7 Best Scenic Overlooks in Vermont You Can Drive To (No Hiking Needed)

Wondering how to get those massive Green Mountain views without hiking for miles with a heavy pack? You are in luck.

While Vermont has plenty of steep, rugged trails, it is also home to historic toll roads, gentle state park summit drives, and easy roadside pull-offs that let you roll right up to the top. They look like they were made for relaxed road trips, especially in autumn when the valleys below turn into a sea of red, orange, and gold

In this guide, I will share 7 of the best scenic overlooks in Vermont you can drive straight to. Whether you are traveling with family, want quick photo stops, or simply want to catch a mountaintop sunset without working up a sweat, these viewpoints belong on your route.

Quick Travel Planning Tips for Vermont Overlooks

Heading out to explore Vermont’s best viewpoints? Here are a few quick resources to help you plan:

• Best Base Towns: Stowe for northern peaks, Burlington for lake views, and Manchester or Wilmington for southern overlooks.
• Peak Foliage Window: Northern summits peak first in late September, while southern and valley lookouts often peak around early to mid-October.
• Seasonal Road Closures: Mountain toll roads typically close for the season by mid-to-late October, so make sure to check operating dates if visiting late in the season.

1. Drive to the Crest of Mount Mansfield (Stowe)

Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont at 4,393 feet, and getting up here without a trek is an unforgettable experience.

The historic Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road starts right off Route 108 in Stowe and climbs 4.5 miles through crisp birch and spruce forests. The road is unpaved, well-graded gravel, so ordinary passenger cars can handle it with no problem at all.

Once you reach the top parking lot near the summit station, the view opens up in every direction. You will see the entire Stowe valley stretching below, the long green spine of the mountains, and Lake Champlain sparkling out to the west.

If you feel like stretching your legs just a little, there is a gentle 15-minute ridge trail along the alpine tundra that leads to even wider lookout points. Pack a windbreaker or a warm jacket—it gets chilly and breezy up here even on sunny days!

• Location: Route 108, Stowe
• Road Surface: Hard-packed gravel (well-graded, safe for normal passenger cars)
• Open Dates: Late May through mid-October
• Good to Know: Bicycles, trailers, campers, and large RVs are not allowed on the toll road.

2. Cruise Mount Equinox Skyline Drive (Manchester)

Located in southwestern Vermont near Manchester, Mount Equinox is the highest peak in the Taconic Range at 3,848 feet.

Its private Skyline Drive spans 5.2 miles and is fully paved from bottom to top, making for a remarkably smooth and scenic climb. As you rise above the treeline, you will find multiple paved turnouts where you can pull over and admire the sweeping valley views.

At the top, you will arrive at the Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center. Step out onto the large outdoor decks—on a crisp, clear autumn day, you can see across four states: Vermont, the Adirondacks in New York, Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Plan to go in the late morning or early afternoon when the valley haze clears away for the sharpest panoramic photos.

• Location: Route 7A, Sunderland (south of Manchester)
• Road Surface: Fully paved
• Open Dates: Late May through late October
• Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon for clear horizon views across the valleys.

3. Catch the Sunset at Mount Philo State Park (Charlotte)

If you are staying near Burlington and want a stunning drive-up lookout without traveling far, Mount Philo is the place to go.

Sitting just 25 minutes south of the city, this state park features a narrow, paved one-way summit road that winds gently up to its 968-foot crest. It is an easy, stress-free drive that takes just a few minutes.

The western overlook at the summit is nothing short of magical. You are treated to rolling green farm pastures, apple orchards, the wide waters of Lake Champlain, and New York’s Adirondack peaks lining the horizon.

Bring a small picnic blanket and aim to arrive an hour before sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the mountains while reflecting across the lake is easily one of the best evening experiences in Vermont.

• Location: State Park Road, Charlotte
• Road Surface: Paved, one-way loop
• Open Dates: Mid-May through late October (park gates close at sunset)
• Best Time to Go: Golden hour and sunset.

4. Soak in the 100-Mile View at Hogback Mountain (Marlboro)

This is easily the most convenient mountain lookout in the entire state because it requires zero toll fees, no state park pass, and no detour.

The scenic pull-off sits right along Route 9 (the Molly Stark Byway) between Brattleboro and Wilmington. All you have to do is pull into the paved roadside lot and step out of your car.

Looking out south and east, you have an uninterrupted view across thousands of acres of protected forest stretching into Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In autumn, the rolling hills look like a patchwork quilt of fiery reds and oranges.

Right next door sits the historic Hogback Mountain Country Store. Pop inside to grab warm apple cider, cider donuts, and local maple treats to enjoy while taking in the views!

• Location: Route 9, Marlboro
• Road Surface: Paved public highway
• Cost: Free
• Bonus Stop: The historic Hogback Mountain Country Store sits right next to the lot, making it an easy spot to grab hot cider, maple fudge, and local snacks.

5. Drive Mount Ascutney State Park Parkway (Windsor)

Mount Ascutney rises dramatically on its own above the Connecticut River Valley, giving its summit views a completely different feel compared to the connected mountain ridges found elsewhere in the state.

The paved 3.7-mile parkway curves smoothly up the mountain slope, ending at a parking lot just shy of the 3,144-foot peak. You get beautiful valley views right from your car door.

