Some road trips are fun, but this one keeps raising the bar around every single bend.
One minute you’re standing beside rushing waterfalls, and the next you’re climbing mountain trails or driving between towering cliffs that barely leave room for the road.
The views change so often that you’ll want to pull over every few miles for another photo, and the scenery somehow keeps getting even better.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip filled with hidden gems, this Adirondacks and Vermont loop belongs at the top of your travel list.
1. High Falls Gorge, New York
High Falls Gorge is a privately owned 22-acre nature park located in Wilmington on Route 86, about a 10-minute drive from Lake Placid.
Here, you can cross bridges, boardwalks, and two glass platforms suspended above the Ausable River for amazing views of ancient granite walls and four waterfalls.
Afterward, stroll through a protected forest filled with hemlock trees that are hundreds of years old and check out one of the state’s largest natural potholes.
If you’re a space fan, don’t miss the chance to touch a 1.5-billion-year-old anorthosite boulder, the same type of rock found on the moon.
2. Lyon Mountain Firetower, New York
About a 45-minute drive from High Falls Gorge is Lyon Mountain Fire Tower, perched atop 3,830-foot Lyon Mountain in New York’s northeastern Adirondacks.
The 3.4-mile out-and-back hike climbs over 1,900 feet through quiet forests before reaching the restored 1917 fire tower standing high above the trees.
From there, you can head up the tower’s stairs for stunning views of the Adirondack High Peaks, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and even Montreal on very clear days.
It’s a challenging hike, so pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a camera because the scenery at the top is something you won’t want to forget.
3. Point Au Roche State Park, New York
After the mountain views, continue 40 minutes to Point Au Roche State Park, where the peaceful shores of Lake Champlain await near Plattsburgh.
The park’s sandy beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, with plenty of space to spread out and watch boats cross the lake.
If you’re up for a hike, you can explore 14 miles of trails winding through forests and wetlands, where you might spot snow geese, osprey, hawks, and other wildlife.
Before heading out, stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the area, then stick around to watch a colorful sunset over the shoreline.
4. Jeffersonville, Vermont
Now cross into Vermont, and you’ll arrive in Jeffersonville, a small mountain town best known as the gateway to Smugglers’ Notch and its scenic mountain pass.
Spend some time browsing the Bryan Memorial Art Gallery, where rotating exhibits showcase beautiful New England landscape paintings and other fine art.
If you’d rather be outside, take a stroll through Jeffersonville Historic District, where you’ll find well-preserved buildings, local shops, and gorgeous mountain views.
For another historic stop, swing by the Historic Grist Mill Covered Bridge, one of the few surviving Burr arch covered bridges in the state, built in the 19th century.
5. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
Just 15 minutes from Jeffersonville, Smugglers’ Notch is a dramatic mountain pass in the Green Mountains, known for its history of smuggling after the Embargo Act of 1807.
The scenic drive along Vermont Route 108 takes you past forests, rock outcroppings, and the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain.
Along the way, you can make several stops to take in the mountain views, explore the massive rock formations, capture photos, and spot a few small waterfalls.
If you can, plan your visit in early fall when bright red, orange, and yellow leaves cover the mountainsides, making every mile even more memorable.
6. Stowe, Vermont
Follow Route 108 out of the notch and you’ll roll into Stowe, Vermont, one of New England’s most popular mountain towns and a favorite stop in every season.
For incredible views of Mount Mansfield, take a ride on the Gondola SkyRide or drive the 4.5-mile Auto Toll Road, open from May through October.
If you’d rather skip the heights, spend some time on the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail that winds past rivers, shops, and a covered bridge.
Come winter, hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, then unwind at the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, founded by the family who inspired The Sound of Music.
7. Moss Glen Falls, Vermont
Next is Moss Glen Falls, one of Vermont’s most photographed waterfalls, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Stowe off Route 100.
A short walk from the parking area takes you alongside Moss Glen Brook, crossing wooden boardwalks before a gentle climb to the stunning 125-foot waterfall.
You can admire it from the base when conditions allow or continue to the panoramic overlook, where you can appreciate the waterfall’s full height from above.
No matter when you visit, the scenery is worth the trip, with colorful wildflowers in spring, dense green forests in summer, and brilliant golden leaves in the fall.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Then there’s Burlington, which brings a fun change of pace on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, framed by the Adirondack and Green Mountains.
Start at the Church Street Marketplace, a four-block pedestrian street packed with local restaurants, shops, street performers, and live music throughout the year.
Afterwards, walk or bike the 8-mile Burlington Greenway along Lake Champlain, then relax at Waterfront Park and watch boats cruise by.
You can also hop aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen for a narrated cruise, where you’ll enjoy views of Burlington’s waterfront and the mountains in the distance.
9. Essex, New York
Cross Lake Champlain on the Charlotte-Essex ferry and you’ll arrive in Essex, a beautiful lakeside village with roots stretching back to the late 1700s.
Here, you can stroll along Merchants Row, lined with well-preserved Federal and Greek Revival buildings, or browse the small local shops along Main Street.
History fans can stop at the Octagonal Schoolhouse, while nearby Beggs Park is a great place to enjoy lake views from the fishing pier or relax by the waterfront.
After days of mountain roads, waterfalls, and quaint towns, Essex is the perfect place to wrap up an unforgettable adventure.
Related Posts
