Driving Yourself Is Common, But Not the Only Way

Most visitors choose to rent a car if they’re not driving their own, especially if they plan to explore outside of one or two towns. Public transportation is limited and rideshares are rare (often nonexistent) in rural areas. That said, navigating Vermont’s back roads isn’t for everyone.

If you’re the type who likes to take in the views without watching the GPS or wondering if that dirt road leads anywhere useful, it might be worth considering a more relaxed option. A guided tour can take the pressure off and let you stay present for the ride.

What the Roads Are Like

You’ll find a mix of:

• State highways like Route 100 and Route 106 with beautiful views and smooth driving

• Quiet rural roads that wind through farms, fields, villages, and forest

• Well-maintained dirt roads that often lead to the most peaceful places

• Class 4 and similar back roads that most vehicles shouldn’t drive on anytime of the year, but especially in the winter and spring

These roads are part of what makes Vermont special, but they can also be unpredictable. Weather, roadwork, or just a wrong turn can change your plans. If you'd rather leave the logistics to someone else, having a local guide at the wheel lets you skip the stress and enjoy the scenery.

Navigation Tips

Cell service in Vermont isn’t a sure thing, especially in the hills or deeper into the countryside. And, GPS directions don’t always get it right! If you're driving yourself, plan ahead.

• Download offline maps before you go

• Don’t be surprised if directions reference landmarks instead of street names

• Keep a physical map in the car just in case

If navigating unfamiliar roads doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, our self-guided audio tours offer step-by-step directions and local stories so you can explore confidently without needing a signal. Or, for a completely hands-off experience, we’ll gladly do the driving.

Touring Options

If you prefer to relax and take it all in, we’ve designed a couple of options just for that.

• Private Guided Tours offer a personalized, fully curated day on the road. You’ll get the back stories, the back roads, and the flexibility to linger where it feels right, all without touching a map.

• Self-Guided Audio Tours are perfect for travelers who want independence without missing out on local insight. You'll get detailed directions and stories through your phone (no cell signal required!) as you drive.

Both let you experience more of Vermont, with less guesswork and more enjoyment.

Parking and Town Centers

Towns across Vermont are welcoming but can be compact. Parking is usually free or inexpensive, though often tucked behind buildings or down side streets. Watch for signage and avoid blocking driveways or parking on soft ground, especially during the spring or after heavy rain.

Some guests tell us they didn’t realize how tricky parking and navigation would be in small towns, especially when traffic picks up in fall or summer. It’s another reason many choose to join a guided tour and let us handle the details.

Scenic Drives Worth the Trip

Vermont is full of routes that feel like they were made for wandering. A few standouts:

• Route 100 for classic mountain and village views

• Smugglers’ Notch for dramatic cliffs and curves (seasonal)

• Quiet back roads for a slower pace and wide-open beauty

Whether you explore on your own or come along with us, leave space in your day for detours and photo stops. That’s where some of the best memories tend to happen.

Vermont is best explored by road. It’s not the kind of place where you rely on subways or rideshares. The towns are small, the roads curve through forests and farmland, and the real magic often shows up when you least expect it. Whether you're driving yourself or joining someone who knows the way, how you get around will shape your whole experience.