Known for its scenic mountains, scattered dairy farms, and covered bridges, Vermont provides the quintessential canvas for the photo-obsessed traveler. This highly coveted road trip route weaves travelers on a never-ending journey of photogenic hot spots sought after by professional photographers around the globe. Stretching from Reading to White River Junction, the journey can easily be completed in a day but is best spread out over a week to take in the small-town charm of all that Vermont has to offer. The route is best driven from north to south, as the northern tip of the route sits close to Vermont’s Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, approximately 80 miles from White River Junction.
This road trip route gives travelers the perfect blend of laid-back city life and remote wilderness sights. Country-style hamlets and cattle farms dapple the rolling hillsides, while cozy covered bridges and towering mountain peaks characterize the state’s scenic backcountry. The US-4 and US-106 are the primary highways that guide road trippers along this journey. With no stops in between, it’s approximately a 40-minute drive from Reading to White River Junction. Yet, we recommend sprinkling in some fun roadside stops to spice up the journey and adopt the local perspective of what makes this scenic road trip one of New England’s best photo-worthy drives.
Photograph Vermont’s great outdoors
Situated just above White River Junction, Norwich is the first rural community you’ll stumble upon. Home to the King Arthur Baking Company, America’s first flour company, this is the flagship store that started it all. You won’t be able to help yourself at this little baking shop! Pastries of all kinds line the countertops, while the adjacent retail shop has all the essentials for your kitchen baking endeavors.
Vermont is famous for its picturesque covered bridges, painted in a montage of colors from rustic brown to bright red. Along the way, stop at Union Village Covered Bridge, located in the state’s upper valley. It may not be the real Grand Canyon, but Quechee Gorge comes in hot as a close second. Situated in Hartford, just 12 miles from Norwich, Quechee Gorge is the deepest valley in Vermont. Nicknamed Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” the rushing river divides the two parallel cliffs formed by glacial activity more than 10,000 years ago. The Quechee Gorge Bridge, uniting the clifftops, is the perfect roadside stop to get out and snap a few pictures of the natural facades.
End the day by cozying up with a local fine-dining experience over flickering candles and the sound of rushing water. The Mill at Simon Pearce is one of the best eateries in the state, even recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine as a global attraction. Overlooking the Ottauquechee River in Quechee, if the view doesn’t have you obsessed already, the Vermont Cheddar Soup, Shepherd’s Pie, and Vermont Gnocchi certainly will.
Picture-perfect small towns
Setting out from Quechee, the quaint, small town of Woodstock sits just seven miles down the road. Red silos, rustic ranches, and white picket fences dot the dreamy hillsides in this woodland area. Unpaved roads and covered bridges connect the adjacent farming communities, creating a picture-perfect small town that looks like something out of a storybook. Photo-worthy hot spots are everywhere within sight! The Village of Woodstock is alive with local artisan boutiques, farm-to-table eateries, and home goods decor. As exciting as the interior of these shops may be, the cobblestone streets, vintage street lamps, and cozy storefronts invite visitors to capture it’s charming ambiance through their lens.
South of Woodstock along US-106, Jenne Farm might just be the most picturesque stop along this dreamy road trip route. Nestled in the small, rural county of Windsor, this small dairy farm is at its prime during leaf-peeping season. Even without the vermillion gold foliage and locals pulling out their plaid flannels, the 1820 farmhouse has been featured in several commercials, films, and professional photographs in all seasons. A symbol of the state’s quintessential small-town aesthetic, Jenne Farm was first established as a private family farm in the late 1800s and is owned today by Floyd Jenne. The dirt path that leads travelers onto the property is easy to miss. To avoid getting lost in Woodstock’s backcountry, set 1264 Jenne Road as your GPS guide. Located just outside of Reading, what better way to end this photogenic journey than with one of the best hot spots along this route?
