Vermont Route 100 Travel Guide

Plan Your Trip

Route 100 Vermont: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip

Travelers looking to experience the best of New England should add Route 100 Vermont to their bucket list. Often called "Vermont's Main Street" and "The Skier's Highway," Route 100 stretches approximately 146 miles through the heart of the Green Mountains, connecting charming villages, mountain resorts, waterfalls, covered bridges, and some of Vermont's most spectacular scenery. It has earned a reputation as one of the state's most iconic scenic drives.

Top Things to Do

Here are some of the top things to do along Route 100 Vermont:

• Explore Stowe
One of Vermont's most famous mountain towns, Stowe offers excellent hiking, shopping, breweries, and beautiful scenery year-round. During fall foliage season, it's one of the most photographed destinations in New England.

• Visit Waterbury
Home to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and numerous local restaurants and breweries, Waterbury is a favorite stop for families and food lovers.

• Drive Through the Mad River Valley
Pass through Waitsfield and Warren, where you'll find covered bridges, scenic farms, artisan shops, and classic Vermont villages nestled beneath the Green Mountains.

• Discover Weston and the Vermont Country Store
Step back in time at the historic Vermont Country Store, famous for nostalgic candy, maple products, and locally made goods. Nearby Weston offers galleries, historic buildings, and small-town charm.

• Visit Killington and Okemo
These renowned ski resorts transform into hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola destinations during the warmer months.

• See Waterfalls and Covered Bridges
Route 100 passes countless waterfalls, rivers, historic bridges, and scenic overlooks, making it ideal for leisurely road trips and photography.

Whether you're visiting during peak fall foliage or the quiet beauty of summer, Route 100 showcases Vermont at its finest.

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✓ Complete travel guide
✓ Printable map
✓ One-day itinerary
✓ Hidden gems
✓ Travel tips
✓ Offline access
✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page

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Our Self Guided Tour

Explore Route 100 Vermont With a Self-Guided Driving Tour

One of the best ways to experience Route 100 Vermont is with a GPS-guided driving tour that lets you discover the state's most scenic highway at your own pace.

🚗 Route 100 Vermont Driving Tour

https://www.walkntours.com/walking-tours/route-100-vermont-driving-tour

This self-guided driving tour guides you through Vermont's iconic Route 100, sharing the stories behind the charming villages, mountain landscapes, covered bridges, maple farms, and historic landmarks that make this drive unforgettable.

Highlights include:

• Stowe and Waterbury

• Waitsfield and the Mad River Valley

• Scenic mountain overlooks

• Covered bridges and waterfalls

• Vermont's maple syrup traditions

• Historic villages and local landmarks

• Hidden roadside stops many visitors miss

As you drive, your phone automatically plays stories based on your location, creating a hands-free experience that transforms a scenic drive into an engaging journey through Vermont's history and culture.

Why Take a Self-Guided Driving Tour?

• Start whenever you like

• Explore at your own pace

• Stop for photos, hikes, and local shops

• No crowded tour buses or fixed schedules

• Learn fascinating stories while you drive

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, this tour is one of the best ways to experience Vermont's most famous scenic highway.

Free Things to Do

Free Things to Do

• Scenic driving along Route 100

• Covered bridge photography

• Mountain overlooks

• Village walking tours

• Many hiking trails

• Waterfall viewing

Attractions With Fees

• Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour

• Ski resorts and gondolas

• State park entrance fees (where applicable)

• Museums and seasonal attractions

Food!

What to Eat Along Route 100 Vermont

A drive along Route 100 is the perfect opportunity to sample some of Vermont's most iconic foods and locally produced specialties.

Vermont Maple Syrup

Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. Enjoy it on pancakes, waffles, maple candy, maple cookies, or visit a sugarhouse during sugaring season.

Maple Creemees

A Vermont favorite, maple creemees are soft-serve ice cream made with real maple syrup. They're a must-try during the warmer months.

Apple Cider Donuts

Fresh, warm cider donuts are a Route 100 tradition, especially at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Pair one with fresh-pressed apple cider for the ultimate Vermont snack.

Vermont Cheddar Cheese

The state is famous for its award-winning cheddar. Pick up locally made cheeses at country stores, markets, and specialty shops along the route.

