10 Easy Road Trips from Lebanon, NH: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Grafton County
Looking for fun day trips from Lebanon, New Hampshire that take you
out of Grafton County but still keep you close to home? You’re in the perfect spot. Lebanon sits right on the edge of Vermont and New Hampshire, which means you’re surrounded by small towns, mountains, lakes, and classic New England villages in every direction.
In this guide, we’ll hit 10 short, out-of-county road trips from Lebanon that cover nearby counties in both New Hampshire and Vermont:
- Belknap County, NH
- Carroll County, NH
- Coös County, NH
- Merrimack County, NH
- Sullivan County, NH
- Caledonia County, VT
- Essex County, VT
- Orange County, VT
- Windsor County, VT
Most of these are easy drives, from about 25 minutes to 2.5 hours. They’re perfect for a spontaneous Sunday drive, a quick weekend adventure, or a mini vacation without going far.
1. Lake Sunapee & Mount Sunapee – Sullivan County, NH
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 35–45 minutes
If you want a classic New Hampshire lake day,
Lake Sunapee is tough to beat. It’s close, it’s beautiful, and it feels like a mini getaway.
Things to do near Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee:
- Relax on the beach at Mount Sunapee State Park
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline
- Take the Sunapee cruise boat for a scenic ride (seasonal)
- Hike one of the trails at Mount Sunapee for big views
- Visit the small shops and cafés in nearby New London
On a sunny summer day, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding road trips from Lebanon. Pack a cooler, towels, and maybe a camp chair, and you’re set.
2. Quechee & Woodstock – Windsor County, VT
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 20–35 minutes
If you only have a half day, this is your go-to.
Quechee and
Woodstock in Windsor County feel like pages out of a New England postcard.
Highlights to check out:
- Quechee Gorge – Stand on the bridge and look down into “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon”
- Quechee State Park – Short walks, picnic spots, and gorge views
- Browse local glass shops and artisan studios
- Stroll the village green in Woodstock and admire the historic homes
- Grab lunch or coffee at a cozy Main Street café
The first time I walked across the Quechee Gorge bridge, I was surprised by how deep it felt. It’s the kind of place where you instinctively pull out your phone for photos, then just put it away to enjoy the view.
3. Montpelier & the Vermont Countryside – Caledonia & Surrounding, VT
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 1.5 hours to Montpelier, then onward toward Caledonia County
While Montpelier itself is just outside Caledonia County, it makes a great launching point for a scenic drive that leads into the quieter corners of
Caledonia County.
Ideas for this road trip:
- Walk around downtown Montpelier and visit the Vermont State House
- Drive northeast toward Caledonia County for rolling farmland and classic red barns
- Stop at roadside farm stands for maple products and fresh produce (in season)
- Explore small towns and back roads for foliage in the fall
This drive is less about “big attractions” and more about the feeling of cruising through rural Vermont. If you like slow travel and scenic roads, this one’s for you.
4. Northern Wilderness Drive – Essex County, VT
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 2–2.5 hours
Want to really get away from it all? Head north into
Essex County, Vermont, one of the most remote areas in the state. It’s quiet, wild, and full of deep forests.
What to expect on this adventure:
- Long, peaceful roads with very little traffic
- Access to hiking trails and ponds that see far fewer crowds
- Great chances to spot wildlife (bring binoculars)
- Cool, dark skies for stargazing if you stay after dark
This is a good trip if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Make sure your gas tank is full, pack snacks, and download maps ahead of time—cell service can be spotty.
5. Charming Small-Town Loop – Orange County, VT
Approx. drive from Lebanon: 30–60 minutes, depending on the town
Across the river from Lebanon,
Orange County, Vermont is dotted with little villages that feel frozen in time. Think white churches, village greens, and quiet back roads.
Build your own loop by:
- Crossing into Vermont and heading north or south through small towns
- Stopping at local general stores for coffee, sandwiches, or baked goods
- Pulling over at covered bridges and viewpoints for photos
- Exploring local trails or river access points along the way
This is a flexible day trip. There doesn’t need to be a strict plan—just pick a few towns, connect them on a map, and see what you find.
