Help with scenic route to Stowe.

[Dawood Allan]

Hello. I booked for Stowe on the 7-9 and I'm wondering what route to go from Rutland because I am stopping at Sugar and Spice for breakfast. Can someone report to me the best route as far as color?? Also is Peacham a good idea to go to as far as color?? I'd really appreciate the help.

[ixl]

How much time do you have? Are you just wanting to go straight from Rutland up to Stowe, or do you want to.. meander?

[ixl]

Okay, the OP sent me a PM saying there's plenty of time. So here's what I'd do.

He's coming up from NJ, so for starters, here's the route I'd suggest. Take the NYS thruway up to the Mass Pike connector, then take that east. Get off at exit B3 which is route 22. Take that north through far eastern NYS -- very nice, underappreciated road.

When you hit route 7 in NY, go east to the Bennington Bypass (279). Take that across, up and over the ridge, with nice views of Benn below. Continue to VT route 7 and take that north to past Manchester. Don't take 7A -- 7 has better views this time of year. When 7 ends at 7A, take that up to Rutland.

From Rutland, I would take route 4 east -- the Killington area should be very nice now.

Take 100 north to 73 and then go west over Brandon Gap.

Take SR 53 and then Lake Dunmore Road around the lake. It hits back at Route 7. Go north a bit, then take Route 125 from Middlebury east back across the mountains. Lots of nice views.

Now you're back on 100, go north to Warren. Keep an eye out for (one of the) Glen Moss Falls on your left. It should be running pretty good after tomorrow!

Now take Lincoln Gap Road from Warren west to Lincoln (my fave of the gap roads).

From Lincoln, Quaker St to 17. Then 17 east over the last gap back to 100. Take 100 north to Stowe.

This is a serious "long cut" that will take most of the day. If you're short on time or want to drive less, skip one of the "back and forths" over the gaps.

Have fun!

[prabha]

I am driving to Vermont from NJ on 1/10 evening for 2 1/2 days. ixl, do your suggested routes hold good for this weekend too?

Also, I want to take your route of cutting east New York stateto reach NEK. Then I plan to wander around the NEK, then drive to Great North Woods region of NH, drive down from east side, do the Kamacagus hwy and drive back to Vermont, do Peacham etc. and drive back to NY. What all routes do you suggest to get the best foliage views ( hoping the winds tomorrow has some mercy on the trees ).
Thanks for your help.
Prabha

[new_to_USA]

Hi,

I am visiting Vermont on Oct 2nd and oct 3rd. i am planning to visit below scenic drive loops based on the time availability

1. Loop through the central Northeast Kingdom "NEK Central"

2. North East kingdom Loop from St johnsbury

3. another loop covering marsh field, Danville, Peacham, Topsham road, Bradford, stafford, Groton state park,etc.

i have also uploaded the POIs provided.

In NH, we are planning to cover loop that includes RT 117 (Franconia - sugarhill), RT 118, RT 302 (Kancamagus Hwy),302 covering Crawford Notch Road.


I would like to know how the colors would be in these area during the week end and information about photography spots. Will we be able to take pictures from the road or would need to go on foot from the road to get pictures like posted in this forum? since this is first time, i have no idea and looking at the pictures posted in the forum, i am excited.


Any suggestions are welcome.

Thank you,
Ranjana.

[pwt54]

I was over in Sugar Hill last weekend and it looked good. Route 117 is a nice ride and Sugar Hill is nice. I went to Harmon's General Store to try their cheese. Bought 2 pounds. The Bath General Store on route 302 is a favorite stop of mine also. There is a great covered bridge next to it. Colors in the NEK should be great this weekend, but past peak by next weekend.
prabha; I'm not sure where in New York you will be coming from, but the northern Adirondacks looked good on Tuesday.

[prabha]

Thanks for the report pwt54. I want to drive North to New York State from NJ, and enter from New York State( maybe North NY as that area I believe will be at peak). to the NEK. Then after driving around the NEK, plan to drive east towards Dixville Notch in NH. Drive down until Kamacagus. Through Kamacagus, drive towards Vermont again and do Peacham area. Then drive down Vermont to NJ. I hope I am clear. Pl. suggest which all routes I should be taking and if my plan is good. Watching best colors is the main purpose of our visit rather than visiting towns and fairs, mainly because of time constraint. Thanks in advance for your help.
Prabha

[pwt54]

Your overall plans looks good to me. If you are taking I-87 in New York you could get off in Glens Falls and take route US 4 into Vermont. My favorite is to get off at exit 28 and take route 74 east to route 9n and turn left Drive route 9n north look for the road to vermont on the right. There are plenty of signs. You will cross the lake on a short FREE ferry and that will put you on route 17. Drive route 17 east to the end at route 100 in Waitsfield. Turn left and head for the NEK.