Best Outdoor Adventures for a Weekend in Southern Vermont

Southern Vermont's lush forests and undulating hills provide the ideal setting for a weekend escape from the bustle of city life that rejuvenates. Southern vermont weekend getaways trips offer countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts whether your search is for difficult hiking paths, calm rivers for paddling, or just a quiet retreat into nature. The adventures change with the seasons; from energetic fall foliage tours to winter skiing trips and spring wildflower hikes. Along with advice for refueling at some of the most outstanding restaurants that compete even with the best restaurants in Portland, Maine, this guide will walk you through some of the most exciting outdoor experiences in Southern Vermont.

Walking the Appalachian Trail segments

Some of the most beautiful sections of the famous Appalachian Trail are found in Southern Vermont. Hikers from all around the nation find great panoramic views in the area near Stratton Mountain that highlight the reasons this area is loved. With different difficulty levels to suit both novice and experienced hikers, the path runs across babbling brooks and through old forests. This climb becomes especially magical for those organizing Southern Vermont weekend trips in the fall as the canopy becomes a brilliant tapestry of red, orange, and gold. Prepare a filling lunch and spend a day surrounded by the natural beauty that has motivated artists and poets for many years.

Getting around the Connecticut River Valley

With its mild currents and breathtaking shoreline views, the Connecticut River forms Southern Vermont's eastern border and a paddler's dream come true. For a day on the water, rent a canoe or kayak in Brattleboro or Bellows Falls and glide past unspoiled wilderness areas, working farms, and historic towns. Opportunities to see river otters, great blue herons, and bald eagles will be much appreciated by wildlife buffs. Following a day on the sea, you will discover that the riverfront restaurants provide farm-to-- table cuisine that rivals Portland, Maine's top restaurants using locally grown foods that really reflect Vermont's agricultural abundance.

Mountain Bike in the Green Mountains

For mountain bikers of all skill levels, Southern Vermont's vast system of courses presents exciting rides. Mount Snow and Stratton Mountain Resort's trails offer well-maintained courses with breathtaking views and technical challenges. Less experienced cyclists will find a mild introduction to Vermont's terrain on the Valley Trail in Dover and Wilmington. To augment your trip, local bike stores can offer rentals, maps, and insider knowledge. Refuel at one of the neighborhood brewhouses after completing the courses so you may share notes with other riders while savoring craft beers and substantial cuisine that equals the best restaurants in Portland Maine for quality and atmosphere.

Investigating Quaint Vermont Villages

Without seeing the little towns around Southern Vermont, no weekend escape would be whole. With their covered bridges, historic buildings, and village greens, towns like Woodstock, Manchester, and Grafton provide lovely New England appeal. Spend some time meandering around neighborhood art galleries, perusing independent book stores, and visiting farmers' markets to meet the creators of Vermont's well-known cheeses, maple syrup, and organic vegetables. These towns also have outstanding restaurants where creative chefs craft menus that would wow even people who live near Portland, Maine's top restaurants.

Scenic Driving Tours

Southern Vermont provides amazing scenic drives for people who would rather enjoy the surroundings from the convenience of their car. Between Bennington and Brattleboro, the Molly Stark Byway ( Route 9) winds over the southern Green Mountains providing breathtaking views and access to many hiking paths and historical sites along the way. Fall foliage season makes the Vermont Route 100 corridor among the most often photographed drives in New England. Pack a picnic from one of the neighborhood delis, which offer sandwiches and prepared cuisine fit for Portland, Maine's top restaurants, and locate a roadside view to enjoy alongside the food.

Winter Travel in the Snow

Southern Vermont becomes a wonderland for winter sports when blankets of snow cover the area. Beyond the well-known downhill skiing at Mount Snow, Stratton, and Bromley, guests can enjoy snowshoeing through quiet forests, cross-country skiing on groomed paths, or fat biking on designated winter routes. Many of the old inns dotting the area have dining rooms offering comfort food that rivals the seasonal offerings of the best restaurants in Portland, Maine; after a day in the cold, nothing compares to heating up by a roaring fire in one of them.

At last

Weekend trips from Southern Vermont provide the ideal mix of outdoor adventure, unspoiled beauty, and small-town New England character. Whether your activities are paddling calm rivers, climbing mountain tops, or just enjoying the rural settings, the memories made here will call back season after season. Think about using Thruhike to explore the paths and towns of Southern Vermont when you are planning your next outdoor trip to learn why this area has captivated adventure seekers for decades.