Craft Beer

Route 100 passes some of Vermont's top breweries, including Lawson's Finest Liquids and The Alchemist. Beer lovers will find world-class IPAs and a wide variety of locally brewed styles.

Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Many restaurants along Route 100 source ingredients directly from nearby farms, creating fresh seasonal menus that showcase Vermont's agricultural heritage.

Homemade Pie & Maple Treats

Be sure to save room for homemade fruit pies, maple fudge, maple candy, and other classic New England desserts available at country stores and bakeries throughout the Green Mountains.

Where to Stay

Historic & Boutique Inns

Typical price range: $220–$450 per night

• The Green Mountain Inn (Stowe)

• The Woodstock Inn & Resort

• The Pitcher Inn (Warren)

Mid-Range Hotels

Typical price range: $140–$260 per night

• Best Western Waterbury–Stowe

• Sun & Ski Inn and Suites (Stowe)

• The Lodge at Spruce Peak (seasonal pricing varies)

Budget Hotels

Typical price range: $90–$170 per night

• Comfort Inn & Suites (near Stowe)

• The Little River Inn

• Grey Fox Inn

1 Day Itinerary

One Day Route 100 Vermont Itinerary
Morning

• Explore Stowe

• Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Afternoon

• Drive through Waterbury and the Mad River Valley

• Stop at scenic overlooks and covered bridges

Evening

• Dinner in Waitsfield or Warren

• Overnight at a Vermont inn

Two Day Route 100 Vermont Itinerary
Day One

• Stowe

• Waterbury

• Ben & Jerry's

• Smugglers' views

Day Two

• Waitsfield

• Warren

• Killington

• Weston

• Vermont Country Store

This two-day itinerary allows time to explore the villages, scenic stops, and local businesses that make Route 100 such a memorable drive.

FAQ's

1. What is Route 100 Vermont known for?

Route 100 is Vermont's most famous scenic highway, stretching approximately 146 miles through the Green Mountains. It's known for charming small towns, covered bridges, mountain views, ski resorts, and spectacular fall foliage.

2. How long does it take to drive Route 100 Vermont?

You can drive the entire route in about 4–5 hours without stopping, but most visitors spend two to four days exploring the towns, restaurants, hiking trails, and attractions along the way.

3. What is the best time to visit Route 100 Vermont?

Fall is the most popular season thanks to Vermont's vibrant foliage, typically peaking from late September through early October. Summer offers excellent hiking and outdoor recreation, while winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

4. Where does Route 100 begin and end?

Route 100 begins near Stamford in southern Vermont and travels north through the Green Mountains before ending near Newport, close to the Canadian border.

5. What are the best towns to visit along Route 100?

Some of the most popular stops include Stowe, Waterbury, Waitsfield, Warren, Killington, Ludlow, Weston, and Wilmington. Each town offers unique shops, restaurants, outdoor activities, and classic Vermont charm.

6. Is Route 100 a good road trip?

Absolutely! Route 100 is considered one of New England's best scenic drives, offering mountain scenery, covered bridges, waterfalls, historic villages, local food, breweries, and outdoor adventures all along the route.

7. Can you drive Route 100 in one day?

Yes, but you'll miss many of the highlights. For the best experience, plan a two- or three-day itinerary so you have time to explore the towns, enjoy local restaurants, visit attractions, and take scenic hikes.

8. What food is Vermont known for along Route 100?

Don't miss Vermont maple syrup, maple creemees, apple cider donuts, artisan cheddar cheese, farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and homemade pies. Stops like Ben & Jerry's Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill are also must-visits.

9. Are there covered bridges along Route 100?

Yes. Route 100 passes near many of Vermont's historic covered bridges, especially in the Mad River Valley, Stowe, and Woodstock areas. They're among the most photographed landmarks in the state.

10. Is Route 100 worth driving?

Without question. Route 100 offers the quintessential Vermont experience, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, charming villages, local food, outdoor recreation, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the United States. It's a bucket-list road trip for anyone visiting New England.

Recommended Tours

Our self guided driving Tour!

While in Stowe, you'll find lots of tours of the area.

Vermont Route 100 Travel Guide