Points of Interest between Amherst, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont

picture of Amherst, Massachusetts

The Ultimate Road Trip from Amherst, MA to Burlington, VT: Top Places to See

A road trip is always an adventure, especially when it involves traveling through some breathtaking places in the northeastern US. The route from Amherst, MA, to Burlington, VT, passes through plenty of picture-perfect locations that can make your journey even more memorable. From scenic drives to historic sites and natural wonders, this travel guide lists down the top attractions that you can see en route to Burlington.

Scenic Routes and Drives

  1. Shelburne Falls Bridge of Flowers - Located 45 minutes northwest of Amherst, this beautiful bridge connects the towns of Shelburne and Buckland and is known for its vibrant flower beds, hanging baskets, and scenic views of the Deerfield River. The Bridge of Flowers is open from April to October and is a must-visit spot if you're traveling in the warmer months.
  2. Mount Greylock Scenic Byway - If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, take Route 2 west towards North Adams and drive up to the summit of Mount Greylock in the Berkshires. The route offers stunning vistas, verdant forests, and rugged terrain that will make your journey to Burlington a memorable one.
  3. Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Tour - About an hour and a half from Amherst, VT. If you're a chocolate lover, this is a must-stop on your journey to Burlington. Take a factory tour and witness how they make their artisanal chocolates!

Historic Sites and Museums

  1. Emily Dickinson Museum - Being in Amherst, you should not miss a visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum, which is a tribute to the famous poet Emily Dickinson. You'll see the place where she lived, worked, and wrote much of her poetry.
  2. Bennington Battle Monument - Located in Bennington, VT, this monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington, which took place during the Revolutionary War. climb to the top of the Main State Park to see sights that span three states, including Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and the Adirondacks of New York.
  3. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain - Once you reached Burlington, head to ECHO Leahy Center, which is a one-of-a-kind lake aquarium, located on the waterfront of Lake Champlain. It features exhibits showcasing the history and ecology of the lake, as well as a variety of animal species both native and non-native.
  4. The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium - Located about 1.5 hours from Amherst, in St. Johnsbury, VT, the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium houses natural history exhibits, astronomical exhibits, and a diverse collection of artifacts from around the world.

Nature's Wonders

  1. Bingham Falls - About an hour from Amherst, in Stowe, VT, this hidden gem is worth stopping for an invigorating waterfall hike. Bingham Falls boasts a scenic waterfall nestled in the forest that cascades down into a natural pool, which you can cliff jump if you dare.
  2. Camels Hump - If you are up for a challenging hike, then add Camels Hump to your list. Camels Hump is the third-highest mountain in Vermont, with its peak standing at 4,083 feet. On a clear day, hikers can see the skyline of Burlington and the Adirondack Mountains.
  3. Smugglers' Notch State Park - As you make your way to Burlington, stop by Smugglers' Notch State Park and take a scenic drive through the Green Mountains. Smugglers' Notch is a narrow pass through the mountains that was once used by smugglers. But now, it’s a popular hiking and scenic driving spot with stunning views- you can see it in just a drive.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a scenic drive, this travel guide will surely pique your interest in this beautiful road trip from Amherst to Burlington. From natural wonders to historic sites, you’re guaranteed to have a unique and memorable adventure. Just pack your bags and hit the road to discover the hidden gems of north-eastern United States.