Scenic Drives
Whether you set out in the blazing summer sun, under the colorful autumn leaves, or during mud season in the early spring, views and wildlife that shift with the seasons await you on your journey. Scenic drives are available on paved and unpaved roads throughout the National Forest with opportunities for exploring trails, recreation sites, streams and rivers along the way. Bring a camera or some binoculars -- you’ll use them!
Scenic Driving
Paved
- Brandon Gap: East to west excursions along State Route 73 tantalize the visitor to stop for a picnic lunch or go for a walk along a cold mountain stream as the road winds in and around the rural Vermont countryside. At the base of the 800-foor Great Cliff of Mount Horrid, just east of the Brandon Gap mountain pass, is the Mt. Horrid observation site. This pull-out provides views of the Great Cliff and a vantage point overlooking a large wetland complex and beaver pond.
- Danby-Mount Tabor Road: This road is also known as Forest Road 10 and it travels east from Danby / Mt. Tabor over the Green Mountains to the Peru / Londonderry area. Along this road, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, there are several vistas and a picnic area, the Big Branch Day Use Area. Plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities can be found traveling along this forested road. (Closed in winter)
- Forest Road 58: Follow Mad Tom Notch Road, Forest Road 21, up into the Green Mountain National Forest from the town of Peru. Turning right onto Forest Road 58 takes the traveler higher into the mountains, affording a fine view of the Manchester Valley.
- Lincoln Gap Road*: This scenic drive, west of Warren, shows the traveler scenes of rural Vermont as it takes you up and over the Green Mountain range. Extending from Warren to Lincoln, this road is not recommended for trailers as it is a steep and winding road. (Closed in winter)
- Molly Start Scenic Byway*: This Scenic Highway, Vermont State Route 9, between Bennington and Wilmington, Vermont, is bordered on both sides by National Forest. Enjoyable views of the area can be seen in numerous spots along the way. Watch for signs for Woodford State Park and Somerset Reservoir.
- Middlebury Gap - State Scenic Road (including Robert Frost Memorial Drive section): This Scenic Highway, Vermont State Route 125, extends from Hancock to East Middlebury, over Middlebury Gap. This route allows the motorist to savor the natural beauty that was the inspiration for some of Robert Frost’s poetry. Along the way, you may wish to stop at the Robert Frost Wayside picnic area and Interpretive Nature Trail on the west side of Middlebury Gap. On the east end of Middlebury Gap, you will find the Texas Falls observation site and picnic area. This site contains a scenic waterfall, a nature trail, and a picnic area.
- Scenic Route 100 Byway*: Scenic Route 100 is a stretch of Vermont’s “Skier’s Highway” which runs north and south along the eastern edge of the green mountains and passes by several popular ski areas.
- Somerset Road*: Also known as Forest Road 71, Somerset Road provides access to Somerset Reservoir from State Route 9 and meanders along the Deerfield River. Turning left, staying on FR 71, leads north to the Kelley Stand Road. This forest road travels through the woods and offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, such as Shep Meadows, an old beaver pond where moose can sometimes be observed.
*Fall favorites
Unpaved
- Bingo Road: Also known as Forest Service Road 42, Bingo Road is located 4.5 miles west of Rochester, VT off State Route 73. This dead-end country road meanders along a stream and offers the visitor a variety of opportunities to stop and enjoy nature with little traffic.
- Kelley Stand Road: This road runs east and west from West Wardsboro to Arlington, VT through the Green Mountain range. Near the Arlington side, it follows and crosses over the Roaring Branch River numerous times. Watch for signs for several other attractions along this road. (closed in winter)
Know Before You Go
Share the Road
Forest Service roads as well as state highways through the National Forest, may have many twists, turns and elevation changes. They may also have a lot of visitors. It is common to be sharing the road with other scenic drivers, hikers, or bicyclists.
- Be mindful of other recreationists and drivers on the road.
- Drive carefully and respect the rules of the road in the area.
- Do not stop in the road to take pictures, find a safe location to pull off the road.
- There are often several locations to pull over to take pictures on Forest Service roads and state highways.
- If a pull off spot is already full, it is best to keep going and find another location to pull over. Have a back up plan if your destination is already full.
- Be on alert for animals!
Getting Around the National Forest
Cell signals are not reliable on the National Forest, even on state highways. It is important to carry and know how to use a map and compass when visiting.
Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for a list of seasonal and special vehicle designations. Outside of seasonal closures, some National Forest roads/parking lots may be closed due to construction, extreme weather, or other events making a road impassable or unsafe.
Current known road closures on the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests
Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly, and more recent closures may not yet be listed. It is always best to contact your local Ranger Stations for the most up-to-date closures when planning your forest trips.
Driving on Forest Roads (Unpaved)
Getting around on National Forest roads is different from driving on most town or state highways as most roads on the National Forest are not paved. Forest Roads vary, some may have portions with gravel and others may be constructed from the native soils in the area. These roads may be infrequently maintained with possible rocks, ruts, washouts, downed trees & encroaching brush.
Here are a few driving tips to keep in mind:
Driving on National Forest Roads is different than driving on a city street or a state highway.
- Many forest roads are low-standard, gravel-surfaced, one-lane roads that are not plowed in winter.
- Roads with horizontal markers are generally suitable for passenger cars.
- Roads with vertical markers are not recommended for passenger cars and general travel.
- Encounters with logging trucks are possible even on the weekends.
- Obey all gate closures and regulatory signs.
- Be on the alert for animals!
- Avoid following other vehicles closely – the unpaved roads often kick up stones which can chip your windshield.
- Drive carefully at a reasonable speed for the weather and road conditions. Most of the National Forest roads are gravel and are intended for low-speed travel.
- Wilderness areas are closed to all motorized and mechanized vehicles.
- Respect landowner rights and get permission to travel across private land.
- Driving rules used on town, state or federal highways apply to National Forest roads. Also, specific road closures and restrictions are enforced throughout the National Forest.
Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities
Brandon Gap
Lincoln Gap Road
Middlebury Gap - State Scenic Road
Molly Stark Scenic Byway
Scenic Route 100 Byway
Somerset Road