Inspiration

See Vermont Fall Foliage in These 15 Beautiful Places

There’s apple picking, covered bridges and cheese galore.

September 2, 2022

See Vermont Fall Foliage in These 15 Beautiful Places

Each year, autumn creeps down from Vermont’s northern border, painting the state in shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. Vermont's fall foliage beckons travelers from across the globe, and rightfully so: Three-quarters of the state are covered in forest, and it has the highest concentration of maple trees in the country (these are the ones that erupt in color).

But where—and when—should you go? Up in the northern reaches of the state, leaves usually begin to turn towards the end of September (Check the Vermont Department of Tourism’s foliage tracker for peak foliage times in different areas of the state.) But a trip anywhere across the state from mid-September through October practically guarantees awe, as does entry to one of the many fall festivals across the state. Whether you’re exploring the secluded forests of the grandly named Northeast Kingdom, or perusing the shops in adorable towns like Woodstock or Manchester,here's where to go on your fall trip to the Green Mountain State.

This article was originally published in October 2018. It has been updated with new information.

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Stowe
Each winter, this former dairy town turns into one of the ski capitals of the East–but coming a few months ahead of ski season means you’ll avoid many of the crowds, have an easier time getting dinner reservations, and also be able to enjoy some Green Mountain majesty without any of those subzero temperatures. There are countless hikes in every direction from downtown, but the nice and easy Stowe Recreation Path is a great place to start and get your bearings. In terms of where to stay: The Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge has long attracted visitors for its connection to the Von Trapp family’s story which inspired Sound of Music, but there are tons of great hotel options in Stowe, too. Check out The Lodge at Spruce Peak if you want something a little higher end with some on-site fine dining and a spa, or check out the unpretentious Field Guide. Whatever you do, come hungry, and don’t assume that this town is all about classic New England fare and classic New England fare only–restaurants such as Umami, Plate, and Hen of the Wood in nearby Waterbury prove that this region is one of Vermont’s most buzzing foodie enclaves.
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The Northeast Kingdom
Just follow the ‘NEK’ bumper stickers north. Colors in what’s known as Vermont’s three-country "Northeast Kingdom"—a remote region of hilly farm towns and family ski resorts, stretching from the New Hampshire border to the U.S.-Canadian border—pop early. Stop in towns like Burke, where you can walk uncrowded country lanes, ride in a hot air balloon, or canoe quiet ponds (the town’s annual fall foliage festival is always the last Saturday in September). Photo ops can be found driving through nearby Montgomery, with its six covered bridges—the most in any town in the country. These days, popular ski resort Jay Peak is a bona fide year-round escape, with hiking and mountain biking on the ski trails in the autumn, as well as an indoor water park that little ones will just love.

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Mount Philo
In Vermont’s oldest state park about 40 minutes south of Burlington, hikers at Mount Philo aren't only rewarded with bright views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains, but carbs and beer, too: Folino's Wood Fired Pizza and Fiddlehead Brewing Company, just minutes from the base, don’t disappoint.
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Burlington
About an hour south of Montgomery, lakefront Burlington—home to the University of Vermont—with its bustling Church Street Market is not to be missed. Recently, the city expanded its popular waterfront bike path, which now includes some 1,600 miles of scenic routes, many of them along Lake Champlain. Stop at Ethan Allen Park, which is home to a 40-foot stone tower. This is the city’s highest point, affording views of both the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks in the distance.
Book a top-floor room with an in-unit fireplace at Hotel Vermont, where you can use on-property bikes to stop at the best breweries in town (Foam Brewers, Switchback Brewing, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, and Citizen Cider). With the hotel’s October package, you’ll arrive to fresh cider donuts and rosé and can ride a wagon out to a farmstand to pick your own pumpkin.

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Manchester
Easy access from Boston (about three hours by car) via scenic Route 30, Manchester is touristy, sure. But most sights worth seeing—in this case, a historic village set amid a backdrop of reds and oranges at the base of Mount Equinox—are. Drop your bags at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, a dog-friendly spot right in town that has an outdoor firepit and a cider press (so that apple pickers can press their fruit into fresh cider).
Want to learn to fly fish? The town is home to sporting goods company Orvis and the Orvis Manchester Fly-Fishing School. Or, test your skills driving icy, rocky, hilly terrains and with The Land Rover Experience Driving Center at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. And if you’re interested in history, a visit to Hildene, the former summer home of President Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln, is essential–especially this time of year.
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Mountain Gondolas
Not a hiker? Many of Vermont’s ski mountains transform into stages for foliage every fall. Killington, Stowe, and Stratton all offer gondola rides from their respective mountains up and over changing leaves.

