Get ready to hit the road for a green adventure along the scenic byways and backroads of Vermont, where every twist and turn leads to beautiful landscapes and friendly communities. Thanks to the state’s robust EV charging network, it’s easier than ever to explore every inch of Vermont while keeping your carbon footprint in check — you’re pretty much guaranteed a worry-free drive regardless of your starting point.
The four road trip routes below mix culture, history, and outdoor fun, all connected by EV charging stations and eco-friendly lodgings. From the Northeast Kingdom to southern Vermont’s historic towns, all four corners of the state have their own unique charm and local character. So take the roads less traveled and use these itineraries as an invitation to explore Vermont’s quieter thoroughfares on an EV road trip.
EASTERN VERMONT
Photo: Ron Karpel/Shutterstock
White River Junction → Windsor → Hartland → Woodstock → Royalton → Barnard → Fairlee
In eastern Vermont, your adventure begins in White River Junction, a lively arts community with a storied railroad history. Admire the 19th-century buildings, then visit the quirky Main Street Museum to gawk at the fascinating curiosities on display (Victorian hair art, anyone?). After, get your nature fix with a paddle on the Connecticut River.
Ditch I-91 for Route 5 south to Windsor, the “Birthplace of Vermont,” where the state’s first constitution was signed. Witness where it happened at the Old Constitution House, then pop into the nearby American Precision Museum to see manufacturing machinery and tools from a bygone era. Make sure to drive across the picturesque Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (the longest two-lane covered bridge in the world) that connects the Green Mountain State with New Hampshire while you’re there.
Just a short drive away, Fat Sheep Farm in Hartland invites you to stay in private cabins with sweeping views of fields and hills. From there, it’s an easy trip to Woodstock, where you can visit the Billings Farm & Museum, wander down Central Street, and browse the many local shops. The Woodstock Inn & Resort combines cozy comfort and EV charging.
In Royalton, take advantage of the Level 2 chargers at the Vermont Law and Graduate School campus while you grab lunch at South Royalton Market and enjoy a walk — or a swim, if the weather’s right — along the White River. In the evening, stop by Worthy Burger for a fun local dinner in a repurposed freight house.
Continue north to Fairlee for a relaxing stroll around Lake Morey or a paddle on the water. Lake Morey Resort offers a huge variety of year-round recreation options, from boating, biking, and golf to the longest ice skating trail in the US. It counts EV charging among its amenities, making the resort an excellent spot to recharge both yourself and your vehicle before continuing your trip.
NORTHERN VERMONT
Photo: NEKVT/Shutterstock
Newport → Montgomery → Swanton → St. Albans → Cambridge/Jeffersonville → Johnson → Craftsbury
Kick off your northern Vermont road trip in Newport, where the serene waters of Lake Memphremagog set the tone for this leisurely itinerary. Experience the lake by kayak or soak in the views before heading west out of town via Route 105.
Make your way to Montgomery, where you’ll be greeted by gorgeous mountain views and more covered bridges than any other town in Vermont. If you’re looking to hike or bike, Montgomery’s got you covered on that score as well — as does nearby Jay Peak Resort, which has EV charging on site and offers all-season activities ranging from skiing, riding, and tram rides to disc golf, the Ice Haus Rink, and Vermont’s only indoor waterpark. In Swanton, take advantage of the EV charging available at Swanton Park & Ride while exploring the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT).
Keep on cruising west to St. Albans, perched at the northeastern tip of Lake Champlain. This place is a blend of old and new — check out the Victorian-era buildings that show off the town’s 250-year history as a shipping hub. These days, St. Albans is buzzing with growth and packed with modern amenities, including handy EV charging stations like the Fast Charger by the Maplefields convenience store off 104. There are also two Level 2 chargers at the Hard’ack Recreation Area, a popular spot for winter activities and its 18-hole disc golf course. For more warm-weather recreation, spend some time swimming, paddling, boating, or fishing at Kill Kare State Park. In the summer, a ferry runs from Kill Kare to Burton Island, home to another state park and some lovely hiking trails.
From St. Albans, the scenic route on 104 to Cambridge and Jeffersonville will also lead you to Smugglers’ Notch, famous for the dramatic mountain pass that traverses Mt. Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. Charge up in Cambridge and dine at The Family Table before staying at Smuggler’s Notch Inn. Savor the idyllic drive, and then hike or go rock climbing at Smugglers’ Notch State Park.
