Woodstock, Vermont, is known for its picturesque landscapes and charming small-town atmosphere. People come to Woodstock to experience the excellent farm-to-table food, small boutiques, hikes, skiing and more. One of the best ways to see the beautiful scenic rolling mountains, farms, and meadows of Woodstock is to take a scenic drive.
If you’re looking for scenic drives in and around Woodstock VT, this post is for you. Here are some of the best scenic drives in Woodstock with points of interest and places to stop along the way.
The Best Scenic Drives In Woodstock
Church Hill Rd
If you’re looking for a short drive, head south on Church Hill Rd., starting in the village and towards South Woodstock. You’ll drive along a dirt country road passing beautiful farmland and estates along the way. A great place to stop in South Woodstock is the South Woodstock Country Store which serves breakfast and lunch. They also have great gifts and Vermont-made items. The Ransom Tavern is one of the best spots in Woodstock for dinner (make a reservation if you can). You can also check out the Vermont Horse Country Store.
VT Route 106 to Brownsville
From the village, heads towards South Woodstock on VT 106 as you head towards Reading and Windsor. You can take a few different routes on this drive (see here), and you can do a loop so you’re not driving back on the same road. This is an incredibly beautiful and scenic drive on Vermont country roads. Brownsville Butcher is a must for breakfast or lunch!
Quechee Gorge
You can’t come to Woodstock without venturing out of town to see Vermont’s deepest gorge. Begin your drive by heading west from Woodstock on U.S. Route 4 to Quechee Gorge. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Vermont’s deepest gorge, carved by the Ottauquechee River. Check out the Quechee Gorge Village for shopping and dining options including the Antique Mall for cheese samples and Vermont gifts and souveneers, the Public House for pub fare and Vermont Spirits.
VT Route 100
Considered one of Vermont’s most scenic roads, Route 100 offers a captivating drive through charming towns, rolling farmlands, and the Green Mountain National Forest. Heading north from Woodstock, you can either take VT Route 4 and pass through Killington or head north on Route 12 through Barnard. Route 100 makes a great day trip from Woodstock, where you can drive to Warren, Waitsfield and Waterbury for a scenic trip through the Mad River Valley.
Vermont Route 12
Take a drive north on Vermont Route 12 to explore the countryside dotted with picturesque farms and open meadows. This route passes through charming towns like Barnard, Bethel, and Randolph, offering a quintessential Vermont experience. Stop at the Barnard General Store for breakfast, lunch or ice cream and Silver Lake for a refreshing dip during the summer or a walk around the lake during the fall. Saap is an award winning Thai restaurant located in Randolph serving lunch and dinner.
Pomfret to South Royalton
If you are looking for a drive that brings you through classic Vermont backroads, head Northeast from Woodstock on Pomfret Road to embark on a delightful drive through the rural beauty of Pomfret, Sharon and South Royalton. This scenic drive takes you through rolling hills on country roads as you pass farms, cows, and beautiful landscapes. Stop in South Royalton for lunch at Carlita’s a delicious Mexican restaurant serving lunch and dinner. If you’re in the mood for burgers check out Worthy Burger just down the road.
Bridgewater Corners Loop
Venture southwest from Woodstock to enjoy the Bridgewater Corners Loop. This drive offers scenic views of the Ottauquechee River, the iconic covered bridge in Bridgewater, and the charming village of Bridgewater Corners. Head to Long Trail for some freshly brewed beer and pub fare or Ramuntos Brick and Brew Pizza for some classic New York style pizza and a laid back atmosphere that is perfect for kids. For something a bit more off the beaten path, take the dirt road, North Bridgewater Road back to Route 12 and loop back to Woodstock.
Old River Road
Head north on Route 12 out of the village of Woodstock and turn right at Billings Farm and Museum onto Old River Road. Follow the dirt road along the meandering Ottauquechee River past scenic homes, farms and rolling hills. You can continue until the Taftsville Bridge and cross the bridge looping back to Woodstock or continue through until the Simon Pearce Mill in Quechee and cross the covered bridge directly after the Simon Pearce store on your right to loop back to the village of Woodstock on Route 4. Stop at Simon Pearce for views of the falls, some glassware, pottery or an up-close look at glassblowing.
Remember to check road conditions and be prepared for various weather conditions, especially during winter. These scenic drives in and around Woodstock, Vermont, will provide you with a delightful journey through the region’s natural beauty and charming countryside.
