10 Things to Do in Vermont

You’ll find Vermont’s charm in hiking to waterfalls like Moss Glen Falls, exploring picturesque villages such as Woodstock and Manchester, and skiing world-class resorts like Killington and Stowe. Don’t miss Burlington’s Lake Champlain waterfront, the dramatic Quechee Gorge, and scenic drives up Mount Equinox for panoramic views. Tour covered bridges, visit quirky museums like Ben & Jerry’s Factory, and chase fall foliage through the Mad River Valley. These experiences offer something for every budget and interest throughout the seasons.

Explore Burlington’s Church Street and Lake Champlain Waterfront

One pedestrian mall in downtown Burlington captures the essence of Vermont’s largest city better than anywhere else. Church Street Marketplace‘s four-block stretch hosts over 100 independent shops, restaurants, and cafes where you’ll find everything from Lake Champlain Chocolates to used gear at Outdoor Gear Exchange.

Street performers—musicians, jugglers, and acrobats—provide free entertainment year-round, while colorful murals brighten historic brick buildings.

You’re just steps from Lake Champlain’s waterfront, where the 7.5-mile Burlington Bike Path offers scenic walking and cycling. Waterfront Park provides a sandy beach, picnic areas, and green space for relaxing after exploring downtown.

The area stays lively through all seasons, with summer festivals, fall foliage, and winter holiday lights creating different experiences throughout the year. The marketplace’s transformation began in the 1960s redesign, when the street was converted into a pedestrian-only zone inspired by European walkways.

Ski Vermont’s Premier Mountain Resorts

When snow blankets Vermont’s peaks from October through May, you’ll discover why the Green Mountain State ranks as the East Coast’s skiing capital. Killington, “The Beast of the East,” offers 1,500+ skiable acres and the region’s longest season, though expect higher costs and weekend crowds given its proximity to Boston and New York.

Head north to Stowe for legendary expert runs like the Front Four on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.

Jay Peak and Smugglers’ Notch deliver Western-level snowfall totals in the northern snowbelt.

For families, Okemo’s meticulous grooming and high-speed bubble lifts provide comfort during cold days.

Southern resorts like Stratton and Mount Snow offer convenient weekend escapes with solid intermediate terrain and accessible pricing. Vermont ski areas are investing heavily in snowmaking technology and resort programming to enhance the visitor experience and ensure consistent conditions throughout the season.

Hike to Spectacular Waterfalls in the Green Mountains

Dozens of waterfalls cascade through Vermont’s Green Mountains, most accessible via quick walks that won’t strain your wallet or schedule. You’ll find the best concentration along Route 100, where short trails under half a mile lead to impressive falls.

Start with Moss Glen Falls in Granville—just 0.1 miles from roadside parking to a 35-foot cascade. Texas Falls offers photogenic scenery with picnic areas, while Warren Falls provides multiple viewing spots along the Mad River’s cascades via easy boardwalks. Don’t miss Buttermilk Falls, which features three waterfalls of increasing size along with several natural pools.

For something taller, hike 0.5 miles to Thundering Brook Falls near Killington, where you’ll reach a 140-foot waterfall via scenic boardwalks and an observation platform. Visit during late spring through early fall when water flow’s strongest and trails stay dry.

Discover Postcard-Perfect Villages Like Woodstock and Manchester

After exploring Vermont’s natural wonders, you’ll want to experience the state’s picture-perfect villages that look like they stepped off a postcard. Woodstock epitomizes quintessential New England charm with its vibrant town green, white picket fences, and historic Main Street lined with 19th-century buildings.

Don’t miss the Middle Covered Bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River—it’s one of Vermont’s most photographed spots and costs nothing to admire. Vermont boasts over 100 covered bridges throughout the state, making it a premier destination for bridge enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Manchester offers upscale village appeal at Mount Equinox’s base, featuring designer boutiques and luxury inns. Both towns shine year-round, but fall foliage season provides spectacular backdrops.

You’ll find free activities like browsing Woodstock’s Yankee Bookshop (operating 130+ years) or strolling Manchester‘s Main Street galleries. These villages prove Vermont’s charm extends beyond its mountains.

Take a Scenic Drive Up Mount Equinox Skyline Road

For one of Vermont’s most spectacular mountain views, you’ll want to tackle the 5.2-mile Skyline Drive up Mount Equinox—a privately owned toll road that climbs nearly 3,000 feet from Manchester’s valley floor to the 3,848-foot summit.

The paved route operates seasonally from late May through early November and charges per-vehicle and per-passenger fees (kids under 10 are free).

You’ll navigate winding switchbacks with guardrails while climbing Bennington County’s highest peak.

At the summit’s St. Bruno Scenic Viewing Center, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views spanning Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Montreal on clear days.

