Things to Do in the Mad River Valley

Experience the Magic of Vermont Year-Round

The Mad River Valley is the Green Mountains’ best-kept secret, shhh… But since you already found out about it, we would love to share some of our favorite things to do in the Mad River Valley. Authenticity is the hallmark of the Mad River Valley. You’ll discover a place with a unique combination of scenic beauty, recreation, and community. “The Valley” exudes a palpable ethos and sense of place and takes its name from the Mad River, which runs through the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. It includes the towns of Waitsfield, Warren, Fayston, and Moretown.

For even more ways to explore and enjoy our vibrant community, don’t miss our upcoming area events page!

Explore the beauty of Vermont on two feet or two wheels! Our area offers trails for all skill levels of hikers and bikers.

Hiking & Biking

Hiking
Take in the natural beauty of our state with an amazing hike. With trails ranging from short and simple to the world famous Long Trail, people of all skill levels will be able to enjoy the great outdoors.

Millbrook Trail
Mad River Path
The Warren Path
Long Trail Loop

Road & Mountain Biking
Situated in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the Mad River Valley features renowned off-road mountain biking trails. If you prefer to take in the beauty from the open road, there are plenty of scenic routes to enjoy the natural world.

Chase Brook Town Forest
Eurich Pond
Sugarbush Resort
Blueberry Lake
Moretown
Camel’s Hump State Forest

Northern Vermont is known the world over as a pioneer in the craft brewery and distillery movement and the epicenter of the New England craft beverage scene.

Breweries & Distilleries

Make sure to enjoy a sip o’ sunshine at Lawson’s in nearby Waitsfield and get out there to explore a number of tremendous other beverage offerings across the Mad River Valley. From cutting edge craft distilleries to a number of breweries down the famous “IPA highway” you will not have to look hard to find your new favorite spot to stop off for a post hike or apres-ski libation.

Get out there and explore a number of tremendous beverage offerings across the Mad River Valley. You’re sure to find your new favorite spot to stop for a post hike libation with cutting edge craft distilleries and a number of breweries along the famous “IPA highway”.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Prohibition Pig
Frost Beer Works
The Alchemist
Bent Hill Brewery
von Trapp
Fiddlehead Brewing Company
Rock Art Brewery
Lost Nation Brewing
Foley Brothers Brewing
Hill Farmstead Brewery

advanced skiing on jump in Vermont ski resort

Ski and ride the Green Mountains! They may be small, but they are mighty.

Skiing & Snowboarding

As the number one destination for skiing and snowboarding in New England, Vermont offers plenty of winter adventures! Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more, all just a short distance from our lodge properties.

Mad River Glen Ski Resort
Sugarbush Resort
Ole’s Cross Country Center
Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center
Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area
Cochran’s Ski Area
Bolton Valley
Stowe Mountain Resort
Killington Ski Area

Enjoy friendly faces serving fresh local ingredients in the true home of the Farm-To-Table Movement.

Local Dining

The Mad River Valley offers plenty of locally grown and produced meats, vegetables, cheese and more! The pairing of authentic farm-to-table foods with our eclectic community is sure to give you a quality dining experience in Vermont during your stay.

Hostel Tevere
Mad River Barn
Hyde Away
China Fun
The Mad Taco
Canteen Creemee Company
American Flatbread
Fit to be Thai’d
Paradise Provisions
Chez Henri
The Reks
The Pitcher Inn
Rumble’s Bistro & Bar
Mutha Stuffers
Castlerock Pub
Warren Store
Scrag and Roe

The Mad River Valley in the heart of The Green Mountains of Vermont is an outdoor paradise in any season!

Unique Adventures

Just a short drive from our lodges you will find several excellent golf courses, hidden fishing holes, glider flights and enough adventure to satisfy any thrill seeker. Stay in the Mad River Valley and fish, play, soar, glide, ride and paddle the days away.

Mountain Rose Yoga
Sugarbush Golf Club
Sugarbush Disc Golf
Sugarbush Soaring
Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm

The Mad River Valley was built on the values of sustainable farming and local craftsmanship.

Farms & Markets

Enjoy the various local farms, specialty shops and farmers markets right here in the Mad River Valley. Taste the freshest local foods during your trip, then take home artisanal crafts and foods to share with your friends and family!

Waitsfield Farmers Market
Knoll Farm
4orty Bridge Boutique
Product Think Tank
The Collection
Clearwater Sports
Artisan’s Gallery
Reign Vermont
Alpine Options
Warren Store

artist on wheel at Mad River Valley pottery studio

What is a real Vermont vacation if it doesn’t include a little culture to enhance your experience?

The Arts & Local Events

The Mad River Valley has a reason for any season. Come get away for a “Very Vermont” experience with quirky museums, live music, spring and summer festivals, fall harvest, winter ski races and plenty of seasonal events.

Blockhouse Studio
Mad River Fiber Arts & Mill
Valley Players Theater
The Bundy Modern Gallery
Art in the Village
Salt & Sand Studios
Moosewalk Studios & Gallery

Mad River Valley is the perfect central location to experience the rest of what Vermont has to offer.

Day Trips

If you are interested in staying in one place but exploring the rest of our beautiful state, then you are in luck. Our lodges in the Mad River Valley are ideally located in North Central Vermont within an hour of Burlington, Stowe, Waterbury, Montpelier and countless charming towns along the way.

Burlington, VT – On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain
Stowe, VT – At the base of Mount Mansfield
Waterbury, VT – Home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
Montpelier, VT – The smallest state capital in the US

Mad River Valley is home to kayaking, paddleboarding, the famous Warren Falls, and some of the best natural swimming holes in the world!

Swimming & Boating

Looking for a place to cool down in the summer? Have fun and cool off the Mad River way, with swimming holes and cliff jumping sites that are accessible only a short walk from your front door when you stay at one of our lodges!