Vermont Scenic Drives That Couples Say Are The Most Romantic In Fall

When autumn arrives in Vermont, the landscape transforms into a masterpiece of reds, oranges, and golds. For couples seeking a memorable getaway, the state’s winding roads offer front-row seats to nature’s most spectacular show.

These drives combine breathtaking scenery with charming stops, creating perfect opportunities for romance amid the fall splendor.

1. Route 100, Vermont’s Foliage Corridor

Stretching 216 miles from north to south, this beloved route showcases Vermont’s heartland in all its autumn glory. Couples can wind through postcard-perfect towns like Stowe and Weston, stopping for warm cider donuts or antiquing adventures.

The route earned its nickname “Skier’s Highway” for connecting major resorts, but fall transforms it into a vibrant ribbon of color.

2. Smugglers’ Notch, Route 108

Carved by nature between towering rock formations, this narrow mountain pass feels like driving through a secret autumn tunnel.The road twists dramatically between Mount Mansfield and Sterling Mountain, barely wide enough for two cars in some spots.

Legend has it smugglers once used this route to move goods between Canada and the United States, adding mystique to your romantic journey.

3. Molly Stark Byway, Route 9

Named after a Revolutionary War colonel’s brave wife, this 48-mile east-west corridor connects Bennington and Brattleboro with rich history and richer colors.Stop at the Hogback Mountain overlook for the famous 100-mile view, especially breathtaking when painted with autumn hues.

Covered bridges dot the journey, offering perfect moments for couples to steal a kiss amid the fiery foliage.

4. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive

Rising 3,848 feet to Vermont’s highest privately-owned peak, this toll road delivers breathtaking rewards for the adventurous couple.The 5.2-mile drive features hairpin turns and jaw-dropping vistas that improve with every foot of elevation.

At the summit, you’ll find absolute tranquility and a 360-degree panorama where fall’s palette stretches to the horizon in every direction.

5. Green Mountain Byway

Connecting the charming villages of Waterbury and Stowe, this 11-mile stretch showcases Vermont’s most iconic landscapes against the backdrop of the state’s highest peak.Couples can detour to sample Ben & Jerry’s ice cream before wandering through Stowe’s picturesque downtown.

The route threads between state forests and conservation lands, ensuring uninterrupted views of sugar maples in their autumn glory.

6. Lake Champlain Byway

Hugging Vermont’s western edge, this spectacular route offers a double feature: fiery foliage on one side and the sparkling blue expanse of Lake Champlain on the other. Visit the vineyards dotting the region for wine tastings with sunset views across the water to the Adirondacks.

The Islands region north of Burlington provides an especially intimate experience as bridges connect you across brilliant reflections of autumn colors.

7. Northeast Kingdom Byway

Vermont’s most untamed region reveals itself along this 51-mile route through forests seemingly designed for fall romance.The Kingdom, as locals call it, offers couples a chance to spot moose amid maple groves blazing with color.

Misty mornings here create ethereal scenes as fog lifts from Lake Willoughby, often compared to a Norwegian fjord nestled between mountains draped in autumn’s finest.

8. Middlebury Gap, Route 125

Rising through the Green Mountain National Forest, this hidden gem connects Middlebury and Hancock through a mountain pass that peaks at 2,149 feet. The road narrows as you climb, creating an intimate journey through tunnels of golden beech and birch trees.

Texas Falls, just off the route, offers couples a secluded spot to listen to rushing water against a backdrop of flame-colored foliage.

9. Stone Valley Byway, Route 30

Following the Battenkill River’s gentle curves, this southern Vermont treasure connects Manchester and Poultney through a valley rich with marble and slate history. Ancient quarries dot the landscape, now filled with emerald water that contrasts dramatically with the autumn colors.

The route passes through West Pawlet’s covered bridge district, where these romantic structures frame the fall foliage in postcard-worthy compositions.

10. Mad River Byway, Routes 100 & 100B

Following the twisting Mad River Valley, this 36-mile figure-eight route delivers quintessential Vermont charm at every turn. Covered bridges and classic round barns punctuate landscapes that inspired Norman Rockwell paintings.

Couples particularly treasure the stretch between Warren and Waitsfield, where roadside farm stands offer apple cider and pumpkins alongside views of the river reflecting the blazing hillsides.