Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont : A Must-Visit Guide

Are you planning a New England Fall Road Trip and looking for the best places to see Fall Foliage in Vermont?

We had the best time going on a road trip through Vermont to experience the most beautiful and colorful seasons. During our drive, we enjoyed the gorgeous golden and orange trees, took tons of pictures, sipped on hot apple cider, and savored delicious cider donuts.

There’s nothing quite like fall foliage in Vermont, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of autumn. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first visit in the fall, Vermont offers countless scenic spots that showcase the spectacular beauty of the season.

We did a 10 day New England fall road trip through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. In this guide, I’ll share some of the best places to soak in the stunning fall foliage in Vermont, so you can make the most of your trip and capture those picture-perfect moments.

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Best time for fall foliage in Vermont

It’s really tricky to pinpoint when peak fall foliage will happen, as it can vary depending on the region. The best way to stay updated with the Fall Tracker and keep an eye on the changing colors of the fall foliage in Vermont.

First week of October is considered as the best time to visit Vermont for Fall Foliage, though you can visit anytime in October to see the fall colors. Based on our observations from the past few years, fall starts peaking in the north and progresses south over the course of a month.

This means that you can enjoy peak fall foliage in Vermont the entire month of October, but the timing may vary by location.

Planning your Fall foliage in Vermont trip

When planning a trip for autumn in Vermont, you face the difficulty of whether to plan in advance or leave it for the last minute.

You can either plan every detail and hope to catch the peak colors, or you can go with the flow and visit places where the colors are at their best, according to the Vermont Fall Foliage Tracker. It all depends on your travel style!

I suggest creating a draft plan based on last year’s tracker, adjusting it based on the current year’s tracker, and then booking your accommodation (preferably refundable) or campgrounds accordingly.

For hotels, I highly recommend using booking.com or expedia.com (our go to) to compare prices across multiple different hotel and locations. Plus, they have an incredible refundable policy which comes handy if you want to change your plan.

Another flexible option is to book a Camper-van. It offers the added advantage of allowing you to camp in locations and enjoy the freedom of chasing fall colors.

Best way to explore Autumn in Vermont

Road Trip would be a great idea to enjoy Autumn in Vermont. You can rent a car based on the airport you are landing or city you coming from. Landing on Burlington, VT or Albany, NY airports would be a good choice.

I highly recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices among various car rental companies. They also have an excellent cancellation policy in case you want to change your Fall Foliage in Vermont trip.

Where to stay in Vermont

Stowe, Burlington and Woodstock are best places to stay and drive around the area. If you prefer camping, you can find and book a campground in available in the area based on your itinerary.

We booked hotel for 2 nights in Stowe near Smugglers Notch and traveled to all the places from there. There are lots of Hotels and B&Bs in Stowe which you can book online or call them directly.

Places to eat

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. You can check Yelp or Tripadvisor for options and book tables online. We really enjoyed Piecasso Pizza and Tres Amigos for lunch and dinner. Make sure to try the apple cider (hot or cold) and donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill – they’re the best in town. Also, don’t miss out on the seasonal favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, available at various places around town.

Vermont offers a good variety of coffee; we found some great selections even at gas stations. If you’re into beer, do visit the breweries for a beer tasting – we’ve heard it’s an amazing experience, but unfortunately, it was closed when we visited.

What to pack for Vermont trip

• Layered Clothing: Pack flannel shirts, sweaters, and jackets to stay comfortable in changing temperatures.
• Comfortable Footwear: Whether you’re hiking or exploring, make sure to wear supportive shoes.
• Sunscreen: Carry sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and road glare.
• Rain Gear: Wear a waterproof jacket and boots for staying dry during fall showers.
• Cozy Blankets: Keep warm with a soft, comfy blanket for those crisp fall evenings.
• Picnic Supplies: Bring a picnic blanket, utensils, and reusable containers for outdoor meals.
• Insulated Thermos: Keep your coffee or tea warm during scenic drives.
• Portable Phone Charger: Ensure your devices stay charged to capture beautiful fall moments.
• Offline Google Maps: Download routes you plan to take in case you drive outside a network zone.
• Entertainment: Bring audiobooks, playlists, or podcasts for long stretches of road.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Bring a reliable light source for evening stops or unexpected nighttime adventures.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by always bringing a water bottle on your adventures.
• Camera Gear: Don’t forget to carry your camera or phone to capture all the memories you are going to create. 
• Tripod: Bring a tripod to help you get the perfect photo in case there are no people around to assist you.

Here are best places to visit Fall Foliage in Vermont

1. Stay in Stowe

Quint cozy little town of Stowe is the perfect place to visit during fall. There are plenty of things to do in and around the town. We stayed for 2 days and explored all the nearby places. 

This town is the perfect spot to soak up the charm of a small New England town and savor classic fall activities like cider tasting. You’ll also find the Von Trapp Family Lodge (you know, from the Sound of Music), the original Ben & Jerry’s and Cold Hollow Cider Mill for warm apple cider and delicious doughnuts.

