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 an ethos and sense of place that is truly palpable and gets 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.
Top Things to Do in the Mad River Valley

Skiing & Snowboarding
Vermont is the number one destination for skiing and snowboarding in New England! Explore several different ski mountains within minutes of the lodge along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more:
- Mad River Glen Ski Resort, 4 min. drive
- Sugarbush Resort – Mt Ellen, 4 min. drive
- Sugarbush Resort – Lincoln Peak, 11 min. drive
- Ole’s Cross Country Center, 14 min. drive
- Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center, 15 min. drive
- Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area, 30 min. drive
- Cochran’s Ski Area, 38 min. drive
- Bolton Valley, 42 min. drive
- Stowe Mountain Resort, 53 min. drive
- Killington Ski Area, 1 hour & 10 min. drive

Swimming & Boating
Mad River Valley is home to amazing kayaking, paddleboarding, the famous Warren Falls, and some of the best natural swimming holes in the world! Some of the best swimming holes and cliff jumping sites are accessible by just a short walk from your front door when you stay at Mad River Lodge!
- Lareau Swimming Hole, 6 min. drive
- Great Eddy Swimming Hole, 8 min. drive
- Warren Riverside Park, 10 min. drive
- Blueberry Lake, 15 min. drive
- Warren Falls, 15 min. drive
- Ward’s Swimming Hole, 20 min. drive

Hiking & Biking
Hiking
One of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of our state is to find an amazing hike. Find a trail that suits your level. From short and simple to the world famous Long Trail!
- Mad River Path, 5 min. drive
- Millbrook Trail, 5 min. drive
- The Warren Path, 15 min. drive
- Long Trail Loop, 23 min. drive
Road & Mountain Biking
The Mad River Valley is situated in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains with renowned off-road mountain biking trails throughout the area. If you prefer to take in the beauty of the area from the open road, there are scenic routes to enjoy the natural world from spring blooms to breathtaking fall foliage.
- Chase Brook Town Forest, 4 min. drive
- Eurich Pond, 10 min. drive
- Sugarbush Resort, 11 min. drive
- Blueberry Lake, 15 min. drive
- Moretown, 16 min. drive
- Camel’s Hump State Forest, 41 min. drive

Local Dining
Vermont is considered the home of farm-to-table, and our small community of The Mad River Valley offers locally grown and produced meats, vegetables, cheese and so much more. The pairing of authentic farm-to-table foods with our eclectic community provides quality dining options unlike anywhere else.
- Mad River Barn, 2 min. drive
- Hyde Away, 2 min. drive
- Tucker Hill, 4 min. drive
- China Fun, 5 min. drive
- The Mad Taco, 6 min. drive
- The Blue Stone, 6 min. drive
- Canteen Creemee Company, 7 min. drive
- The Sweet Spot, 7 min. drive
- The Big Picture, 7 min. drive
- American Flatbread, 7 min. drive
- Peasant, 7 min. drive
- Fit to be Thai’d, 9 min. drive
- Hostel Tevere, 10 min. drive
- Paradise Provisions, 10 min. drive
- Chez Henri, 11 min. drive
- The Reks, 12 min. drive
- The Pitcher Inn, 12 min. drive
- Rumble’s Bistro & Bar, 12 min. drive
- Mutha Stuffers, 12 min. drive
- Hogan’s Pub, 12 min. drive
- Castlerock Pub, 12 min. drive
- Warren Store, 12 min. drive

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.
- Lawson’s Finest Liquids, 7 min. drive
- Prohibition Pig, 25 min. drive
- Frost Beer Works, 37 min. drive
- The Alchemist, 44 min. drive
- Bent Hill Brewery, 44 min. drive
- von Trapp, 45 min. drive
- Fiddlehead Brewing Company, 50 min. drive
- Rock Art Brewery, 52 min. drive
- Lost Nation Brewing, 55 min. drive
- Foley Brothers Brewing, 58 min. drive
- Hill Farmstead Brewery, 1 hour & 27 min. drive

Farms & Markets
The Mad River valley has a high concentration of local farms, specialty shops and farmers markets to discover. Enjoy the freshest local foods during your trip and head home with artisanal crafts and food products to share with your friends and family.
- Waitsfield Farmers Market, 6 min. drive
- Knoll Farm, 7 min. drive
- 4orty Bridge Boutique, 7 min. drive
- Product Think Tank, 7 min. drive
- The Collection, 7 min. drive
- Clearwater Sports, 8 min. drive
- Artisan’s Gallery, 8 min. drive
- The Green Closet, 8 min. drive
- Reign Vermont, 8 min. drive
- Alpine Options, 9 min. drive
- Warren Store, 12 min. drive

The Arts & Local Events
From quirky museums and live music, to spring and summer festivals, and the fall harvest and winter ski races beyond, The Mad River Valley has a reason for the season. Come get away for a “Very Vermont” experience with the art, activities and attractions and seasonal events of The Mad River Valley.
- Blockhouse Studio, 6 min. drive
- Mad River Fiber Arts & Mill, 7 min. drive
- Valley Players Theater, 7 min. drive
- The Bundy Modern Gallery, 10 min. drive
- Art in the Village, 12 min. drive
- Salt & Sand Studios, 14 min. drive
- Moosewalk Studios & Gallery, 17 min. drive

Unique Adventures
Within a short drive of Mad River Lodge you will find several excellent golf courses, hidden fishing holes, glider flights and enough adventure to satisfy any level of thrill seeker. Make Mad River Lodge your home base and fish, play, glide, ride and paddle the days away.
- Mountain Rose Yoga, 6 min. drive
- Sugarbush Golf Club, 12 min. drive
- Sugarbush Disc Golf, 12 min. drive
- Sugarbush Soaring, 15 min. drive
- Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, 17 min. drive

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 lodge in the Mad River Valley is ideally located in North Central Vermont within driving distance to several unique areas and countless charming towns along the way.
- Burlington, VT – On the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, 52 min. drive
- Stowe, VT – At the base of Mount Mansfield, 37 min. drive
- Waterbury, VT – Home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, 25 min. drive
- Montpelier, VT – The smallest state capital in the US, 33 min. drive