Lamoille: Scenic Highway, Sightseeing and Winter Sports
Accommodation in Lamoille
Lamoille combines impressive mountain landscapes, extensive trails, lakes and regional history. The Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway is particularly distinctive: It was Vermont’s first officially designated Scenic Highway and runs as a 3.5-mile corridor along seasonally accessible VT Route 108 through the communities of Cambridge and Stowe. Forests and striking rock outcrops accompany the road over a ridge of Mount Mansfield. In Smugglers’ Notch State Park, the winding road passes through a narrow mountain pass in the Green Mountains; there, the rock walls rise almost 1,000 feet high.
Experience the landscape: from the mountain pass to the lake
The Scenic Highway also includes a section of the Long Trail that runs along the road. This makes it possible to combine a drive through the pass with a view of one of Vermont’s well-known long-distance hiking trails. In winter, the Smugglers’ Notch area is used by ice climbers. The Barnes Camp Visitors’ Center at the southern foot of the pass is a first point of contact for information about the area’s natural, historical, cultural, recreational and environmental resources.
Water landscapes also shape the region. Green River Reservoir covers 653 acres and has approximately 19 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline. It is designated as a quiet lake; human-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors traveling up to 5 mph are permitted. Green River Reservoir State Park includes 27 remote campsites that can be reached by boat. The Lamoille County Nature Center complements these natural experiences with a 40-acre nature preserve and diverse habitats.
Lake Elmore offers different landscape features: The lake covers 219 acres, lies northwest of the village of Elmore and drains via Pond Brook into the Lamoille River. Elmore State Park has a beach with a designated swimming area. In the hills above Johnson Village, Journey’s End Swimming Hole is a protected, wooded half-mile stretch of stream. Permanent protected public access is available there from Plot Road; birdwatching is also possible. Beard Park offers another swimming opportunity below the historic Power House Covered Bridge.
Winter days and trails for different travel plans
For winter activities, Stowe Mountain Resort is a year-round destination surrounded by Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and Spruce Peak. Its Cross Country Center has 45 kilometers of groomed trails and more than 30 kilometers of backcountry terrain. It is served in both directions by official stops of the free Mountain Road Shuttle. The Stowe Recreation Path runs 5.3 miles from the center of Stowe Village to a covered bridge. In winter, it is groomed for cross-country skiing and used by snowshoers.
The warmer season also offers longer routes. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail connects 18 communities over 95 miles between St. Johnsbury and Swanton. One starting point is at Old Mill Park in Johnson, 22 Lendway Ln. Those who prefer shorter or clearly defined excursions can take their desired focus into account when choosing a vacation rental and use their planned routes, natural attractions or winter activities as the starting point for planning their trip.
History, museums and local character
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum collects, preserves and honors the history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont and preserves approximately 8,000 individual objects. The Noyes House Museum presents local and regional history in a two-story Federal-style brick building. The exhibitions are spread across 17 rooms and a carriage house; offerings include guided tours, historical programs, special exhibitions and an annual open house. The Dr. Holcomb House, home of the Johnson Historical Society, is accessible by appointment only.
The Stowe Historical Society preserves two historic schoolhouses and a collection documenting life in Stowe from the early 19th century to more recent times. The Morrisville Farmers Market offers an immediate insight into regional produce and crafts: Visitors can shop directly from local farmers and artisans and speak with the producers.
For further regional searches, you can also consider Stowe, Hyde Park and Eden. This allows you to tailor your search for a vacation rental to your preferred mix of mountain passes, nature, water, culture and winter activities.
For the broader travel overview: Vermont.
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