Your Guide to Vermont’s Scenic Mad River Valley
Vermont’s Mad River Valley is located in central Vermont and is named after the Mad River which flows through the region. It’s the perfect home base for a Vermont getaway or extended roadtrip being conveniently located about an hour from other popular Vermont destinations including Montpelier (the state’s capital), Stowe, Burlington, and Woodstock.
This blog post covers everything that we did while in the region and even more ideas for your visit, along with where to stay for the perfect getaway. We focused our trip in two towns within the region: Warren and Waitsfield.
What to do
Lunch at a Country Store
Start with lunch in Warren, Vermont at the Warren Store, which is home to some of the best sandwiches including my personal favorite - the Ultimate Grilled Cheese. You can enjoy your sandwiches at a table inside or grab a spot on the patio overlooking the Freeman Brook, which flows into the Mad River.
Along with a full cafe you’ll find lots of baked goods, everyday provisions, and fresh local cheeses which are perfect to pick up for a picnic to go. Be sure to check out the cute store upstairs too, which has some beautiful locally crafted items.
After lunch, take the rocky steps (just left of the store) down to the brook for a beautiful view. It’s a great spot to relax on a warm day.
Visit a Historic Covered Bridge
Take a stroll along Main Street in Warren and make your way over to the historic Warren Covered Bridge. It is only about a 5 minute walk from the store. Along the way, you will also spot an information sign which includes details on the history for the town.
The Warren Covered Bridge is one of more than 100 covered bridges that you can find across the state of Vermont. It is open to traffic so be careful to look out for any oncoming vehicles if crossing the bridge by foot.
There are two other covered bridges to explore just a short drive away in Waitsfield: The historic Waitsfield Covered Bridge and Pine Brook Covered Bridge.
Discover an Epic Vermont Swimming Hole
Spend some time at Warren Falls, one of the most epic swimming holes in Vermont. This spot is located just a short drive from the store and covered bridge. I recommend bringing a folding chair, beach blanket, snacks and water for a fun afternoon.
The falls are located just a quick walk from the parking lot. When making your way to the falls the trail will fork into two options. The path to the left takes you to beautiful views of the falls and dramatic high cliffs where you may see visitors jumping off from and into the water. The other side, to the right, has a more gradual entrance into the water. If you are looking to walk into the water and go swimming this entrance is a great option.
Know before you go:
This is a very popular spot in summer so the parking lot can fill up fast. I recommend a weekday visit or going early if visiting on a weekend in the summer.
The falls are free to visit.
There are no bathrooms located at the falls.
There is no lifeguard on duty.
Try a Vermont Maple Creemee
No visit to Vermont is complete without a maple creemee. Make a stop at Canteen Creemee in Waitsfield for one of the best creemees. They also offer unique flavors and sundae options as well as a full food menu.
Drive Scenic Route 100
Take a drive along route 100, one of Vermont’s most scenic routes. Driving north to Waitsfield from Warren, look out for the giant butter shipping container along the way. Driving south from Warren, make a visit by Glenn Moss Falls.
Explore the Craft Beer Scene
Vermont is known for their craft breweries and the region happens to hold one of my favorites - Lawson’s Finest. The brewery has a large beautiful indoor space, as well as a super scenic outdoor patio looking out to views of the mountains. Lawson’s is also a great option for lunch.
Go on a Scenic Hike (or a few)
There are tons of hiking options in the area ranging from short easy hikes to full day strenuous climbs. We opted to explore Wu Ledges in Waitsfield as well as Blueberry Lake in Warren, which is also popular for mountain biking and kayaking.
Visit a Secret Mountain Garden (open seasonally on select dates only)
The von Trapp family opens up their private garden in Waitsfield, Vermont, to visitors during their series of Open Garden Days. During the event, you can wander through beautiful gardens overlooking the mountains and take in all the incredible flowering blooms. There are spots to sit and relax in the shade or by the beautiful flowing fountain as you make your way across the property. Dates are posted online at von Trapp Flowers.
Pick up Locally Made Cheese
Located just a short walk down the street is von Trapp Farmstead, an organic creamery and farm store, where you can pick up some fresh cheese and yogurt. They also offer farm tours and cheese tastings on select days.
Visit a Ski Resort
There are two popular ski resorts located here - Mad River Glen and Sugarbush. While the slopes were closed during our visit, the resorts are still open in the summer for hiking, dining, and seasonal events are offered as well.
Mad River Glen is also popular in the fall for their single chair lift, with rides offered on weekends starting at the end of September and running through mid-October. I haven’t taken a ride yet but it’s on my bucket list to do as the views look spectacular.
Where to stay
We stayed at the beautiful Pitcher Inn, a luxury boutique hotel conveniently located along Main Street in Warren, just across the street from Warren Store and within walking distance of the historic Warren Covered Bridge. The inn features 12 unique rooms and the most incredible breakfast is included in your stay.
I also recommend dinner at 275 Main, the incredible farm to table restaurant located at inn. Every course we had was exceptional and it was definitely one of the best meals we have had.
See my blog post “A Perfect Getaway to Vermont’s Mad River Valley” for all the details on our stay at the Pitcher Inn.
Breakfast at the Pitcher Inn (Warren, Vermont)
