Road Trip Guide
Vermont Route 100: The Skier's Highway & Autumn Dream
Wilmington to Newport
Start
Wilmington
Finish
Newport
Distance
216 miles
Duration
3-4 days
Best Months
September - October, January - March
Budget
$$
EV Ready
7/10
Kid-Friendly
8/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Wilmington
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
West Dover (Mount Snow Base)
Fuel & EV Charging
This is your last reliable high-speed charging and fuel hub before entering the more remote, winding stretches of the Green Mountain National Forest.
Ludlow (Okemo Mountain Resort)
Fuel, Supplies, & EV Charging
A vital crossroads to restock food and top off your tank before the long, scenic drive through the heart of the state toward central Vermont.
Waterbury (I-89 Intersection)
Fuel, EV Charging, & Dining
As the most significant commercial hub on the route, this is the essential place to ensure you have enough range for the final northern leg toward Newport.
Morrisville (Route 100/15 Junction)
Fuel & Essential Supplies
The final major town before the terrain becomes more rugged; fill up here to avoid the sparse service options in the Northeast Kingdom.
Insider Driving Tips
Peak fall foliage usually occurs in early to mid-October; book accommodations at least 6 months in advance.
Be prepared for limited cell service; download offline maps before you start your journey.
Keep an eye out for moose, especially in the early morning or at dusk in the northern sections of the road.
Many local shops and 'mom and pop' restaurants close early; plan your dinner stops before 7:00 PM.
Visit during 'mud season' (spring) at your own riskβmany dirt roads off Route 100 become impassable.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Weston
The Bryant House
βLocated right next to the Country Store, this restaurant serves classic New England comfort food like chicken pot pie and maple-glazed ham.β
Weston Town Green
The perfect angle of the white-steepled church across the green, especially beautiful in the fall.
Old Grist Mill
The historic mill on the edge of town provides a rustic and charming backdrop for landscape shots.
The Farrar-Mansur House
A beautifully preserved 1797 tavern and home that offers a fascinating look at early Vermont life through local artifacts.
Vermont Country Store
Retail/Historic Landmark
βThis iconic family-run store offers a nostalgic experience filled with hard-to-find goods, classic candy, and high-quality Vermont crafts.β
Weston Playhouse
Theater
βAs Vermont's oldest professional theater, this venue provides high-quality performances in a charming, historic setting.β
Grist Mill Museum
Museum
βLocated in a beautifully preserved 18th-century mill, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's industrial and agricultural history.β
Killington & Pico
Long Trail Brewing Company
βLocated just off Route 100 in nearby Bridgewater Corners. The deck overlooking the Ottauquechee River is the perfect place for a local craft beer.β
Killington Peak Summit
The 360-degree views from the top are unmatched in Vermont, especially during the peak of autumn color.
Gifford Woods Old Growth
Capture the primeval feel of massive, moss-covered trees in one of Vermont's rare un-logged forests.
Thundering Brook Falls
An easy, accessible boardwalk trail leads to a spectacular waterfall that is particularly impressive after a spring rain or during the fall thaw.
Killington Resort
Ski Resort and Adventure Park
βKnown as the 'Beast of the East,' this destination offers world-class skiing in the winter and exhilarating mountain biking and scenic gondola rides during the summer months.β
Gifford Woods State Park
State Park
βThis tranquil park is home to one of the few remaining old-growth hardwood forests in Vermont and serves as a beautiful gateway to the Appalachian and Long Trails.β
Thundering Falls Trail
Nature Trail
βThis easy, accessible boardwalk trail leads to a spectacular 140-foot cascading waterfall that is particularly stunning following a spring thaw or heavy rain.β
Warren & Waitsfield
American Flatbread
βThe original location at Lareau Farm. Pizzas are baked in a wood-fired clay oven and served in a beautiful barn setting.β
Waitsfield Covered Bridge
A classic Vermont shot of the historic wooden bridge over the Mad River.
Sugarbush Access Road
The drive up to the resort offers stunning views back across the valley, especially at sunset.
Warren Falls
A spectacular series of cascades and deep, emerald-green swimming holes that are a favorite with locals on hot summer days.
Mad River Glen
Ski Resort
βKnown for its iconic single-chair lift, this legendary mountain offers some of the most challenging and authentic terrain in New England.β
Warren Falls
Natural Landmark
βThis scenic spot features a series of crystal-clear turquoise swimming holes and cascading waterfalls carved into the rock along the Mad River.β
Covered Bridges of the Mad River Valley
Historic Landmark
βTake a scenic drive to explore the historic Great Eddy and Pine Brook covered bridges, which provide a quintessential Vermont photo opportunity.β
Waterbury & Stowe
Hen of the Wood
βLocated in an old grist mill in Waterbury, this is arguably Vermont's finest restaurant, focusing on hyper-local, seasonal ingredients.β
Stowe Community Church
The iconic white steeple framed by the Green Mountains is one of the most photographed spots in New England.
Mount Mansfield Chin
The highest point in Vermont offers a dramatic rocky foreground for sunset shots overlooking Lake Champlain.
Bingham Falls
A short, steep hike leads to a dramatic 40-foot waterfall and a deep gorge that feels like a hidden sanctuary.
Ben & Jerry's Factory
Factory Tour
βTake a guided tour to see how the famous ice cream is made and enjoy a scoop at the flavor graveyard.β
Stowe Mountain Resort
Ski Resort and Scenic Attraction
βRide the gondola for breathtaking panoramic views of the Green Mountains or explore the extensive hiking and ski trails.β
Smugglers' Notch State Park
State Park
βDrive through this dramatic mountain pass featuring massive boulders and winding roads that offer stunning natural scenery.β
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
The Dorset Marble Quarry
A historic, flooded open-pit marble quarry located just off the route that serves as a hidden natural swimming hole surrounded by towering white stone walls.
Why It's Worth It
βSwimming in the cool, crystal-clear water of a site that provided the marble for the New York Public Library feels like discovering a secret, subterranean cathedral of nature.β
Warren Falls
A series of cascading waterfalls and deep emerald pools nestled in a lush gorge just a short drive from the main road in the Mad River Valley.
Why It's Worth It
βIt is the quintessential Vermont swimming hole where you can watch brave locals cliff-jump into pristine glacial water while surrounded by the vibrant, moss-covered serenity of the Green Mountains.β
The Bread and Puppet Museum
An eccentric, sprawling barn in the Northeast Kingdom filled with giant, whimsical papier-mΓ’chΓ© puppets and political art from a legendary experimental theater troupe.
Why It's Worth It
βStepping into this dusty, cavernous space feels like entering a surrealist fever dream that perfectly captures the quirky, counter-cultural soul of rural Vermont.β
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Frequently Asked Questions
Typically the first two weeks of October, but it varies by year and elevation. The northern sections turn first.
The road is well-maintained as it is a major corridor for ski resorts, but snow tires are highly recommended and 4WD is a plus.
There are plenty of gas stations in the villages, but they can be 20-30 miles apart in the quieter sections. Don't let your tank get too low.
You can drive the length of the state in about 5 hours, but you'll miss everything! We recommend at least 3 days to explore the stops.
Vermont is very dog-friendly. Many outdoor dining spots and many trails welcome leashed pets.