Hike the Stowe Pinnacle Trail. You have two hiking route options: you can either start from the trailhead on Upper Hollow Road (3.6 miles round-trip) or from the Pinnacle Meadows lot, which shortens the hike by about a mile (2.6 miles round-trip).

Stowe Recreation path is a 5.3 mile paved trail for walking or biking through spectacular vistas. If you are staying in the town, rent a bike and enjoy the trail.

There are plenty of hiking trails available in the area.

2. Explore Little river state park

Half an hour from Stowe, Little river state park is an ideal place to spend an evening. The orange mountains glowing during sunset was the highlight of our visit apart from the golden fall foliage drive.

3. Drive through Smugglers Notch

Stowe to Cambridge through Smugglers Notch & Mt Mansfield highway aka VT 108 has a dramatic fall foliage scenery. Passing through the avenues of colorful trees,  pulling over to admire the nature’s best display and clicking numerous photos were the things we enjoyed while exploring the area. 

4. Visit Mt Mansfield auto toll road

Mt Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont. The view from the top is spectacular and the 1.4 mile hike (one way) to Mt Mansfield summit is something you should not miss.

There are three ways to reach the top of the mountain – by road (aka Auto Toll Road); by hiking or by riding in a gondola. We chose to drive the 4.5 mile Auto toll Road. The road is unpaved & pretty narrow for two way traffic, so be very careful while driving and use low gear when coming down. If you are planing to hike at the top – wear a hiking shoe ; bring a jacket and always stay in the designated trail.

5. Admire the most photographed farms

A visit to Vermont in Autumn is incomplete without visiting the picturesque farms – Sleepy hollow farm in Pompret VT and Jenne farm in Reading. Both the farms are exceptionally beautiful and there are some amazing photo opportunities. 

2023 update – The road to Sleepy Hollow farm in Pompret, VT is closed to Non – Residents.

6. Wander the streets of Woodstock

Woodstock is a very popular town in Vermont during fall season. Iconic covered bridges, pretty boutique shops, victorian mansions are few things you should definitely look for while walking around this charming town. 

Don’t miss the Middle Covered Bridge, a perfect spot for some classic fall photos. There is plenty of street paid parking available in the town.

7. Stop at Queche gorge

Quechee gorge is a 15 mins drive from Woodstock and the view from the road side pedestrian path on the bridge is something not to be missed. The parking is available on both sides of the bridge. If you have time, visit Sugarbush farm for some cheese tasting on the way to Quechee gorge.

8. Try hot apple cider & donuts

Cold hollow cider mill is the best place to taste the apple cider and delicious donuts. It is about a 20 mins drive from Stowe and also has plenty of things to buy – Maple syrup, Hot Cocoa (we loved it), Vermont coffee etc.

9. Enjoy the Scenic drives

There are plenty of scenic drives to enjoy the fall foliage in Vermont. Checkout the list along with the point of interest and plan the road trip accordingly. 

10. Take pictures of covered bridges

Don’t forget to click the quintessential picture of the covered bridges before saying goodbye to Vermont. There are plenty of them around the area.

Tips for visiting Vermont in Fall

Start Early: Popular spots can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. Try to get there early so you can enjoy the best views and avoid the crowds.

Plan Ahead: Be sure to check local foliage reports to find out the best times to visit. The peak foliage can vary depending on the region and weather conditions.

Pack Essentials: Don’t forget to bring along a camera, binoculars, and a map of the area. It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks, water, and a first-aid kit, especially if you plan on taking a hike.

Carry warm layers: The weather in autumn can be tricky. Make sure to layer your clothing to stay warm and wear sturdy footwear for those hikes.

Be Prepared for Rain: Autumn showers can happen, so be sure to bring along a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

Plan during the Week: If you can, plan your trip on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and have a more peaceful experience exploring fall foliage in Vermont.

Use a GPS or Offline Maps: Some areas may have limited cell service, so it’s a good idea to have a GPS or download offline maps of the area as you road trip through Vermont.

Capture the Moment: Fall foliage is so fleeting, so be sure to snap plenty of photos to capture the beauty. But don’t forget to put the camera down and take in the view with your own eyes too!

Stay on designated trails, be sure to pick up all your trash, and be mindful of the wildlife.

Final thoughts

Vermont’s awe-inspiring autumn foliage is a natural wonder that lures visitors from near and far. The vibrant hues, paired with the state’s quaint towns and idyllic landscapes, provide an unforgettable experience that encapsulates the very essence of the season.

Road trip through Vermont was in our travel bucket list forever and we are glad we hit the road for the season’s grand display. We really thought after witnessing such eye popping colored mountains, it would be hard for us to go back to normal green ones..lol! 

As you road trip through Vermont, remember to be flexible with your timing and destinations in order to catch the peak foliage. Embrace the slower pace, take the scenic routes, and savor the local flavors that make Vermont a quintessential fall destination.

Whether you’re a seasoned leaf peeper or a first-time visitor, the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont promise a rich, colorful, and serene escape into nature’s most vibrant season.

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