6. Lake Winnipesaukee Day Trip – Belknap County, NH
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 1.5 hours
If you’re craving a “big lake” vibe, point the car toward
Belknap County and
Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s one of New Hampshire’s signature spots and a must-do at least once.
Fun things to do around Lake Winnipesaukee:
- Walk the waterfront in Laconia or nearby lake towns
- Rent a boat, take a cruise, or book a fishing charter
- Find a lakeside restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoy the view
- Visit public beaches for swimming on hot days
If you’re used to quieter local lakes, Winnipesaukee will feel big and busy—but in a fun, “summer vacation” kind of way.
7. Mount Washington Region – Coös County, NH
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 2.5 hours
For a bigger adventure, head north to
Coös County, home to the dramatic
Mount Washington area. It’s a longer day trip, but many people still do it in a single long day from Lebanon.
Top experiences in this area:
- Drive or take a tour up the Mount Washington Auto Road (seasonal, weather-dependent)
- Ride the historic cog railway (from the other side of the mountain)
- Hike nearby trails for sweeping White Mountain views
- Explore small North Country towns and local diners
Weather at higher elevations can change fast, so always check the forecast and conditions before you go. Even in summer, a jacket is a smart idea.
8. Meredith & the Lakes Region Back Roads – Belknap County, NH
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 1.5 hours
Another Belknap County option is to aim for
Meredith, a pretty lake town in the heart of the Lakes Region. From there, you can branch out on quiet roads and find your own favorite spots.
Ideas for your Lakes Region road trip:
- Walk along the waterfront and browse shops in Meredith
- Find an ice cream stand with outdoor seating
- Drive around smaller nearby lakes for less-crowded views
- Look for short hiking trails or overlooks along the way
This is a nice “low-stress” day trip—easy roads, lots of food options, and plenty of places to stretch your legs.
9. Concord, NH – Historic Capital Vibes – Merrimack County
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 1.25–1.5 hours
If you’re in the mood for more of a city feel without going too far, head to
Concord in
Merrimack County, New Hampshire’s capital city.
What to do in and around Concord:
- Walk around downtown and check out local shops
- See the New Hampshire State House and grounds
- Visit local museums or historic sites
- Enjoy a sit-down meal at a local restaurant or café
This is a great option when the weather isn’t perfect for mountains or lakes, but you still want to get out of town.
10. North Conway & the White Mountains Gateway – Carroll County, NH
Approx. drive from Lebanon: about 2 hours
To wrap things up, consider a road trip to
North Conway in
Carroll County, one of the main gateways to the
White Mountains.
Why this road trip is worth the drive:
- Lots of shops, outlets, and restaurants in town
- Access to scenic drives, waterfalls, and trailheads in the surrounding area
- Train rides, seasonal attractions, and family-friendly activities
- Great base for exploring more of the White Mountains if you stay overnight
It can be busier than some of the quieter spots on this list, but the energy, scenery, and options make it a favorite for many New England road trippers.
Tips for Planning Your Lebanon, NH Road Trips
To keep your adventures fun and stress-free, here are a few quick tips:
- Check drive times before you go, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Pack a small day bag with water, snacks, a light jacket, and a phone charger.
- Fill up on gas in or near Lebanon, especially for Vermont backroads or remote areas.
- Look up hours for attractions and restaurants—some are seasonal or close early.
- Bring layers if you’re heading into the mountains or near the water; temps can drop fast.
Where Will You Go Next? Share Your Favorite Road Trips!
Living near Lebanon, NH (or visiting the area) means you’re surrounded by easy day trips—to
lakes, mountains, small towns, and quiet country roads in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Which of these out-of-county road trips are you most excited to try first?
- Are you a lake person looking at Sunapee or Winnipesaukee?
- Do you love small towns like Woodstock and Meredith?
- Or are you dreaming of the wild North Country and Essex County backroads?
Have you done any of these drives from Lebanon? Drop your experiences, tips, or favorite hidden spots in the comments so other travelers can discover them too. And if you know someone planning a trip to the Upper Valley,
share this post to help them find new places to explore just beyond Grafton County.
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