BringFido’s Ruff Guide to Vermont

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of dashing off with your Dachshund on a trip to Vermont? If so, he’s going to be one happy pup. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in the Green Mountain State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code GREEN.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Vermont:

Visit Dog Mountain

St. Johnsbury, VT
"No dogmas here! Just dogs and their ma." Photo by Jessica Curtis

Dog lovers from all over the world come to celebrate and remember their beloved furry friends that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at Dog Mountain’s chapel in St. Johnsbury, VT. Have a seat on one of the hand-carved pews inside, surrounded by photos of passed dogs and hand-written messages from their owners. You can even leave a message yourself. Leave plenty of time to explore the beautiful grounds around the Dog Chapel. Dogs are free to run, play, and swim wherever they’d like in this 150-acre doggy paradise, the creation of artist Stephen Huneck. The only rule is to leave your leash at the door!

Stay less than 30 minutes from Dog Mountain at the Wildflower Inn, situated on 570 acres of bucolic Vermont farmland in Lyndonville. After enjoying the innkeepers’ signature buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh-from-the-orchard maple syrup, you and your pooch can work off your meal by exploring the vast woods and meadows surrounding the quaint, pet-friendly bed-and-breakfast.

Take a Gondola Sky Ride

Stowe, VT
"I'm gondola miss Vermont." Photo by BringFido/Allison

Although Stowe is best known for winter activities, you and Fido will find plenty to do there when it’s not snowing. In the spring, catch the Gondola SkyRide to access pet-friendly hiking trails and a sweet treat from The Waffle at the summit of Mount Mansfield. Smugglers’ Notch State Park is the place to enjoy cool air on a hot summer day. After a short hike to Bingham Falls, Fido can wade in the swimming hole at the base of the 25-foot waterfall. Experience 360-degree views of the Adirondack Mountains as you zigzag your way to the top of Vermont’s highest mountain on the Stowe Scenic Auto Road.

After romping through the mountains, you and your pup can unwind at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, the alpine-style lodge offers exquisite accommodations with goose-down feather beds, stone fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms. Canine guests receive a plush dog bed and chew toy upon arrival, and the property’s ‘Dog Sanctuary’ is great for morning walks.

Explore Dog-Friendly Farms and Orchards

You too can sniff the fresh pines at Winslow Farms. Photo by Cat Richards, Winslow Farms

Vermont offers year-round outdoor fun for humans and their furry friends. In the fall, more than 150 varieties of apples are grown in the state, and you can find many of them at Mad Tom Orchard in East Dorset. The farm invites you and your pooch to pick apples and then have a picnic with fresh cider and donuts from the farm shop. If you miss apple season, there’s still time to pick the perfect pumpkin at Winslow Farms in Pittsford. After you’ve scoured the 5-acre pumpkin patch, stop by the dairy barn to sample more autumnal treats. The farm also welcomes visitors and their pups to choose and cut their own Christmas tree each holiday season.

Spend the night in nearby West Rutland in one of The Paw House Inn’s uniquely furnished, canine-themed rooms. In addition to cozy accommodations, this property offers a wide variety of activities to keep you and your pup entertained. Go for a hike through wildflower fields, spend time together picking berries, or let Fido run off-leash at the inn’s fully fenced dog park.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to Vermont preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code GREEN to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

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Banner photo by @hudsonkastner.