From the parking area, you can take a flat, 10-minute stroll on a wooded path over to a wooden observation tower. Climbing up gives you a full 360-degree panorama across eastern Vermont and New Hampshire’s hills.

On clear, breezy weekend days, you will often see local hang gliders launching straight off the wooden ramps built near the summit parking area—it is so fun to watch them take flight!

• Location: Route 44A, Windsor
• Road Surface: Paved state park highway
• Open Dates: Mid-May through mid-October
• Good to Know: Hang gliders frequently launch from designated wooden ramps near the summit parking area on breezy days.

6. Head North to Burke Mountain Toll Road (East Burke)

If your road trip takes you up into the remote, peaceful Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain is an absolute must-stop.

A paved toll road takes you right up to the 3,267-foot peak of this northern ski mountain. At the crest, you will find a historic Civilian Conservation Corps stone fire tower waiting for you.

From the observation platform, you can look straight across at the iconic granite cliffs of Mount Pisgah framing Lake Willoughby, surrounded by endless miles of quiet northern forest.

Because Burke sits so far north, autumn colors peak here early—often by late September—making it the ideal spot for early-season leaf peeping.

• Location: Mountain Road, East Burke
• Road Surface: Paved mountain road
• Best Foliage Window: Late September (colors peak here earlier than southern peaks).

7. Pull Over at Appalachian Gap (Route 17)

Appalachian Gap is one of Vermont’s classic mountain passes, climbing to 2,375 feet as it links the Mad River Valley to Bristol.

Unlike some of the rugged gravel gap roads, Route 17 is a fully paved state highway with engineered switchbacks that are an absolute joy to drive. Right at the very crest of the gap, you will find paved pull-off areas on both sides of the road.

Park on the western shoulder, step out, and look straight down into the Champlain Valley with the Adirondacks towering in the background. It is free to visit, easy to access, and hands-down one of the prettiest sunset spots in Central Vermont.

• Location: Route 17, Buels Gore / Waitsfield
• Road Surface: Smooth paved highway
• Cost: Free
• Best Feature: One of the most convenient sunset photo spots in Central Vermont.

Tips for Driving Vermont Overlooks

• Check Summit Webcams First: Mountains make their own weather. High peaks can get blanketed in dense fog even when the valleys below are clear and sunny. Check ski resort webcams before paying toll road fees.
• Use Low Gear on the Way Down: Long, steep descents will heat up your brake pads fast. Downshift into low gear (L, 2, or manual paddle mode) to let your engine control your speed safely.
• Pack an Extra Warm Layer: Summit temperatures are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the towns below, and ridge winds can feel brisk even on mild autumn afternoons.

Where to Stay When Exploring Vermont Overlooks

Because these overlooks span from northern Vermont to the southern border, picking a cozy base town makes your road trip so much easier. Here are a few top places to stay:

• The Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe): An Austrian-style mountain resort nestled right above Stowe village, perfect for visiting Mount Mansfield and Appalachian Gap.
• The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa (Manchester): A historic luxury resort located right at the foot of Mount Equinox Skyline Drive.
• Hotel Vermont (Burlington): A chic, modern hotel downtown that puts you just 25 minutes from Mount Philo sunsets and great lakefront dining.
• The Wilmington Inn (Wilmington): A charming, friendly boutique B&B located just minutes from Hogback Mountain and the Molly Stark Byway.

Where to Eat Along the Way

No Vermont road trip is complete without great local food. Here are some fantastic stops to recharge after taking in the views:

• Piecasso (Stowe): A casual local favorite for wood-fired pizza and craft Vermont cider after driving Mount Mansfield.
• Fiddlehead Brewing Company (Shelburne): Located right near Mount Philo, perfect for grabbing wood-fired slices from Folino’s next door and tasting local IPAs.
• Up For Breakfast (Manchester): A beloved, cozy attic cafe known for hearty pancake stacks and maple syrup right before heading up Mount Equinox.
• Dot’s Restaurant (Wilmington): An iconic, old-school Vermont diner right off Route 9 serving classic comfort food and fresh baked goods.

Final Thoughts

You really do not need to spend hours hiking up steep trails to experience the magic of Vermont from above.

These drive-up lookouts let you soak in the sweeping mountain ridges, peaceful valley farmlands, and fiery autumn tree lines straight from your car window. Whether you are planning a full road trip across the state or just looking for a memorable afternoon drive, add a couple of these spots to your plans.

Roll your windows down, bring an extra jacket for the breezy summits, and enjoy the views!

FAQs

What is the highest point you can drive to in Vermont?

Mount Mansfield holds the crown. The Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road brings your vehicle up to 3,850 feet near the summit ridge station, leaving just a short walk if you want to reach the actual highest crest.

Are Vermont toll roads open during the winter?

No. Seasonal auto roads like Mount Mansfield, Mount Equinox, and Mount Ascutney Parkway close down around mid-to-late October when winter weather arrives. However, paved public highway passes like Appalachian Gap (Route 17) and Hogback Mountain (Route 9) remain plowed and open all year.

Can I bring my dog to these overlooks?

Yes, dogs on leashes are welcome at most state park overlooks (including Mount Philo and Mount Ascutney) as well as the Mount Mansfield Toll Road. Mount Equinox also welcomes leashed pups on the outdoor viewing decks, though pets are not allowed inside the visitor building.