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Mount Mansfield
For those seeking heights, Mount Mansfield, in the Stowe area serves up sights of Lake Champlain surrounded by a color-flooded forest. Summit via Sunset Ridge. It’s mostly above tree line, practically guaranteeing views on a clear day.
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Apple Orchards
Suckers for quintessential fall outings (and photo ops) won’t want to miss the historic orchards scattered across the state. There are countless. A few standouts: Shelburne Orchards, which also has a tasting room where apple pickers can taste apple brandy made onsite; Champlain Orchards (pictured), one of the oldest continuously operating orchards in Vermont; and Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot, a small plot that’s only a short drive from the Cabot Creamery (just in case you want to pair your fruit with cheese). The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association is a wonderful resource to pinpoint where you can pick, or pick up some apples in the state this fall.

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Road Trip
One can argue that pretty much any trip to Vermont involves some degree of road tripping (you really need a car to get around if you’re looking to go outside of Burlington), but it’s important to note that ditching the main highways and traveling down the routes and secondary roads will bring you through many of state’s most charming villages, many of which consist of a general store, a post office, and not much else. The classic is Route 100–”The Skiers’ Highway”–a scenic 146-mile byway that hugs the spine of the Green Mountains chai, showcasing some of the state’s best mountain views and fall foliage on the way. Be sure to stop at the Ben & Jerry’s global HQ for some ice cream, or for warm cider doughnuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, both in Waterbury.
Route 7–which runs from the Massachusetts border up the agrarian west side of the state to Burlington is also rich in views and pit stops. It brings you from historic towns like Bennington and Dorset, both of which are filled with art galleries and charming souvenir shops. Also in Dorset: the oldest continuously operating inn in the state, the Dorset Inn, should you be in need of a night’s rest.
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Shelburne Farms
About 20 minutes south of Burlington, this sprawling 1,400-acre spot is part farm, part forest, a National Historic Landmark, and arguably one of the prettiest places in the state to park it after a day of exploring. Our suggestion: Head up to the old inn in the late afternoon for a cocktail on the lawn—the view is of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. You can stay overnight if you want; the inn is open till October 21, but bundle up—there’s no heat.

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Lake Champlain
Sometimes referred to the “Sixth Great Lake” because of its connections to the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the river system that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, the gorgeous Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s great marvels–and not only because it offers absolutely stunning views of both the Green Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains across the way in New York. The best way to take in two massifs’ worth of foliage? From the water. The Spirit of Ethan Allen offers weekly Sunday brunch cruises through October 16, and daily narrated lake tours until October 23. Bon voyage!
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All the Festivals
If the fall season screams "craft beers and artisan markets!" to you, Vermont's (many) festivals will scratch that itch. Mount Snow’s 24th Annual Oktoberfest (October 8, 2022)—a weekend full of beers and Oompah bands (and for those interested, a Gulp and Gallop 5K Beer Run)—is a festive pick. You could also explore the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival (October 7-9, 2022). Some 150+ artists and artisans sell their work; plus there's live music and craft beer at peak foliage season. For something a little more contemporary, the increasingly popular Vermont International Film Festival (October 21-30) in Burlington is a great option for movie buffs.

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Middlebury
College students in this picturesque town have easy access to whimsical fall moments in the Vermont countryside, namely the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, open till October 29, 2022. Pack a lunch and explore the ins and outs of the working horse farm. Or, head to nearby Snake Mountain where you'll be rewarded with unobstructed, colorful views of the flat farmland below after a relatively straightforward two-ish mile hike. The summit still holds the foundation of what once was the Grand View Hotel, which burnt down in 1925. On a rainy day, explore the archives and exhibitions of Vermont history at the Henry Sheldon Museum—and no matter the weather, stop for a refueling of craft brews at Otter Creek Brewing.
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The Mad River Valley
Vermonters will tell you to continue driving north on Route 100 toward the Mad River Valley, the region of Sugarbush Resort. The autumnal colors are there, of course, but so is the Mad River Taste Place, an artisanal market of Vermont food and drinks, charming country stores like the Warren Store, and some of the best tacos around in Waitsfield (we're looking at you, Mad Taco).
Can’t bring yourself to leave? Don’t. Relais & Châteaux’s The Pitcher Inn in Warren is a white-clapboard classic on the outside with individually themed rooms (think: the "ski room" and the "school room").

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Woodstock
In Woodstock, one of the most beautiful towns in the U.S. (think: picture-book New England foliage complete with a cute town green), you can be up and down 1,250-foot Mount Tom in about 90 minutes.
Stay at grand dame Woodstock Inn & Resort, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Visit the property’s Kelly Way Gardens a mile away—it’s home to organic produce and also a 135-foot ‘gourdwalk’ trellis covered in 17 different kinds of gourds and vines. Back at the hotel, you’ll be greeted with a roaring oversized fire in the lobby.