Next, visit Johnson, a little village surrounded by the Green Mountains and the Lamoille and Gihon Rivers. This is an excellent place to swap your four wheels for two with Lamoille Valley Bike Tours (and continue the electric trend with an e-bike rental if that’s your preference). Finally, wrap up your adventure in Craftsbury, where the Craftsbury Outdoor Center is your go-to for activities like sculling, cross-country skiing, and even more cycling, as well as EV charging.
SOUTHERN VERMONT
Photo: Vermont Tourism
Brattleboro → Chester → Peru → Manchester → Bennington → Wilmington
Begin your journey through southern Vermont in Brattleboro with the Round and Black mountains framing the skyline. The Connecticut River adds personality to the historic downtown, where you’ll find no shortage of charging stations while you visit thoughtfully curated art galleries like Vermont Artisan Designs and Gallery in the Woods alongside local eateries such as Yalla and Nik’s Creemees. Next, drive north on routes 30 and 35 to Chester, a town filled with classic examples of 19th-century architecture, including the iconic stone buildings along the old village green.
Keep the adventure going and head to Peru, a base camp for exploring the Green Mountain National Forest, perfect for hiking and all things outdoors. Grab lunch at J.J. Hapgood General Store and stay at Seesaw’s Lodge, where you can charge your EV and enjoy a delicious dinner on site. If you’re up for it the following day, hike to the top of Bromley Mountain for breathtaking views from 3,284 feet. Bromley also plays host to a four-season resort where you can ski in the winter or enjoy the Mountain Adventure Park for biking, scenic chairlift rides, an alpine slide, and more.
From Peru, continue west to Manchester and recharge your EV (take your pick from Level 1, Level 2, and Fast Charging) while visiting independent shops like Northshire Bookstore and The Mountain Goat and grabbing a meal at The Crooked Ram. Discover Vermont’s largest collection of designer outlets in Manchester before carrying on south. Next, swing by Bennington to pick up some local products at Powers Market and visit the Bennington Battle Monument for panoramic views of the Green and Taconic mountains. Swing by the Village Garage Distillery to plug in your EV while you sample some of Bennington’s beloved craft spirits, then settle in at one of the handful of hotels within walking distance while your car finishes juicing up.
You can head back to Brattleboro from here, but make sure to save time for Wilmington and the Deerfield Valley, which offers easy access to the Green Mountains and southern lakes. Explore the quaint downtown, dotted with interesting shops and cozy inns. Lake Whitingham (Harriman Reservoir) and the slopes of Mount Snow promise excellent outdoor activities in summer and winter, respectively.
WESTERN VERMONT
Photo: Dennis Ruzeski/Shutterstock
Vergennes → Middlebury → Brandon → Shoreham
Your exploration of western Vermont starts in Vergennes, the state’s first city. Located near Lake Champlain, Vergennes lays claim to a lovely Main Street lined with boutique shops and independent cafes. Be sure to check out the Vergennes Opera House, a beautifully restored theater that hosts all sorts of cultural events. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Falls Park, where Otter Creek cascades in a gorgeous waterfall. Optionally, spend the night at the Basin Harbor resort. If you haven’t already charged up at Vergennes City Park, plug in at the resort while you enjoy the countless activities on offer there, from pickleball and croquet, to art classes and history talks, to pedal boats, sailing excursions, escape cruises, and shipwreck tours.
Travel south to Middlebury, known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful college campus. You’ll find several EV charging stations here, such as the one at Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op. While your car charges, walk around the Middlebury College campus. See what’s on at the Middlebury College Museum of Art and check out the Bread Loaf School of English to see where Robert Frost once taught. If you want extra time to explore, check in at the green-certified Swift House Inn for a welcoming stay.
Next up is the town of Brandon, whose entire downtown core is on the National Register of Historic Places. With its 243 well-preserved Victorian buildings, the downtown area is an excellent spot to stretch your legs. If you have more time, consider a detour to Shoreham, where you can visit local orchards and farms and marvel at the dramatic views over Lake Champlain.
No matter which route you pick, Vermont has incredible sites tucked around every corner. So charge up, hit the road, and let the state’s many byways lead you on an epic electric adventure. 