Do you dream of exploring Vermont’s most beautiful natural sights in one epic journey?
This carefully planned road trip winds through scenic landscapes, uncovering nine jaw-dropping destinations along the way.
Prepare for an adventure that will leave you inspired and in awe.
1. Quechee Gorge (Quechee)
Imagine standing on a bridge, looking down at a chasm so deep it makes your knees wobble like a nervous chihuahua.
That’s Quechee Gorge for you, folks!
Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” this 165-foot deep gorge will have you questioning whether you accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in Arizona.
The Ottauquechee River carved this masterpiece over thousands of years, proving that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s also a darn good landscaper.
As you peer over the edge, you might spot kayakers braving the rapids below.
They look like tiny, colorful ants from up here, probably questioning their life choices as they navigate the swirling waters.
For those who prefer terra firma, there are hiking trails that lead down to the bottom of the gorge.
It’s like descending into nature’s own amphitheater, where the main act is a rushing river and the backdrop is a stunning display of geological artistry.
Just remember, what goes down must come up, so save some energy for the climb back!
2. Huntington Gorge (Richmond)
Next stop: Huntington Gorge, where Mother Nature decided to play Tetris with giant boulders.
This place is a geological jigsaw puzzle that’ll make your head spin faster than a maple syrup bottle at a pancake-eating contest.
The gorge is a series of cascading waterfalls and swirling pools, carved out of bedrock by the Huntington River.
It’s like nature’s own water park, minus the overpriced snacks and questionable hygiene standards.
The smooth, worn rocks create natural waterslides that would make any theme park designer green with envy.
But fair warning: this isn’t your grandma’s kiddie pool.
The currents here can be stronger than a Vermonter’s opinion on proper maple syrup usage.
So while it’s a feast for the eyes, swimming is about as advisable as trying to milk a moose.
Stick to admiring from a safe distance, and save your swimming for less… well, gorge-ous locations.
3. Warren Falls (Warren)
If Goldilocks were a waterfall enthusiast (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), she’d probably declare Warren Falls “just right.”
This natural swimming hole is the perfect blend of breathtaking beauty and accessibility, like finding a gourmet cheese shop right next to your gym.
The falls cascade into a series of deep, emerald pools that look like they were plucked straight out of a fantasy novel.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see a mermaid lounging on a rock, sipping a piña colada.
The smooth stone surfaces surrounding the pools are nature’s own sun loungers, perfect for lizarding out after a refreshing dip.
Daredevils flock here to leap from the cliffs into the deeper pools below.
It’s like a real-life game of “Splash,” minus the celebrity judges and questionable fashion choices.
For the less adventurous, there’s plenty of shallow areas to wade and wonder at the crystal-clear water.
You can practically count the pebbles at the bottom, or the goosebumps on your arms if you’re brave enough to dip in the chilly mountain water!
4. Moss Glen Falls (Stowe)
Moss Glen Falls is like the supermodel of Vermont waterfalls – effortlessly beautiful and always ready for its close-up.
This 125-foot cascade is the kind of view that makes you want to propose… to Mother Nature herself.
The falls tumble gracefully over a series of rock ledges, creating a misty veil that catches the sunlight just so.
It’s nature’s own light show, no electricity required.
The surrounding moss-covered rocks add a touch of velvet green to the scene, as if the falls needed any more glamour.
A short, easy trail leads to a viewing platform, making this natural wonder accessible to just about everyone.
It’s like nature decided to put on its finest display right next to the parking lot.
How thoughtful!
Just remember to bring your camera and your best “oohs” and “aahs” – you’ll need them both in equal measure.
5. Texas Falls (Hancock)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing Lone Star State about these falls.
Texas Falls is as Vermont as maple creemees and flannel shirts.
This series of cascades and pools is tucked away in the Green Mountain National Forest, like a hidden gem in your grandma’s jewelry box.
The falls tumble through a narrow gorge, creating a symphony of rushing water that’s music to any nature lover’s ears.
