August 2025 –
When guests arrive at Red Clover Inn, they often ask: What secret spots should we explore beyond the usual Vermont attractions? While Killington’s ski slopes and mountain views are always worth the trip, some of the best memories are made in the hidden corners of the Green Mountains—places even long-time locals keep close to their hearts.
If you’re looking for quiet trails, family-run farms, and hidden gems just a short drive from the inn, here are five day trips that pair perfectly with a cozy evening back by the fire.
The Silent Ravine at Gifford Woods
Just 15 minutes from the inn, Gifford Woods State Park holds a secret pocket of tranquility: a mossy ravine where trickling streams echo softly and sunlight filters through towering maples. It’s a perfect escape for hikers who crave silence away from busier trails. Bring a thermos of coffee and let the forest soundtrack reset your pace.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Distance: 6 miles | 15-minute drive
- 🌿 Best Season: Spring and early summer, when streams run fullest
- 💡 Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to have the ravine nearly to yourself
The Covered Bridge Loop
Vermont is famous for covered bridges—but beyond the well-photographed spans, there’s a loop of lesser-known bridges tucked along quiet country roads near Mendon and Pittsford. Wander across Cold River Bridge, then continue your drive to discover a pair of hand-hewn crossings still used by locals today. Bring your camera—morning mist and golden hour light turn these bridges into storybook scenes.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Distance: 10–15 miles | 20–30-minute scenic drive
- 🍂 Best Season: Fall, when the bridges frame bursts of foliage
- 💡 Insider Tip: Stop at a roadside farmstand along Route 7 for apples and maple candy to enjoy along the way
Farmstead Cheesemaking Experience
Nothing says Vermont quite like cheese, and just outside Killington you’ll find small family farms that open their doors for tastings and tours. Watch the cheesemaker at work, learn about the centuries-old process, and sample tangy cheddars and soft wheels fresh from the cave. Pair it with a local cider and you’ll have a true taste of Vermont in every bite.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Distance: 12 miles | 25-minute drive
- 🧀 Best Season: Year-round
- 💡 Insider Tip: Call ahead—farm tours often book quickly during peak foliage season
Alpaca Encounters in the Foothills
If you’ve never looked into the eyes of a fluffy alpaca, you’re in for a treat. Several small farms in the Mendon area welcome visitors to meet their herd, feed the animals, and browse hand-spun yarns in cozy farm shops. Kids love the experience, but couples find it equally charming—especially when the alpacas pose for photos against rolling Vermont hillsides.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Distance: 8 miles | 15-minute drive
- 🌼 Best Season: Summer and fall, when farm gardens are in bloom
- 💡 Insider Tip: Pick up a skein of yarn—locals say alpaca wool makes the warmest winter socks
Canoeing on Kent Pond
A stone’s throw from Killington, Kent Pond remains one of the area’s most peaceful paddling spots. Canoe or kayak along its quiet coves, where loons call in the distance and dragonflies hover above lily pads. Pack a picnic and pull ashore under the shade of birch trees—the perfect way to slow down before returning to the comforts of the inn.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Distance: 5 miles | 10-minute drive
- 🌞 Best Season: Late spring through early fall
- 💡 Insider Tip: Arrive at sunrise to watch the mist lift over the water
Plan Your Hidden Vermont Adventure
One of the best parts of staying at Red Clover Inn is knowing that after your adventures, you’ll return to warm hospitality, fireside evenings, and starry skies from our backyard. Whether your day takes you to alpaca farms, quiet ravines, or canoeing on Kent Pond, these off-the-beaten-path escapes are the kind of Vermont experiences that linger long after you leave.
👉 Ready to discover your own hidden gems? Book your stay at Red Clover Inn
and let our team help you plan a one-of-a-kind getaway.