Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in Vermont, United States

1. Introduction

If you are interested in going on a motorcycle trip, you should consider going on a ride through Vermont or “the Green Mountain State.” Much of the state’s terrain is covered in hilly and mountainous landscape which are covered in forests of hardwoods and conifers. The roads you travel on have a combination of beautiful natural scenery and roadside amenities. A few notable natural landmarks to keep an eye out for include the Green Mountains, Hudson River, Lake George, and Lake Champlain.

This article is intended to provide a list of Vermont’s famous motorcycle roads and destinations as well as supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.

2. Best Roads and Destinations in Vermont

2.1 Brattleboro to Burlington

Brattleboro to Burlington - Best Roads and Destinations

Heading north out of Brattleboro, you will travel alongside the West River which will take you to Black Mountain Natural Area, Old Jelly Mill Falls, and Black Mountain Quarry. Winding around, you will come close to Townshend State Forest, Townshend State Park, and Fair Brook Stone Arch Bridge.

Distance: 160 miles
Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Start: Brattleboro
End: Burlington

Further along, you will travel through the eastern edge of Green Mountain National Forest which includes Jamaica State Park, Ball Mountain Dam, and Hamilton Falls. As you coast outside Green Mountain National Forest, you will pass by Okemo State Forest, Lake Rescue, Echo Lake, Camp Plymouth State Park, Coolidge State Forest, and Coolidge State Park.

Traveling close to the northern region of Green Mountain National Forest, you will be within the vicinity of Granville Gulf Reservation State Forest, Roxbury State Forest, Warren Falls, and Mount Ellen. As you curve westward towards Burlington, you will travel in between CC Putnam State Forest, Little River State Park, Camel’s Hump State Park, Robbins Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and Huntington Gorge.

2.2 Molly Stark Byway - Route 9

Molly Stark Byway - Route 9 - Best Roads and Destinations

While you are still in Brattleboro, you can check out the exhibits at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and the Estey Organ Museum. Leaving the city by heading west, you will pass by Whetstone Park and Living Memorial Park before you cross over Creamery Covered Bridge.

Distance: 40 miles
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
Start: Brattleboro
End: Bennington

Approaching the halfway point, you will pass through and by Hogback Mountain Conservation Area and Molly Stark State Park. You may be able to check out the exhibits at Southern Vermont Natural History Museum and the Art of Humor Gallery.

The last leg of the trip will have you passing the southern area of Green Mountain National Forest. You will come by Woodford State Park, Long Trail, Big Pond, and Roaring Branch Walloomsac Brook. You will then arrive in Bennington after clearing the wilderness.

2.3 Brandon Mountain Road & Loop Through The Green Mountains

Brandon Mountain Road & Loop Through The Green Mountains - Best Roads and Destinations

Heading into the northern region of the Green Mountain National Forest, you will swerve through the dense forests as you travel along the bottom side of the loop. You may be able to go to Rochester School Forest if you take a slight detour north or head down to Brandon Town Forest when you temporarily exit the wilderness.

Distance: 43 miles
Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Start: Rochester
End: Hancock

Turning north on the left side of the loop, you will travel along the western edge of the Green Mountain National Forest. You will come across Minnie Baker Trailhead, Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake, Silver Lake Trail, and Branbury State Park.

Turning east on the top side of the loop, you will re-enter the Green Mountain National Forest. You will be able to explore Robert Frost Wayside. If you are brave enough to take a motorcycle during the winter, you have the chance to try skiing or snowboarding at Rikert Nordic Center and Middlebury College Snow Bowl.

2.4 Willington to Killington - Route 100

Willington to Killington - Route 100 - Best Roads and Destinations

Departing northward away from Wilmington, you will travel along the eastern edge of the Green Mountain National Forest. You will swerve close to Dover Town Forest and Stephen Greene Municipal Forest within the first couple of miles.

Distance: 74 miles
Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Start: Wilmington
End: Killington

Before you exit the Green Mountain National Forest, you will come across Jamaica State Park, Ball Mountain Dam, and Hamilton Falls. Exiting the wilderness, you will continue to travel on Vermont Route 100 which will have you pass by Okemo State Forest, Coolidge State Forest, and Killington Peak.

As you keep on curving along the road, you will eventually arrive in Killington.

2.5 Bloomfield to Alburgh

Distance: 109 miles
Time: 2 hours 31 minutes
Start: Bloomfield
End: Alburgh

Traveling close to the national border between Canada and the United States, you will head westward on Vermont Route 105. Shortly after embarking from Bloomfield, you will come across Brighton State Park and Island Pond. As you temporarily divert onto Vermont Route 5A and U.S. Route 5, you will come in close proximity to Lake Salem, Lake Derby, and Clyde Pond.

