Vermont Vacations
The 7 Wonders Of The Green Mountain State
Hospitality Industry Food And Drink Diet And Nutrition Travel Tips Tanzania
Vermont’s Timeless Covered Bridges: History, Heritage, and Preservation
Vermont is home to some of the most well-preserved and cherished covered bridges in the United States.
While only a few of these historic structures remain in Northfield today, the town still boasts one of the highest concentrations of covered bridges in the country.
These bridges were born during a remarkable era of development in Vermont. In the late 1800s, a surge in road and highway construction marked the peak of the state’s transportation history. This growth spurt led to the building of the famous covered bridges, now treasured as significant historical pieces worthy of preservation for future generations.
Vermont’s winters are notoriously harsh, and covering bridges proved the most practical way to protect them from the damaging effects of snow and extreme weather. A covered bridge can last up to three times longer than an ordinary bridge. Beyond durability, the design offered beauty and function, providing weary travelers with temporary shelter from terrible weather.
More than one hundred covered bridges still exist across Vermont. Intensive commercialization and expansion of the state’s highway systems led to gradual deterioration and neglect. Nevertheless, Vermont retains the highest concentration of covered bridges in the entire country.
Today, covered bridges are protected and maintained with public funds, and specific laws safeguard these historic structures. No bridge may be demolished without prior approval from the board that oversees the management and preservation of historical sites.
Vermont’s first covered bridge was the Northfield Falls Bridge, built around 1872 to support the town’s infrastructure development. It is also the longest in the state, stretching approximately 137 feet, far longer than other bridges in the area. Northfield is so rich with preserved bridges that it is the only place in America where one can cross one covered bridge and immediately encounter another.
This is especially true for three of the best-preserved examples: the Upper Cox, Northfield Falls, and Lower Cox Covered Bridges. The only bridge never structurally altered in Vermont’s history is the Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge, named after an abandoned local slaughterhouse across the Dog River. Another beloved landmark is the Stony Brook Covered Bridge. Regarded as the last representative of the era when Vermont saw its greatest covered-bridge construction, this bridge is now considered one of the most historically significant in Northfield.
Vermont remains a deeply historical state, and its towns take great efforts to preserve historical pieces, both buildings and bridges, from deterioration. The nation has seen a tremendous increase in interest in preserving covered bridges, and Vermont, with one of the highest numbers of such bridges, is leading the way.
Laws are enacted and revised whenever preservation needs arise. Thanks to the dedication of local residents, the future of these historic treasures looks bright. A road trip through this magnificent state will surely allow anyone to witness the beauty and history of Vermont’s covered bridges.
Fall Foliage Scenic Drive in Vermont: A Colorful Journey Through History & Nature
Vermont’s fiery autumn foliage is legendary, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its breathtaking landscapes.
This 150-mile loop tour through Central Vermont offers some of the most spectacular views in the Green Mountain National Forest, along with charming villages, historic covered bridges, and hidden natural wonders.
While you could rush through in a day, this drive is best savored over a leisurely weekend, allowing time for exploration and unexpected discoveries.
Route Overview
The journey follows Route 12 south from Montpelier to Woodstock, then loops back north via Route 100 and 100B, showcasing Vermont’s most vibrant fall colors. Along the way, you’ll encounter covered bridges, waterfalls, farm museums, and even Vermont’s own "Little Grand Canyon."
Start Your Engines: Montpelier to Woodstock
1. Montpelier – America’s Smallest State Capital
- Population: Just over 8,000—making it the smallest U.S. state capital by population.
- Fun Fact: Despite its size, Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonald’s—locals take pride in supporting independent businesses.
- Historical Tidbit: Named after the French city of Montpellier in gratitude for France’s support during the American Revolution.
From Montpelier, take Route 12 south toward Northfield Falls.
2. Northfield Falls – A Double Covered Bridge Spectacle
- Vermont boasts over 100 covered bridges, but Northfield Falls has a rare treat: two bridges visible at once, the Station Bridge and the Lower Cox Brook Bridge.
- Why Covered? These bridges were originally roofed to protect their wooden structures from harsh New England weather.
3. Bethel – A Town Built for Scenery
- Home to the White River National Fish Hatchery, which works to restore Atlantic Salmon to the Connecticut River.
- Did You Know? Vermont was once covered by an ancient sea, and its fossil-rich rocks are a treasure trove for geologists.
4. Woodstock – Vermont’s Most Picturesque Village
- Often called "the prettiest small town in America," Woodstock is a postcard-perfect New England village.
- Must-See Stops:
- Billings Farm & Museum (est. 1871) – A working farm showcasing 19th-century agricultural life.
- Quechee Gorge – Vermont’s "Little Grand Canyon," a 165-foot-deep chasm carved by glacial activity 13,000 years ago.
Woodstock to Killington: Peaks & Panoramas
5. Killington Peak – A Bird’s-Eye View of Fall Foliage
- At 4,229 feet, Killington is Vermont’s second-highest peak (after Mt. Mansfield).
- Gondola Ride: From late September to early October, the K1 Express Gondola offers sweeping views of fiery reds, oranges, and golds.
- Ski History: Killington was one of the first major ski resorts in the East, opening in 1958.
Overnight Stay? Nearby Rutland offers cozy inns—but book early, as fall foliage season is peak tourism time!