It’s like nature’s own white noise machine, perfect for drowning out the constant chatter in your head about whether you remembered to turn off the stove.
A loop trail takes you around the falls, offering views from every angle.
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It’s like a 360-degree nature screensaver, but better because you’re actually there and not staring at your computer wondering why it’s taking so long to update.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it – just watch out for overly friendly chipmunks eyeing your sandwich!
6. Hamilton Falls (Jamaica)
No, we haven’t suddenly teleported to the Caribbean.
This Jamaica is pure Vermont, and Hamilton Falls is its crowning jewel.
At 125 feet high, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the state.
It’s so impressive, you might find yourself involuntarily bursting into songs from the musical “Hamilton.”
The falls cascade down a series of steep rock faces, creating a spectacle that’s part waterfall, part natural rock slide.
It’s like the earth decided to build its own extreme water park, complete with “do not attempt” warnings that are actually worth heeding.
The hike to the falls is moderately challenging, winding through lush forest and over babbling brooks.
By the time you reach the falls, you’ll feel like you’ve earned that view – and the right to dramatically recreate scenes from “Last of the Mohicans” if you so choose.
Just remember, no one else signed up for that particular show.
7. Clarendon Gorge (Clarendon)
Clarendon Gorge is like that quiet kid in class who turns out to be a secret genius.
At first glance, it might not seem as flashy as some of its waterfall cousins, but give it a chance and it’ll blow your mind faster than a surprise pop quiz.
The gorge is a narrow chasm carved by the Mill River, creating a scene that’s part rugged beauty, part geological marvel.
A suspension bridge spans the gorge, offering views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
It’s like walking on air, if air were made of slightly wobbly metal cables.
For the brave (or slightly unhinged), there are swimming holes at the bottom of the gorge.
The water’s so clear you can see right to the bottom, which is great until you realize that means the fish can see you too.
It’s like skinny dipping in a giant, cold, fish-filled bathtub – exhilarating and slightly unnerving all at once.
8. Lye Brook Falls (Manchester)
If you’re the type who believes that good things come to those who hike, then Lye Brook Falls is your pot of gold at the end of a very green, very Vermont rainbow.
This 125-foot horsetail waterfall is tucked away in the Green Mountain National Forest, playing hard to get like that crush who never returns your texts.
The trail to the falls is a 2.3-mile trek that’ll have you feeling like you’re on a quest in a fantasy novel.
Towering trees, moss-covered logs, and the occasional chipmunk cheering you on from the sidelines set the scene.
By the time you reach the falls, you’ll be half-expecting a wizard to pop out and grant you three wishes.
The waterfall itself is a thin, elegant cascade that seems to go on forever.
It’s like nature’s own version of those fancy water walls in upscale hotels, minus the chlorine smell and awkward elevator music.
The best part?
The hike back is all downhill, giving you plenty of time to contemplate how you’re going to describe this view without resorting to overused adjectives like “breathtaking” or “stunning.”
9. Bingham Falls (Stowe)
Last but certainly not least, we have Bingham Falls, the grand finale of our watery Vermont adventure.
This multi-tiered waterfall is like the dessert buffet of the natural world – a little bit of everything and all of it delicious (to the eyes, that is – please don’t actually eat the waterfall).
A short but steep trail leads you to the falls, winding through a forest that feels older than time itself.
The air gets mistier as you approach, building anticipation like the world’s most refreshing drumroll.
And then, bam!
The falls appear, a 40-foot cascade tumbling into a deep, emerald pool.
The gorge surrounding the falls is a geological wonderland of smooth, water-carved rocks and swirling potholes.
It’s like Mother Nature’s own sculpture garden, if the sculptor had an unlimited water budget and a penchant for the dramatic.
Brave souls can take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls, but be warned – it’s cold enough to make you question every life decision that led you to this moment.
So there you have it, folks – nine slices of Vermont paradise, served up with a side of wonder and a sprinkle of “did I really just see that?”
Your road trip starts here.
Use this map to stay on course and create memories at every turn.
Get out there and explore.
Your inner nature enthusiast (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!