Riding back onto Vermont Route 105, you will travel in between Lake Memphremagog and South Bay. After passing North Troy, you will encounter Jay Branch Gorge and Caleton Mountain. After you have passed the halfway point, you will travel parallel to the Missisquoi River.

Drawing closer to Alburgh, you will have the opportunity to check out Louie’s Landing, Charcoal Creek, and the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. After you cross Alburg-Swanton Bridge, you just have to continue until you make it to Alburgh.

2.6 Mad River Loop

Mad River Loop - Best Roads and Destinations

After you have left Bristol behind, you will swerve along Vermont Route 17 which will take you by Camel’s Hump State Park and Mount Ellen. Along the road itself, you will have the chance to explore Jerusalem Trailhead and the Morrison Place.

Distance: 67 miles
Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Start: Bristol
End: Bristol

Traveling south on Vermont Route 100 after passing Irasville, you will pass by Laurea Park, Bundy Modern, Warren Falls, Granville Gulf Reservation State Forest, and Moss Glen Falls. You will be riding alongside the eastern edge of the Green Mountain National Forest as you go towards Hancock.

Turning west, you will dive deep into the wilderness of the Green Mountain National Forest. If you are brave enough to take a motorcycle during the winter, you have the chance to try skiing or snowboarding at Middlebury College Snow Bowl and Rikert Nordic Center. You will also be able to explore Robert Frost Wayside.

Heading north, you will ride alongside the western edge of the Green Mountain National Forest. Aside from the Abbey Pond Trailhead, the rest of the trip should be largely uneventful as you make it back to Bristol.

2.7 Vermont Route 17

Vermont Route 17 - Best Roads and Destinations

Traveling westward on Vermont Route 17 away from Irasville, you will pass by the foot of Camel’s Hump State Park. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Morrison Place and Jerusalem Trailhead. You will only pass the northern tip of the Green Mountain National Forest which has Bartlett Falls and Eagle Park.

Distance: 40 miles
Time: 1 hour
Start: Irasville, Waitsfield
End: Lake Champlain Bridge

While you are riding atop Vermont Road and relatively close to East Branch Dead Creek, you will encounter several establishments including the Dead Creek Wildlife Area Visitor Center, the Dead Creek Wildlife Viewing Area, and the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Getting close to the Vermont-New York border, you will catch sight of D.A.R. State Park and Chimney Point State Park along the way. Though your final destination is Lake Champlain Bridge, you can continue if you wish to explore a little bit of New York.

2.8 Searsburg, VT to North Adams, MA

Distance: 19 miles
Time: 27 minutes
Start: Searsurg, VT
End: North Adams, MA

Starting in the southeast region of the Green Mountain State Forest, you will clear a wide corner and then turn southward via Vermont Route 8. If you decide to take your motorcycle during the winter, you may be able to attempt skiing or snowboarding at the Dutch Hill Ski Area.

Continuing in the same direction, you will cross over the Vermont-Massachusetts border. You will pass by Clarksburg State Park and Natural Bridge State Park as you progress towards your final destination. When you are in North Adams, you can check out the exhibits at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

2.9 Middlebury to Poultney - Route 30

Middlebury to Poultney - Route 30 - Best Roads and Destinations

If you choose to explore Middlebury, you can check out the exhibits at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History or the Mahaney Center for the Arts. Embarking southward, you will catch sight of Middlebury Falls as you exit the city.

Distance: 36 miles
Time: 47 minutes
Start: Middlebury
End: Poultney

Further along as head straight south, you will pass by Cornwall Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Lake Hortonia, Echo Lake, and Beebe Pond.

The last major natural sites and landmarks to keep an eye out for as you draw closer to Poultney include Lake Bomoseen, Castleton Town Forest, Crystal Beach, and Pine Pond.

2.10 Green Mountain Spine Waterbury - Killington Loop

Green Mountain Spine Waterbury - Killington Loop - Best Roads and Destinations

If you are still around the Waterbury Village Historic District, you may be able to visit Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard if you wish to see the resting place of ice cream flavors that are now gone. You also should be able to make out CC Putnam State Forest, Mount Mansfield State Forest, and Camel’s Hump State Park.

Distance: 133 miles
Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
Start: Waterbury Village Historic District
End: Waterbury Village Historic District

Traveling south via Interstate 89, you will travel parallel to Winooski River during the first few miles of the trip. You will be within the vicinity of Berlin Pond, Berlin Town Forest, Northfield Village Forest, and Allis State Park as you continue to head down.

