Green Mountains, Vermont
These mountains form the backbone of Vermont, running north-south from the Massachusetts border to Quebec, between the Champlain and Connecticut River valleys. Much of this stunning wilderness is set aside as the Green Mountain National Forest, which draws millions of visitors in every season for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing. State Route 100, which runs between the east and west ranges of the Green Mountains, is among the most striking roads in the country for fall foliage.
Green Mtn. National Forest Manchester Ranger Station • 2538 Depot St., Manchester Center • 802 362 2307 • open Mon–Fri • free
Green Mtn. Club Visitor Center • 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. • 802 244 7037 • open mid-May–mid-Oct: daily; mid-Oct–mid-May: Mon–Fri • free
1. Bennington
The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates a major American Revolutionary War victory and provides sweeping panoramas of this southwest corner of the Green Mountains. The Bennington Museum displays important folk art and Americana.Bennington Battle Monument • 15 Monument Circle, Bennington • 802 447 0550 • open daily mid-Apr–Oct • adm
2. Manchester
A genteel vacation resort since the 1890s, Manchester is so posh that its sidewalks are marble. Shop in the upscale designer outlet stores on the outskirts, or hit the slopes at nearby Stratton and Bromley ski areas.
3. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
This 5-mile (8-km) toll road, along a high ridge, offers spectacular sunsets and breathtaking views of the Green, White, Adirondack, Berkshire, and Taconic mountain ranges in Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
4. Hildene
This 24-room Georgian Revival mansion was built for Robert Todd Lincoln (1843–1926), diplomat son of President Abraham Lincoln (1809–65). It features family memorabilia and a 1,000-pipe Aeolian organ. Formal gardens crown the impressive grounds.Hildene • 1005 Hildene Rd., Manchester • 802 362 1788 • open daily • adm
5. Killington
At 4,235 ft (1,290 m), Killington is the second highest peak in the Green Mountains. It is also home to the largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America (for further details see Killington, VT).
6. Robert Frost Wayside
Poet Robert Frost (1874–1963) and the Vermont landscape where he farmed are inseparable. See nature through a poet’s eyes by following the interpretive trail in Ripton to a cabin where he wrote his verse.
7. Middlebury
Prestigious Middlebury College brings sophistication to this archetypal New England community of Colonial homes and pointy-spired churches. Visit the old mill buildings along Otter Creek, Vermont’s longest river, for a photogenic waterfall and a cluster of shops and boutiques.
8. Mad River Valley
Tucked between two ranges of the Green Mountains, this region boasts a ski area (for further details see Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, VT), chic Waitsfield village, and the outdoors sports center of Warren. Historic covered bridges cross many streams.
9. The Long Trail
This 270-mile (432-km) path follows the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Quebec, crossing most of Vermont’s highest peaks. Take a day hike between access points.
10. Stowe and Mount Mansfield
The Von Trapps of Sound of Music fame settled in Stowe because it so resembled the Austrian Alps. Hikers and skiers flock to the village at the foot of Vermont’s tallest peak, 4,393-ft (1,339-m) Mount Mansfield.
Tip: Especially in the north, temperatures plummet in winter, spelling icy conditions. Be prepared for road closings. Tip: The Warren Store (284 Main St., Warren) has hot grilled food, some sandwiches, as well as pastries and sweets at breakfast and lunch.
