When one thinks of Vermont, vibrant fall colors, idyllic small towns, and covered bridges usually come to mind. With its rolling hills, charming villages, orchards and miles of scenic byways, Vermont is one of the most iconic destinations for fall foliage in the United States. Last year, I made my first fall trip to Vermont and was struck with the tapestry of colors and beauty that covered every corner of the state.
Starting in late September, the colors start to come alive, especially in the northern reaches of the state. Continuing through October, other parts of Vermont transform into a breathtaking mosaic of reds, oranges and yellows. The forest covered hills and mountains that make up most of the state blaze with color, beckoning visitors from around the world. Vermont has the highest concentration of Maple trees in the country, which are renowned for their spectacular fall colors because of their high concentration of pigments and how they respond to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight in autumn.
Whether you’re embarking on a weekend road trip or planning a longer stay, here are some of the best places and routes to take in the seasonal spectacle.
The Northeast Kingdom
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, (also known as NEK) where the foliage usually begins to turn toward the end of September. This remote region of majestic mountains, farm towns, lakes and ski resorts stretches from the New Hampshire border to the U.S.-Canadian border.
Start out at Jay Peak, a popular ski resort that offers plenty of hiking and bike trails. Rising to 3,820 feet, the resort sits high in the Green Mountains, surrounded by fiery maple forests. On clear days, panoramic vistas stretch all the way to Canada. We stopped here to meet the sister of a friend of ours. She insisted that we take the aerial tram to the summit, and we were not disappointed. Along the way, the tram provides 360 degree views of the vibrant hillsides below. Once we reached the top, we hiked along numerous granite rocks taking in the exceptional view. Although we decided to take the tram back down, visitors can opt to hike down Long Trail, a 3.1 mile trek offering scenic overlooks along the way.
Further east, we stopped at Crystal Lake, a 763-acre glacial lake, stretching roughly three miles long and one mile wide. The lake lies beneath mountain slopes that blaze in autumn hues, which rewarded us with stunning reflections on the lake’s glassy surface. Crystal Lake State Park features almost a mile of sandy shoreline, picnic and swimming areas, and a historic granite bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The 1.4-mile Nature Trail or the Lake Shore Trail, as well as the 50-foot observation tower offer breathtaking views. At the north end of the lake sits the village of Barton, where remnants of old mills, workshops, and homes provide a reminder of the town’s industrial past.
Nearby is Lake Willoughby, often called the “Lucerne of America,” which offers crystal clear water surrounded by rustic cottages and steep cliffs rising above them. Trails take hikers up to Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah offering incredible elevated views. For outdoor enthusiasts, Kingdom Trails near East Burke and south of Lake Willoughby provides over 100 miles of wooded paths perfect for biking, hiking, or horseback riding among fall foliage.
Beer lovers should make sure to stop at Hill Farmstead Brewery, located in Greensboro Bend, south of Crystal Lake. Visitors can try a range of beers, some considered among the best in the world, paired with cheeses produced by the nearby internationally acclaimed Jasper Hill Farm.
Since 1956, the region has hosted the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival, encompassing a series of mini festivals held over a week during late September and early October. The festival includes events like community suppers, pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts and book sales scattered throughout the towns of Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet, Groton and Marshfield.
The Stowe Region
Just east of Burlington, and south of the Northeast Kingdom is the Stowe region. I’ve visited Stowe numerous times throughout the year, and each season offers something unique. This quaint village is mostly known as a ski resort, and it’s referred to as the Ski Capital of the East. There is plenty to see and do in Stowe during other seasons, especially the fall. Nestled below Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, Stowe offers incredible hiking trails, rustic covered bridges, and the winding Auto Toll Road that climbs the mountain for panoramic foliage views.
Stowe’s historic village center includes numerous restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, inns, and galleries to keep one entertained. Stowe Mercantile offers local beer, artisanal snacks, clothing and gifts. At the heart of town is Stowe Community Church, recognized by its iconic white steeple. The Stowe Recreation Path is a scenic 5.3-mile paved path that runs from the village center, along the West Branch Little River toward Stowe Mountain, weaving through farms, woods, and meadows with foliage views the whole way. East of town off Route 100 is Moss Glen Falls, a stunning waterfall framed by fall foliage—just a short walk from the trailhead.
The Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road is a 4.5-mile toll road, open through mid-October, which winds up the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, offering sweeping views along the way. From the summit, the Sunset Ridge trail, mostly above tree line, offers views of Lake Champlain surrounded by a color-flooded forest on a clear day. The toll road is accessed from Highway 108, and the cost is $37 per car, plus an additional $14 per passenger.
Just outside of Stowe off Highway 108 is the Trapp Family Lodge which was established by the Trapp family, made famous by the musical The Sound of Music. After fleeing Austria, the family settled in Stowe because the surrounding scenery reminded them of their homeland. Several years following the death of Baron George von Trapp in 1947, his family opened a ski lodge. The lodge has expanded over the years and is now popular year-round, offering numerous hiking and mountain biking trails for viewing the fall colors. The lodge also operates von Trapp Brewing which serves traditional German and Austrian style lagers. We stopped at the restaurant for a tasty German style lunch and tried spaetzle, a selection of wurst, and chicken schnitzel, all while enjoying the peaceful mountain views.
Four miles further up Highway 108 is Stowe Mountain Resort which covers Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The gondola offers spectacular views and provides access to numerous hiking trails. The beautifully designed resort village, located at Spruce Peak, offers lodging, nine restaurants, numerous shops, a spa, the Stowe Rocks climbing center, and the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, a 420 seat multi-use theater that operates all year.
Smugglers’ Notch and the Scenic Route 108
Just north of Stowe, along Mountain Road (Route 108), lies Smugglers’ Notch State Park. This dramatic narrow mountain pass bursts with color in October. The road winds through towering cliffs and dense maple forests, offering one of Vermont’s most scenic drives. The highway makes many tight hairpin turns through the pass which separates Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The pass got its name because smugglers used the rugged path through the mountains to move supplies to and from Canada during the War of 1812. Fugitive slaves also used the pass as an escape route to Canada. In 1922, the road was built to accommodate automobiles, and it became a popular route for liquor to be brought in from Canada during the Prohibition years. Some popular destinations include the Smugglers’ Notch State Park which offers plenty of hiking opportunities, the Smugglers’ Notch resort, and the Smugglers’ Notch disc golf facility.
North of the notch, stop for a hearty and delicious meal at 158 Main in Jeffersonville. The small restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. I opted for the Apple and Walnut pancakes, which came with three large fluffy pancakes stuffed with apples and walnuts and a side of syrup – perfect for a fall day. They also serve a variety of eggs benedict, breakfast sandwiches, salads, pizza, burgers and other sandwiches. After lunch, we explored two nearby galleries. Bryan Memorial Art Gallery and Visions of Vermont Fine Art Galleries both have a large collection of landscape paintings capturing the spirit of Vermont and New England.
Woodstock and Quechee Gorge
One of my favorite small towns in the United States is Woodstock, located in central eastern Vermont. Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this postcard perfect town could be a setting straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Woodstock is known for its quintessential New England character, with its quaint Village Green, white steepled church, covered bridges, historic 18th and 19th century architecture, and surrounding natural beauty. Woodstock is especially popular during autumn, when the foliage transforms the surrounding landscape into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Founded in 1761, the town’s location near the falls on the Ottauquechee River made it a perfect location for the operation of mills. The attractive downtown is focused on Central Street and Elm Street, and offers a myriad of shops and boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops. A popular tourist attraction is the Middle Covered Bridge, located on Mountain Avenue just off the Village Green. Also located on the Green is the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort, designed in the Federalist style. The resort includes a spa, pool, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, Nordic center, and ski area.
Woodstock is also home to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park which includes Mount Tom. This peak rises nearly 1,400 feet above Woodstock, offering scenic views of the town and surrounding area. The summit can be accessed via numerous trails. The main entrance to the mountain lies within the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park. We used the Faulkner trail, located within Faulkner Park off Mountain Road. Most of the trail is moderately easy, but is steep and more difficult near the top. Adjacent the park is the Billings Farm & Museum which preserves Vermont’s agricultural and conservation heritage. The functioning dairy farm includes an 1890 farmhouse and exhibits re-creating 19th-century farm life.
