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Fall Foliage Scenic Drive In Vermont
his fall foliage scenic the smallest state capital city
drive in Central Vermont is in America. Montpelier is on the
a loop tour of about 150 northern fringe of central
miles. Although it’s possible to Vermont, and is 182 miles from
do the drive in one day and Boston and 198 miles from
bypass many of the attractions Hartford. It can be easily
and rambles suggested, I’d reached from Interstate 89.
recommend you carve out a weekend
to do it justice. Take Route 12 out of Montpelier
and head south to Northfield
The drive offers some of the best Falls. Vermont has many fine
views in the Green Mountain examples of covered bridges, but
National Forest, which in the two of them in Northfield Falls
fall is dramatic and stunning. can be seen at once, as you look
through one to other. This is
The scenic drive follows mostly unique in New England and
Route 12 south from Montpelier to definitely worth taking the
Woodstock, before heading north camera out to capture.
on Route 100 and 100B back to
Montpelier. You’ll discover Continue on Route 12 making your
plenty of surprises on the way, way to Bethel.
but it’s no surprise you’ll
experience some magnificent fall Bethel is one of those Vermont
foliage views all along the way. towns that’s a natural part of
the scenery. Could this be why
it’s home to the White River
Okay, start the ignition and National Fish Hatchery? The
let’s get going... hatchery focuses on restoring
Atlantic Salmon to the
Our journey begins in Montpelier, Connecticut River. It’s open
8:00am - 3:00pm daily. trails on offer, it’s a chance to
admire the scenery and stretch
From Bethel you’ll continue on the legs. Be sure to walk to the
the final leg of the southern picnic area overlooking the falls
route to Woodstock. for a Kodak moment.
The Woodstock area offers a The next 20 miles of the scenic
number of attractions, including drive takes you cross-country on
Billings Farm and Museum, and Route 4 to Killington. Killington
Quechee Gorge. Woodstock itself is a world famous ski area that
is one of those picture-perfect covers six mountains. At over
Vermont villages that’s fun just 4,200’ it offers spectacular
to stroll around checking out the views from the summit. There’s
boutiques and restaurants. very few better places to
appreciate the fall foliage than
The Billings Farm and Museum was at the top of Killington Peak. If
established in 1871, and today it’s running take the K1-Gondola
it’s a working farm, and a museum from base. You can ride the
depicting farm life in the late Gondola daily from late September
1800s. Depending on the time you - early October. Call ahead for
visit the museum has seasonal schedule or visit their web site
activities so check ahead to see at www.killington.com.
what’s going on the day you plan
to arrive. Killington is about the halfway
point in this tour, and if you
Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s little decide to linger overnight in the
Grand Canyon. Not quite as big a area then the beautiful town of
crack in the ground as in Rutland is close-by with plenty
Arizona, but at a mile long and of lodging. Just be sure to make
plenty of hiking and walking reservations during the heavy
visited peak fall foliage season. pace.
The final leg of this central
The next section of the tour Vermont scenic drive from
follows Route 100 as it borders Granville to Middlesex and back
the Green Mountain National to Montpelier continues to
Forest. You’ll pass through the provide startling scenery and
towns of Pittsfield, Hancock, great photo opportunities. Route
Granville, and Waitsfield as you 100B connects with Route 100 just
tour perhaps the most scenic south of Moretown village, and
areas and diverse terrain you’ll you’ll take 100B north to
see on this drive. Middlesex and then join
Interstate 89 for the quick hop
Just North of Hancock and close back into Montpelier.
to Route 100 on Route 125 is
Texas Falls. The trail to the This fall foliage scenic drive
falls is an easy hike and offers offers oodles of opportunities
marvelous views anytime of the for detours and backroad
year, but especially during fall excursions. My advice is to give
foliage season when the colors yourself the time to get
dazzle. distracted and follow a few
inviting roads leading away from
The larger Moss Glen Falls is busy highways, and become a
just north of Granville a few Vermonter for a few days. You’ll
miles up from Hancock. The drive appreciate a fall Vermont and
from Hancock towards the falls is understand why the people that
a two-lane winding road that live here wouldn’t trade it for
passes through a seven-mile any other place in the world.
stretch of rough wilderness, and
worth taking at a slow and easy Vermonters quip the state really
has five seasons - spring, personal favorite in Vermont is
summer, fall, winter, and the the fall. Take this tour and
famous mud season. But my you’ll understand why.
About the Author:
For more details on these and other Vermont scenic drives and to pick up your free travel reports go to Cliff Calderwood's New England Vacations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/
Read more articles by: Cliff Calderwood
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