When you have made it to Woodstock, you can visit the exhibits on display at the Billings Farm & Museum. You can also spend time stretching your legs at Billing Park and Faulkner Park.

As you begin the return trip, you will travel north on Vermont Route 100, you will pass by Laurea Park, Bundy Modern, Warren Falls, Granville Gulf Reservation State Forest, Moss Glen Falls, Mount Cushman State Park, and Riley Bostwick Wildlife Management Area. You will also be riding alongside the eastern edge of the Green Mountain National Forest.

2.11 Lake Champlain Islands - U.S. Route 2

Lake Champlain Islands - U.S. Route 2 - Best Roads and Destinations

While you are still in Burlington, you can check out the exhibits on display at the Fleming Museum of Art or the ECHO, Leah Center for Lake Champlain. Heading towards Interstate 89, you will pass just outside of the Centennial Woods Natural Area. After you cross over Winooski River, you will come close to the Gilbrook Nature Area.

Distance: 50 miles
Time: 1 hour
Start: Burlington
End: Alburgh

Continuing to head up while on Interstate 89, you will come in close proximity to Malletts Bay, Niquette Bay, Arrowhead Mountain Lake, and Aldis Hill Park.

For the final leg of the trip, you will be within the vicinity of Maquam Bay Wildlife Management Area, Louie’s Landing, and Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. After you have crossed Alburg-Swanton Bridge, you will have made it to Alburgh.

3. Motorcycle Laws in Vermont

Motorcycle Laws in Vermont - Best Roads and Destinations

3.1 Vermont Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Vermont is a state that follows a universal motorcycle helmet policy. This requires motorcyclists of every age to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever they are operating their vehicles.

The types of motorcycle helmets accepted in Vermont are three-quarter and full-face helmets. These models must have been authorized by the Commission of the Department of Motor Vehicles, meet the requirements of the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and provide both ample protection and visibility.

As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker

Can be fitted around your head snugly

No visible signs of damage

Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)

Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter helmet only)

Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant

Gives you a clear, peripheral view

Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap

Allows airflow without fogging up

Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 Vermont Motorcycle Passenger Laws

Vermont does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. All motorcycle passengers must be wearing protective gear while they are seated behind you.

It is only legal to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat and footrests.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

Characteristics to look for in passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.

3.3 Vermont Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

In Vermont, one of your responsibilities as a rider is to submit your motorcycle for vehicle and safety inspections at least once a year to a state approved inspection station. It never hurts to have your vehicle thoroughly examined by professionals to confirm that none of its primary components are becoming faulty. If your motorcycle does not pass the inspections, just be glad that the damage was found in the safety of a building rather than following an accident due to mechanical failure.

You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in Vermont. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:

Horn

Wheels

Tires

Handlebars

Front & Rear Brakes

Controls

Headlight

Rear light

Brake Light

Turn Signals

Exhaust System

Muffler

Rearview Mirrors

Fenders

Footrests

3.4 Vermont Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws

In Vermont, lane splitting is deemed an illegal practice and forbidden for motorcyclists to attempt. You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, ride in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, nor attempt to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane.

Though it is allowed, you should try to refrain from engaging in lane sharing. Motorcyclists are entitled to make full use of the space within their current lane. They can also share a lane with another motorcycle so long as the vehicles stay apart at least two abreast and both parties consent beforehand. You should refrain from engaging in this practice unless you are alongside someone you trust with riding experience.

Motorcycle Luggage for Vermont Motorcycle Tour

Even if you do not take frequent breaks throughout your entire Vermont motorcycle tour, it helps to have a reliable form of storage secured on your vehicle. Whether on the handlebars, windshield, side, or rear, you want a form of baggage that is going to keep your belongings from flying into any vehicles behind you. Though you will spend most of your time on the road, it is a good idea to have utilities and conveniences with you just in case.

Motorcycle Luggage for Vermont Motorcycle Tour - Best Roads and Destinations

Listed below are the motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:

5. Parting Words

Best Roads and Destinations

Before you head out on your Vermont motorcycle trip, you should first be mindful of safety by making sure you prepare the necessary protective gear and motorcycle equipment. You should also keep in mind your passenger’s well-being if you carry one with you and what maneuvers on the road are considered legal or illegal.

As you travel via popular routes and visit promising locations in Vermont, you will not just have the opportunity to test out your riding skills. You will also be able to admire this state’s natural scenery, places of historical significance, and roadside attractions. While you are operating your vehicle, do not be afraid to take slight detours if you think you are heading to places that will enhance your riding experience.

Remember to be responsible when handling your motorcycle and try to have fun as you prepare to head out on your Vermont motorcycle trip.