VERMONT SCENIC BYWAYS
The Shires of Vermont Byway
Follow historic Route 7A from Pownal to Manchester between the Taconic and Green Mountains.
ROUTE 7A • POWNAL TO MANCHESTER
Mountain Views, Historic Towns & Vermont Character
Tucked between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains, the Shires of Vermont Byway pairs majestic mountain views and brilliant fall foliage with distinctive southwestern Vermont communities. Historic Route 7A also runs parallel to the Long Trail, part of which shares the Appalachian Trail.
THE ROUTE
33 Miles Through Southwestern Vermont
The drive from Pownal to Manchester is short enough to encourage plenty of stopping and sightseeing. Along the way are organic farms, mountain backdrops, historic architecture, dining, shopping, recreation and cultural attractions.
EXPLORE THE CORRIDOR
Stops Along the Shires of Vermont Byway
Leave time for farms, historic districts, mountain scenery and the character of each community.
Pownal
Organic farms sit against a mountain backdrop at the southern end of the byway.
Bennington
Explore dining, shopping and the South Shire’s historic Vermont character.
Old Bennington
Traditional New England architecture surrounds the landmark Bennington Battle Monument.
Arlington
Classic farms and rural scenery continue the Route 7A journey north.
Long Trail Country
Route 7A parallels Vermont’s Long Trail, with part of the trail also following the Appalachian Trail.
Manchester
The North Shire is a four-season destination for golf, fishing, skiing, arts and shopping.
PLAN THE DRIVE
Get to Know the Shires of Vermont Byway
The Shires of Vermont Byway is a 35-mile stretch of road that winds its way through the southwestern corner of the state, known as the “Shires.” This region is named for its resemblance to the pastoral landscapes of England’s countryside, with rolling hills, charming farms, and historic villages dotting the landscape.
PLAN THE DRIVE
Keep the Original Byway Map Handy
The original Vermont Agency of Transportation map traces the Shires of Vermont corridor across central Vermont and shows Route 4, connecting highways, communities, mountains, ponds and surrounding scenic roads.
KEEP EXPLORING
Discover More Vermont Scenic Byways
Connect Route 7A with more scenic roads, historic communities and classic Vermont landscapes.