Pure Vermont Scenery
Explore Vermont Byways. Discover Vermont Beauty. Relax in beautiful Vermont.
Travel Vermont and you will notice the scenery is magnificent. Everywhere you look you will see pure Vermont scenery. The beautiful landscape displays forests, streams and rivers, green fields, red barns and the majestic mountains. Ah yes, and cows as well! But, did you notice anything was missing from the landscape? Billboards for example?
Billboard-free Vermont!
In 1968 the state of Vermont passed a landmark anti-billboard law and the landscape has been billboard-free ever since. The law was the result of the extraordinary efforts of one man, Ted Riehle (1924 – 2007), who was determined to preserve the natural beauty of Vermont.
The goal of the bill was to still be able to provide information to travelers but, in the process, not to compromise the natural scenery. Even the number of information and directional signs per mile is closely regulated. Tourism is the number one industry in Vermont, 13 million visitors each year, and the lack of advertising is one of the most appreciated aspects of Vermont by visitors and locals as well.
Businesses may display an on-premise sign up to 150 sq feet however off-premise signs (the official name for billboards) are not allowed unless sanctioned by the state and this is typically done for reasons of public safety and convenience such as direction signs and road markers.
Vermont Byways
To further enhance the visitors’ enjoyment of pure Vermont scenery, we encourage you to explore the Vermont Byways, a series of roads which lead travelers through Vermont’s forests and farmland to historic villages and towns that are vibrant hubs of culture, commerce and recreation. Vermont has 10 designated byways range in length from 14 miles to more than 400 miles. An exploration can range in length from an afternoon to an entire summer. Tour the byways by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or train. Any mode of transportation on Vermont’s byways provides access to museums, art galleries, antique auctions and curio shops. Trail heads, swimming holes, waterfalls, hikes and valley views await travelers at every bend.
Route 100 and 100B through the Mad River Valley are designated a Vermont Byway. The Mad River Byway stretches 36.5 miles and winds its way through Middlesex, Moretown, Waitsfield, Buels Gore, Fayston, Warren and Granville via Routes 2, 100, 100B and 17. Much of the Mad River Byway is alongside the Green Mountain National Forest.
Each of the unique villages along the way are key destinations in their own right. Rich history in the form of churches, memorials, farms, architecture, recreation and community life define the area. Recreation in many forms can be found for all seasons of living and visiting the Mad River Valley.
The Mad River Byway provides a pleasant place to walk along the Mad River, utilizing the Mad River Path. The Mad River Valley is also home to two of Vermont’s premiere ski areas: Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. You will find more information on the Mad River Valley Byway here, and also check out more about the amazing places to visit in Vermont when you say with us.
So, when you explore pure Vermont scenery, you will have nothing but the glorious landscape spread before you. You’ll be able to see the forest and the trees!
Three cheers for uncluttered roadways and the beautiful scenery of Vermont!
References for the Vermont Byways: Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, VermontVacations.com
