Forest Service Roads in Vermont Worth the Drive
August 02, 2025
Exploring U.S. Forest Service roads in Vermont is an easy way to discover out-of-the-way scenic drives, hiking trails and natural beauty.
Forest Service roads in Vermont can be found across the Green Mountain National Forest, from Searsburg and Sunderland to Goshen and Granville. The national forest encompasses more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont, forming the largest contiguous public land area in Vermont.
-The intersection of Forest Roads 32 and 27 in Goshen.
Most U.S. Forest Service roads were built before 1986, and many roads existed even before the Forest Service purchased land in Vermont nearly a century ago.
Forest Service roads serve two purposes: public access to the forest and management of the land.
When you’re traveling these roads, please be respectful of wildlife, trails and nearby homeowners. And leave no trace behind.
Forest Service Roads to Explore
Forest Service Road 42 in Rochester
Also known as Bingo Road, Forest Service Road 42 off Route 73 in Rochester starts at Kings Pond and works its way past a few houses and into the forest.
The dirt road runs along a mountain stream, is suitable for cars, and is ideal for a bike ride or walk. It also includes designated campsites.
-Getting there: Forest Service Road 42 can be accessed off Route 73 in Rochester.
Forest Service Road 10 between Landgrove and Mount Tabor
Forest Service Road 10 extends through the Green Mountain National Forest for about 15 miles. The route offers hiking access to The Long Trail and White Rocks National Recreational Area and Little Rock Pond, a four-mile round-trip hike.
Forest Service Road 10 is also an ideal spot for a scenic drive and wildlife viewing (my last moose sighting was there!).
-Getting there: Forest Service Road 10 can be accessed from Little Michigan Road in Landgrove or Route 7 and Brooklyn Road in Danby.
-An early fall day at Silver Lake in Vermont’s Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.
Forest Service Roads 32 and 27
Take Forest Service Road 32 from Route 125 and travel south to Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center in Goshen. Keep going and turn right on Forest Service Road 27.
You’ll wind through the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area within the Green Mountain National Forest and find access to Silver Lake. Silver Lake offers camping and various hiking trails, including a trail to Lenny’s Lookout overlooking Lake Dunmore.
-Getting there: From Goshen-Ripton Road, travel west on Silver Lake Road to the trailhead parking lot to scenic Silver Lake.
-The intersection of Forest Service Road 71 and Kelley Stand Road.
Forest Service Road 71 near Somerset Reservoir
Somerset Reservoir is a 1,623-acre lake with an entirely undeveloped shoreline. An ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing and fishing, the reservoir is in the unincorporated town of Somerset in southern Vermont.
Scenic and remote with hiking trails and campsites nearby, Forest Service Road 71 can be accessed by car from the north or south, and runs to the west of the reservoir.
-Getting there: From the south, take Somerset Road north from Route 9 in Searburg to Forest Service Road 71. From the north, head south from Kelley Stand Road in Stratton. The reservoir can be accessed from Somerset Road.
Forest Service Road 101 in Granville
Turn off Route 100 and head west into the Green Mountain National Forest in Granville. The area is home to the headwaters of the White River and serves up beauty at every turn.
-Getting there: From Route 100, travel west on West Hill to access Forest Service Road 101.
Find more scenic drives in the Green Mountain National Forest
**Some links are to our affiliate partners. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Where in Vermont? Test Your Knowledge of Vermont Geography
The answer to the July 26 quiz was Stratton.
Winners!
Suzie Reider
Darcey Brown
Alan Phillips
Can you name the town in the photo below? Share your answer by commenting below (be sure to give your name) or email me at [email protected]. I’ll announce the winners in next week’s email. Thanks for playing!
Help support Happy Vermont on Patreon
David Emery
Posted at 12:54h, 07 OctoberI’m wondering if there’s a Service Road map you can by or have sent to you ?
Erica
Posted at 19:34h, 07 OctoberHi David — Here is a link to one, although you probably need to print it out. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/brg2ut8qkl9c56mlc2z9334bpvrmqua0
You can also see the Forest Roads (labeled FR) on the Delforme Atlas & Gazetteer for New Hampshire and Vermont, which are available at many Vermont bookstores.
Mary Reed
Posted at 14:31h, 20 OctoberHi, can these roads be accessed using a regular vehicle, like a sedan, or do you need a vehicle with higher ground clearance?
Erica
Posted at 20:29h, 23 OctoberHi Mary, Most can be accessed with a regular vehicle until they close for winter. Enjoy! -Erica
Jeffrey Whiting
Posted at 09:40h, 03 AugustFR 32 is also a town Class 3 Highway maintained its full length by the Towns of Goshen and Ripton and known by the name of Goshen – Ripton Road. FR32 is a Class 3 road. named Silver Lake road which is maintained by the Town of Goshen past the last intersection. The Towns receive some funds to help maintain these roads in lieu of taxes.