COVID Approved Road Trips

COVID Approved Road Trip Plans 

These scenic trips will undoubtedly have you falling for Vermont

By Jillian Lebowitz

Everyone knows that Vermont during autumn is one of the most magical places to see fall foliage, however, it can be difficult to decide where to start when planning the best possible foliage tour. Below are a few fun options for a beautiful Sunday morning; just don’t forget the coffee or cider. 

Drives:

Northeast Kingdom 

• If you’re looking for a longer and more rural drive, the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is a beautiful and serene option for an array of autumn colors. Route 242 brings you to Montgomery Center, and from there, take the road towards Lowell. A very quiet drive, it quickly turns from a paved road to rough dirt, climbing up to an elevation of about 1750 ft, with much of the road covered in a thick fall canopy at its peak time! 

(Image via Jeff Folger)

Stowe Loop

• Stagecoach Road to Johnson and back is a 30 mile drive providing views of amazing foliage, as well as follows the Little River for a few miles, where you can stop to take pictures, have a snack, and stretch in the crisp and chilly air. 

If interested in experiencing the outdoors via foot trail rather than car, then below are just a few of the many options hikers may enjoy in Vermont during autumn. Varying in elevation, difficulty, length, and location, these hikes are all great options depending on what you’re looking for.

Hikes:

Red Rocks Park Loop Trail

• A 2.7 mile, heavily trafficked loop that features views of Lake Champlain and is dog-friendly for anyone wanting to bring their pup. 

• https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/red-rocks-park 

Ethan Allen Homestead

• An easy hike right here in Burlington, the Ethan Allen Homestead not only features a museum, but also extensive trails for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and biking. Curving along the Winooski River, walk up to 3.5 miles and have a nice picnic break at one of the picnic spots along the water.

• https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/ethan-allen-homestead 

Camel’s Hump

• Definitely a hike for those looking for a more challenging trail, Camel’s Hump boasts an elevation change of over 2,500 feet, and clocks in at 6 miles out and back. From the summit, stunning 360 views of mountaintops as far as Canada can be seen on a clear day. 

• https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/camel-s-hump-trail