A short drive east of Woodstock, the Quechee Gorge offers breathtaking views from a high bridge over Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The gorge’s surrounding woods light up with fall colors, making it a must-stop for foliage photos.
Manchester and the Southern Green Mountains
In southern Vermont, the beautiful village of Manchester comes alive each autumn as a showcase for colorful foliage and adventures, offering outlet shopping, cozy inns, and access to the Green Mountain National Forest.
Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains, the historic downtown is adorned with marble sidewalks and colonial architecture. Visitors can pop into boutique shops, dine al fresco on Main Street, read a book next to Mill Pond in the Town Green, or browse galleries such as Northshire Bookstore and the Southern Vermont Arts Center sculpture garden.
A popular Manchester attraction is the Hildene Estate, where the historic Lincoln family home is set amid colorful gardens and woodland views.
Numerous hiking trails are scattered around Manchester, such as Prospect Rock, Lye Brook Falls, and the accessible Boardwalk at Hildene, all offering peaceful treks framed by seasonal splendor.
I’ve spent a weekend at the historic and luxurious Equinox Golf Resort and Spa which sits just south of town amongst 1,300 wooded acres extending into the Green Mountain National Forest. The resort offers many amenities, including excellent and unique dining options such as the Marsh Tavern, an 18th-century classic featuring refined New England cuisine. The Falcon Bar overlooks the fall landscape with cozy fireplaces and local drink selections.
The 18-hole Walter Travis–designed course, redesigned by Rees Jones, is comprised of rolling fairways and manicured greens framed by autumn foliage and sweeping mountain vistas. The full-service spa is the perfect place to rewind after a day of exploration. Visitors can relax in the heated indoor pool, or enjoy wellness treatments in the serene mountain-set wellness center.
Fall-packages like “Seasonal Scenic Views” include guest rooms with picture-perfect views of the Green Mountains, complimentary apple cider, and fresh cider donuts from local farms—luxurious seasonal touches that immerse you in Vermont’s autumnal magic
The famed Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is a must for panoramic views and outdoor adventures. The scenic 5.2‑mile ridge road climbs more than 3,200 feet to the summit of Mount Equinox, providing sweeping vistas across the Taconic and Green Mountains ablaze in fall color. On clear days you can see into five states.
Apple Orchards
Vermont is known for its many orchards scattered across the state, and the fall is one of the best times to make an outing to one or several. Shelburne Orchards is located south of Burlington, and has a tasting room where apple pickers can taste apple brandy made onsite; Further south near Middlebury is Champlain Orchards, one of the oldest continuously operating orchards in Vermont; and Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot, is a short drive from the Cabot Creamery where you can pick up some cheese to go with your fruit. The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association provides information on where you can pick apples in the state.
Tips for Leaf-Peeping in Vermont
- Best time to visit: The foliage peaks vary each year by elevation and weather. However, a trip anywhere across the state from mid-September through October practically guarantees awe.
- Timing your route: Start in the north (like the Northeast Kingdom) in late September or early October and head south as the season progresses.
- Stay flexible: Vermont’s small towns offer plenty of scenic detours, farm stands, and maple syrup stops—half the fun is in the wandering.
- Prepare early: Accommodations book up early, especially in popular places like Stowe and Woodstock. Make reservations ahead of time for gondola rides, and foliage train rides.
Getting There
Vermont is easily accessible by car, air or train from the eastern half of the U.S. Interstate 89 connects northern Vermont to Boston, while Interstate 91 connects the Northeast Kingdom to New Haven. Burlington International Airport offers direct flights to sixteen cities with six airlines. Amtrak offers service between Burlington and New York via the Ethan Allen Express, with stops in Castleton, Middlebury, Rutland and Ferrisburgh. The Vermonter Line connects Burlington to Washington D.C. with nine stops throughout the state. Traveling by rail is a fun and stress free way to view the foliage.