scenery.

After arriving, explore North Conway’s attractive centre, local shops and cafés. Depending on your arrival time, take a short scenic drive through Mount Washington Valley or visit one of the nearby waterfalls.

North Conway is a convenient base for discovering the White Mountains and the eastern entrance to the Kancamagus Highway.

Overnight in North Conway.

Approximate driving distance: 165 miles / 265 kilometres
Approximate driving time: 4 hours without sightseeing stops

Today brings one of New England’s finest driving experiences.

Leave North Conway and follow the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountain National Forest. The road passes forests, mountain viewpoints, rivers and waterfalls, with numerous places to stop along the way.

Continue through Franconia Notch and northern New Hampshire before crossing into Vermont. The landscape becomes increasingly rural as you approach the Green Mountains and Stowe.

Check in to your selected hotel and enjoy your first evening in this welcoming Vermont mountain town.

There are no gas stations and very limited mobile coverage along the Kancamagus Highway. Fill the fuel tank and download directions before beginning the drive.

Overnight in Stowe.

Enjoy a complete day exploring Stowe and the surrounding countryside.

Walk through the village, browse its independent shops or drive through Smugglers’ Notch when the seasonal mountain road is open. The narrow road passes between impressive cliffs and offers access to walking trails and scenic stops.

You may also visit nearby Waterbury, known for its local food producers, craft drinks and famous ice-cream factory.

For mountain views, drive toward Mount Mansfield or use one of the seasonal gondolas and mountain roads. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day exploring Vermont farms, covered bridges and country stores.

Overnight in Stowe.

Approximate driving distance: 40 miles / 65 kilometres
Approximate driving time: 1 hour without stops

The short journey to Burlington gives you plenty of time to enjoy both destinations.

Spend the morning in Stowe or Waterbury before travelling west toward Lake Champlain and Burlington.

After arriving, explore Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s pedestrianised centre filled with shops, cafés and restaurants. Walk or cycle along the waterfront and enjoy views across Lake Champlain toward New York State’s Adirondack Mountains.

An optional lake cruise may be available during the warmer months.

Overnight in Burlington.

Approximate driving distance: 100–130 miles / 160–210 kilometres
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on the route

Leave Burlington and travel south through Vermont.

The quickest route follows the main highway, but the more memorable option uses sections of scenic Route 100 through the Green Mountains. Pass forests, rivers, farms and small communities while travelling toward Woodstock.

Depending on your route, stop in Waterbury, the Mad River Valley or one of Vermont’s traditional country stores.

After arriving in Woodstock, explore its beautifully preserved centre, historic homes and covered bridges.

Overnight in Woodstock.

Approximate driving distance: 145 miles / 235 kilometres
Approximate driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes without stops

Enjoy the morning in Woodstock before beginning the return journey to Boston.

Visit the countryside surrounding the village or drive to nearby Quechee Gorge. Often described as Vermont’s deepest gorge, it can be viewed from the bridge and nearby walking trails.

Continue through New Hampshire and Massachusetts toward Boston. After checking in to your selected hotel, enjoy a final evening in the city.

You might visit the historic streets of Beacon Hill, walk part of the Freedom Trail or enjoy dinner beside Boston Harbor.

Overnight in Boston.