Pack water, snacks, and layers since mountain weather changes quickly.

The drive attracts about 10,000-12,000 vehicles annually. The same road hosts an annual uphill bike race that challenges cyclists to climb the 5.4-mile course to raise funds for Lyme disease research and local charities.

Experience Working Farm Life at Shelburne Farms

While Vermont’s mountain peaks offer breathtaking vistas, the state’s agricultural heritage provides equally compelling experiences at ground level. You’ll discover this firsthand at Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm that’s been operating since 1886. This National Historic Landmark on Lake Champlain’s shores lets you explore authentic farm operations without breaking the bank.

You can tour historic barns from 1891, watch grass-fed Brown Swiss cows produce milk for farmhouse cheddar cheese, and learn sustainable farming practices through hands-on educational programs.

The estate’s original buildings, designed by architect Robert Henderson Robertson with Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape design, showcase Gilded Age agricultural innovation. The farm was created when the wealthy Webb family purchased 33 farms totaling nearly 4,000 acres from original settlers along Shelburne Point. You’ll experience working farm life while supporting a nonprofit that’s championed sustainable rural land use since 1972.

Marvel at Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”

Just east of Quechee Village off Route 4, you’ll find Vermont’s most dramatic natural wonder without paying a single entrance fee. Quechee Gorge plunges 165 feet deep, earning its nickname “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.” You can admire the stunning views right from the Route 4 bridge or take easy hiking trails that descend to the Ottauquechee River below.

The gorge offers multiple budget-friendly activities: hiking short trails under an hour, swimming in calmer summer waters, kayaking, and picnicking. If you’re camping on a budget, Quechee State Park provides 45 tent sites without hookups but includes hot showers and bathhouses.

The park spans 688 acres with recreational fields and direct campground access to the gorge area. This remarkable geological feature was carved out by glacial lake waters over 13,000 years ago, creating the pristine landscape visitors enjoy today.

Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail Through Rural Countryside

Stretching 93 miles across northern Vermont’s countryside, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail offers you New England’s longest rail-trail experience without spending a dime on admission fees. You’ll pedal through 18 towns on a flat, 10-foot-wide crushed-stone surface with grades under 3%, making it perfect for casual riders and families.

The route showcases working farms, cornfields, and frequent Lamoille River views as you ride from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. You’ll pass charming villages like Fairfield and Sheldon Springs while enjoying Green Mountains backdrops, including distant Mount Mansfield views. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot deer, fox, black bears, and soaring eagles along the forested sections.

Multiple access points let you customize day rides based on your schedule and fitness level. Downtown Morrisville provides convenient restaurants and shops right off the trail for refueling.

Visit Unique Museums From Shelburne’s Folk Art to Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard

Vermont’s eclectic museum scene offers you fascinating attractions that won’t drain your wallet, from world-class folk art collections to quirky tributes to retired ice cream flavors.

Start at Shelburne Museum, where 45 acres showcase American folk art, quilts, and weathervanes across 35 historic buildings. You’ll find everything from a covered bridge to the steamboat Ticonderoga displayed on dry land.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury combines production tours with the beloved Flavor Graveyard, where retired flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly rest with witty epitaphs on their headstones.

The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury houses over 175,000 objects including fascinating science specimens and historical artifacts. For truly offbeat experiences, visit Glover’s Museum of Everyday Life, which celebrates mundane objects like pencils and safety pins, or Dog Mountain‘s canine-themed art gallery and chapel in St. Johnsbury.

Chase Fall Foliage Through Mad River Valley’s Covered Bridges

When should you experience Vermont’s most iconic fall tradition? Plan your Mad River Valley covered bridge tour for late September through mid-October when foliage peaks. You’ll save money by driving the self-guided Full Monty loop—39 miles covering seven bridges in just 1.5 hours.

Start at Great Eddy Bridge, Vermont’s oldest operating covered bridge from 1833. Then hit Pine Brook Bridge’s perfectly preserved 1872 structure. Don’t miss Northfield Falls’ triple bridge view where you can photograph three spans in one frame.

Pack your camera for early morning or late afternoon light when colors pop brightest. The 19-mile Local tour works if you’re short on time, focusing on three must-see bridges. Roads are well-maintained, though some access points require careful driving on narrow approaches. Vermont boasts 103 covered bridges, more per square mile than any other state in the country.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless adventures waiting in Vermont, from free waterfall hikes to budget-friendly rail trail biking. Don’t miss the no-cost covered bridge drives during fall—they’re Instagram gold without the price tag. Pack snacks for mountain hikes, hit up free museum days, and camp instead of staying in pricey hotels. Vermont’s natural beauty won’t break your bank, and you’ll create memories that’ll last way longer than any expensive souvenir.