Stowe to Montpelier VT: Scenic 35-Mile Road Trip Guide

Stowe, Vermont, sits at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the state's highest peak. The drive from Stowe to Montpelier along Vermont Routes 108 and 100 is 35 miles covered in about 45 minutes, but savvy travelers extend it to a full day. The road follows the Waterbury River valley, crossing the historic Winooski River near the end. Highlights include the Trapp Family Lodge, Ben & Jerry's factory, and the Vermont State House in Montpelier. Is it worth driving Stowe to Montpelier, VT? Absolutely—this route packs more natural beauty and quirky local stops per mile than almost any other in New England.

For help finding similar routes, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This guide answers 'things to do between Stowe, VT and Montpelier, VT', and 'how long to drive Stowe, VT to Montpelier, VT' in depth.

Road quality is excellent: paved, well-marked, and plowed promptly. Watch for deer at dawn/dusk. The Waterbury section has narrow shoulders. For fatigue management, the Waterbury rest area on I-89 northbound offers picnic tables and restrooms.

• Family-friendly: Brooklyn Dog Park (Montpelier) and Stowe Recreation Path.
• Pet-friendly: Von Trapp Brewery's outdoor Bierhall, many hiking trails.
• Best hidden off-route spot: Moss Glen Falls (Granville, 15-min detour).
• Child suitability: Ben & Jerry's Factory, Morse Farm's sugarhouse.

The journey begins on VT-108 south from Stowe village. After 3 miles, turn onto VT-100 south toward Waterbury. At Waterbury, continue on VT-100 south for 10 miles, then merge onto I-89 south for 6 miles to Montpelier exit 8. Alternatively, stay on VT-100B south from Waterbury center, which becomes a local road through Middlesex, ending at Montpelier's Elm Street. Expected drive time: 45 minutes without stops. Cell service is reliable throughout, with brief dead zones in the Notch areas.

• Fuel up in Stowe (Mobil on Mountain Road) or Waterbury (Shell on VT-100).
• Montpelier has ample charging stations—Green Mountain Power downtown.
• No tolls. Winter tires required November through March.
• Speed limits: 50 mph on highways, 35 mph on local roads.

The route winds through the Worcester Range's western foothills. Open fields give way to dense maple-beech forest, with views of Mount Mansfield's east face near Stowe. In Waterbury, the Winooski River runs alongside VT-100. The area's dairy farms—like Morse Farm in Montpelier—produce award-winning cheddar and maple syrup.

• Stop at Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Stowe Hollow), built 1844.
• Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour (Waterbury) offers tastings.
• Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier showcases local produce.
• Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe) includes 2,500 acres of forest trails.