Route 100: Vermont’s Scenic Byway
This stretch winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, passing:
6. Texas Falls (Near Hancock)
- A short, easy hike leads to a stunning waterfall surrounded by autumn hues.
- Geology Fact: The falls were carved by melting glaciers over 10,000 years ago.
7. Moss Glen Falls (Near Granville)
- One of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls (35 feet).
- The drive here is an adventure—a winding, seven-mile stretch through untouched wilderness.
The Final Stretch: Back to Montpelier
- Route 100B connects near Moretown, leading back to Montpelier with rolling hills and farmland vistas.
- Vermont Humor: Locals joke that the state has five seasons—spring, summer, fall, winter, and "mud season" (a very real phenomenon in early spring!).
Why This Drive is Unforgettable
Vermont’s fall foliage is more than just pretty leaves—it’s a living postcard of history, geology, and small-town charm. Whether you stop at a 200-year-old covered bridge, stand atop a glacial gorge, or simply breathe in the crisp autumn air, this scenic drive captures the essence of New England in the fall.
So take your time, explore the backroads, and let Vermont’s autumn magic unfold. You’ll leave understanding why residents say, "Why would anyone live anywhere else?"
The Green Mountain State's Seven Wonders
Whichever season you take Vermont vacations, you’ll see these seven scenic wonders and fall in love with the Green Mountain state. And just in case you mistakenly think there are only seven wonders - think again. Each of these is a vacation in itself, full of the wonders of adventure, breathtaking views, wildlife, and fine dining and lodging. It all begins here...
GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST The Green Mountain National Forest is 400,000 acres stretching across two-thirds of the length of Vermont. The Forest comprises six wilderness areas offering camping and 900 miles of trails, and a back country environment for all ages. Campgrounds are available on a first-come basis during the summer season. Popular destinations in the Forest include the Robert Frost Trail near Ripton, Texas Falls Recreation area close to Hancock, the Moosalamoo area near Brandon, and Lake Dunmore and Brandbury State Park
QUECHEE GORGE Located in central Vermont near the town of Woodstock, Quechee Gorge is a geological wonder. Nicknamed Vermont’s Grand Canyon, the gorge was carved when the last glacier covering New England receded about 12,000 years ago. Today the Ottauguechee River flows through the gorge and is spanned by a bridge, which offers a marvelous photogenic vantage point for visitors. The entrance to the park is just west of the bridge, and offers trails down to the gorge and wooded nature walks.
SCENIC ROUTE 100 FROM KILLINGTON TO WATERBURY
Vermont boasts many scenic drives but none more scenic than the portion of Route 100 from Killington to Waitsfield. The route borders the Green Mountain National Forest and meanders through mountain valleys, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and small farming villages. Along this route you’ll move from open farmland to steep mountain cliffs either side of a winding narrow road, and then eventually back to open fields. The latter part of the journey to Waterbury offers marvelous views of the distant northern Green Mountains.
STOWE Nestled between two mountain ranges is perhaps the most picturesque town in New England - Stowe. The draw and attraction for many to Stowe is Mount Mansfield, and the mountain dominates the landscape. After the snow melts, families have an endless assortment of things to do on their Vermont vacations, including swimming, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and scenic driving tours. Mount Mansfield itself provides hiking trails for the fit and energetic, or you can take in amazing views from your own car as you drive to the summit ridge on the historic toll road.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND ISLANDS Lake Champlain seems like a lost cousin of the Great lakes. Long and deep, but with an average width of only 12 miles, its northern area is dotted with a magnificent string of Islands popular for Vermont vacations. Routes 2 and 78 connect the larger ones together and to the Vermont mainland. One of the last "undiscovered" treasures of New England, the Lake Champlain Islands offer magnificent vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains to the east, and New York’s Adirondacks to the west.
NORTHEAST KINGDOM The Northeast Kingdom is a vast 1.3 million acres of mostly wilderness land, which includes public forests, parks, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. This is an area where little has changed since the glaciers left, and the adventurous will find plenty of opportunity to live out their dream Vermont vacation. Nature shares the Northeast Kingdom with people, and this is an area where wildlife and scenery is king, and folks gladly take a back seat. Load up your camping stuff and supplies in St. Johnsbury, check your gas level, and be prepared for an exhilarating experience!
COVERED BRIDGES No mention of Vermont wonders can bypass the finest collection of covered bridges in the United States. If you include the bridges shared with New Hampshire and spanning the Connecticut River, the state has 106, which is more than any other New England state. Most bridges are accessible to the public, in excellent condition, and a joy to discover and photograph. The craftsmen who designed these monuments had no idea they were building a legacy now enjoyed by visitors from all over the world. Wherever you are in the state you’re not far from a Vermont covered bridge. This brief journey has been but an introduction to an area in the U.S. where not only the people, but nature, does things just a little differently - And that makes all the difference for Vermont vacations.
Experience Incredible Glaciers Varied Wildlife Unique To Alaska
A Boston Vacation - Five Ways To Experience Beantown
Las Vegas - A 24-hour Wondrous Playground
America’s Heartland Is Beating In Ohio
Sonoma County - California Winery
A Palm Springs Vacation Guarantees A Playful And Fun Time
VisitTulsa's Beautiful Parks,Activities,Arts,Theatres And Culture
Walt Disney World Parks Orlando
Tweet
Follow @Charlesfrize
