Mad River Valley Scenic Drive Guide

Wedding Weekend  •   March 7, 2026

Explore these routes at your own pace — hot cocoa, cozy inns, and classic Vermont cafés await at many stops along the way. Kat & Nik’s wedding is set in one of Vermont’s most beautiful winter landscapes — and these drives are a perfect way to soak in that moment.

Routes are safe in winter on plowed, paved roads and perfect for guests who want to see classic Vermont scenery — barns, covered bridges, rivers, mountains, and open farm fields. Driving times are approximate.

Quick Winter Loop (30–45 Minutes)

The Vibe:  A postcard-perfect drive through the heart of the Mad River Valley.

• Quiet rural roads through the heart of the valley

• Classic covered bridges and village scenes

• Majestic Green Mountain views framing the valley 

Google Maps Link: 

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Waitsfield,+VT/Warren,+VT/Moretown,+VT/Waitsfield,+VT  

📸 Photo Stops (Easy Pull-Offs)

• Great Eddy Covered Bridge – one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges (built 1833) over the Mad River — iconic winter imagery

• Warren Covered Bridge – small historic bridge with classic winter charm. 

• Village streets in Warren Village Historic District, framed by mountains. 

• Roadside farm views and distant ridgelines

Valley & River Loop (~1 Hour)

The Vibe:  Extends the short loop into a peaceful countryside drive with wider river views and quieter back stretches.

• Classic covered bridges and village scenes

• Longer stretches of rolling farmland and forest edges

• Quiet winter countryside landscapes with majestic mountain views

• Gentle river views along VT-100B and Route 2

Google Maps Link:  

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Waitsfield,+VT/Warren,+VT/Moretown,+VT/Middlesex,+VT/Waitsfield,+VT

📸 Photo Stops  (in addition to short loop)

• Pine Brook Covered Bridge – a smaller, quaint 19th-century covered bridge ideal for winter photos

• Moretown village area with classic colonial-era architecture

• River vistas along VT-100B — lovely late afternoon light

Extended Scenic Byway (~2 Hours)

The Vibe:  The full Mad River Valley experience—looping through farms, ridgelines, and villages.

• Longer, uninterrupted countryside stretches

• Farms, fields, classic peak views, and welcoming towns

• More room for extended stops and exploration 

Google Maps Link https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Waitsfield,+VT/Warren,+VT/Moretown,+VT/Middlesex,+VT/Fayston,+VT/Waitsfield,+VT

📸 Photo Stops 

• Lareau Farmstead – historic farm with classic New England barn architecture. 

• Fayston open farm fields with Green Mountain backdrop

• Middlesex river scenes — peaceful and postcard perfect

Optional Mountain Route – Appalachian Gap (Clear Roads Only)  

The Vibe:  High-elevation panoramic mountain views on the Appalachian Gap loop.  If skies are clear and roads are dry, this climb delivers some of the most dramatic winter views in central Vermont.

• Less traveled roads with stunning Summit views

• Geen Mountain skyline vistas

• Panoramic views over the Champlain Valley 

Google Maps Link:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Waitsfield,+VT/Appalachian+Gap,+VT/Waitsfield,+VT 

📸 Photo Stops

• Scenic overlooks near Appalachian Gap

• Ridge tops with 360° mountain views

🚧 Mountain Drive Warnings (Important)

• Route 17 is plowed but higher elevations can be icy and steep in winter.

• Avoid this route during fresh snow or if temps dip overnight — traction can be very limited.

• Always choose the valley loops above if conditions are uncertain.