Vermont in the fall is something I think about all year long. The trees turn red, orange, and yellow. The air gets crisp. Small towns feel like postcards come to life.
In this guide, I’ll share 33 things to do in Vermont in the fall so you don’t waste a single day of your trip. I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
I’ve spent several falls in Vermont and know what’s worth your time and what isn’t.
Here’s what we’ll cover: the best activities and stops, top small towns to visit, and practical planning tips with a sample itinerary.
Why Visit Vermont in the Fall?
Vermont in fall is one of the most rewarding experiences in New England. The season brings color, cool air, good food, and peaceful scenery all at once. Vermont has more maple trees per square mile than almost anywhere else in the country, so the fall color show here hits differently.
Add in covered bridges, cozy inns, apple cider donuts, and local breweries, and you’ve got a season worth planning for. Peak foliage runs from late September to mid-October, with northern Vermont peaking first and southern Vermont following shortly after.
Route 100 is the best road to drive during leaf season, and booking your lodging early is a must because spots fill up fast.
33 Things to Do in Vermont in the Fall
From scenic drives to cider mills, here are the best ways to spend your fall trip across Vermont.
1. Visit Stowe’s Charming Downtown
Stowe is one of Vermont’s most loved small towns, and fall is its best season. The main street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Mount Mansfield looms in the background, covered in color.
Walk around, grab a coffee, and take your time. There’s no rush here. The town has a relaxed pace that makes it easy to spend a whole morning just wandering.
2. Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch
Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow mountain pass between Stowe and Jeffersonville. The drive is tight and dramatic. Huge boulders sit right next to the road, and the trees arch overhead.
In fall, the color here is intense. The notch closes to traffic in winter, so fall is one of the last chances to drive through before the season ends. It’s a short drive but a memorable one.
3. Visit Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
The Ben & Jerry’s factory is a Vermont classic. It sits just off Route 100 in Waterbury and draws visitors year-round. In fall, the crowds thin out a bit compared to summer.
Take the factory tour to see how the ice cream is made. There’s a flavor graveyard out back where retired flavors are “buried.” It’s a fun stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
4. Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for Apple Cider Donuts
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is just down the road from Stowe in Waterbury Center. They press apple cider right on-site using an old stone press. You can watch it happen from inside the mill.
The apple cider donuts are the reason most people stop here. They’re made fresh throughout the day. Warm, soft, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Buy a bag and eat them in the parking lot. No shame.
5. Wander Through Woodstock Village
Woodstock is often called one of the prettiest towns in America. The village green, the covered bridge, the historic homes, and the backdrop of fall color make it easy to see why.
Walk along the main street, browse the shops, and stop for lunch at a local spot. The town has a relaxed, well-kept feel. It’s a good place to slow down and just be present.
6. Photograph Sleepy Hollow Farm
Sleepy Hollow Farm is a classic Vermont scene. It sits near Woodstock and features a red farmhouse, a weathered barn, and rolling hills that turn into waves of color in fall.
You can photograph it from the road. The light in the morning is soft and golden, which makes for a great shot. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Vermont for good reason.
7. Walk Across Middle Covered Bridge
Middle Covered Bridge in Woodstock is one of the most accessible covered bridges in Vermont. It sits right in town and crosses the Ottauquechee River.
Walking across it takes about two minutes, but it’s worth stopping to look around. The view from the bridge, with the river and the fall color on both sides, is something you won’t forget quickly.
8. Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Vermont has several farms that open their pumpkin patches and corn mazes in fall. It’s a great activity for families or anyone who wants something hands-on.
Pick your own pumpkin, get lost in the maze, and grab some local produce while you’re there. Many farms also sell fresh baked goods and hot drinks. It’s simple, but it feels right for the season.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Along Route 100
Route 100 is Vermont’s most scenic highway. It runs the length of the state from north to south and passes through small towns, farms, and mountain valleys.
In fall, driving it feels like moving through a painting. Pull over whenever something catches your eye. There’s no wrong time to stop along this road.
10. Tour a Vermont Maple Sugarhouse
Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state in the country. Many sugarhouses are open to visitors in fall, even though the sugaring season is in spring.
You can learn how sap becomes syrup, taste different grades, and buy bottles to take home. It’s a short stop but a meaningful one if you want to understand Vermont’s agricultural side.
11. Go Leaf Peeping in the Green Mountains
The Green Mountains run through the center of Vermont and are home to some of the best fall foliage in New England.
You can hike, drive, or simply pull off at a viewpoint. The higher you go, the earlier the color tends to peak. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles. Bring layers because it gets cold at elevation.
12. Visit Burlington’s Waterfront Park
Burlington sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The waterfront park offers wide open views of the lake and the Adirondacks on the other side.
In fall, the park is less crowded than in summer. The colors reflect off the water. It’s a peaceful place to sit, walk, and breathe. Church Street, the city’s main pedestrian street, is just a short walk away.
13. Visit Local Bookshops & Boutiques
Vermont’s small towns are full of independent bookshops and boutiques. These aren’t chain stores. They’re carefully curated spaces with local character.
Spend an hour browsing. You’ll often find Vermont-made products, local authors, and gifts you won’t see anywhere else. It’s also a great way to warm up when the temperature drops outside.
14. Enjoy a Cozy Café in a Small Town
There’s something about a Vermont café in fall that just hits right. Small, warm, smelling like coffee and baked goods, with a view of colorful trees through the window.
Stop wherever looks welcoming. Order a cider latte or a hot chocolate. Sit for a while. Fall in Vermont moves slowly, and that’s the point.
15. Hike Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak. The hike to the summit rewards you with 360-degree views of the fall foliage below.
The Long Trail runs across the summit ridge. It’s not an easy hike, but it’s worth the effort. Go early in the morning to beat clouds and other hikers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and layers.
16. Visit Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is sometimes called Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. It’s about 165 feet deep and carved by the Ottauquechee River over thousands of years.
You can view it from the bridge on Route 4 or hike the trail down to the river. In fall, the trees along the gorge walls turn bright red and orange. It’s one of the most visually striking stops in the state.
17. Visit a Vermont Farmers Market
Vermont’s farmers markets run well into fall. They’re places where you can meet local growers, try fresh food, and pick up things you’ll actually want to bring home.
Look for local cheese, apple butter, maple products, fresh bread, and seasonal vegetables. The Montpelier and Burlington markets are among the largest, but smaller town markets often feel more personal.
18. Go Apple Picking at a Local Orchard
Vermont apple orchards open for pick-your-own season starting in late August and running through October. It’s a hands-on way to enjoy the season.
Bring a bag or a basket, walk the rows, and pick what looks good. Most orchards also sell fresh-pressed cider, pies, and other apple products on-site. It’s a relaxed, outdoorsy activity that works for all ages.
19. Visit a Covered Bridge (Woodstock, Waitsfield & More)
Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than almost anywhere in the United States. Woodstock, Waitsfield, and the Mad River Valley area are great spots to see several in a short drive.
Each bridge has its own character. Some are wide and well-used. Others are narrow and tucked away on back roads. Seeing them framed by fall color is a classic Vermont experience.
20. Take a Gondola Ride for Mountain Views
Several ski resorts in Vermont run their gondolas in fall for sightseers. Stowe Mountain Resort and Okemo are good options.
Riding a gondola gives you an uplift view of the foliage without a strenuous hike. You can see for miles on a clear day. It’s a relaxed way to take in the color, especially if hiking isn’t your thing.
21. Visit Montpelier, Vermont’s Capital
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States. It has a population of under 10,000 people, but it punches above its weight in charm, food, and culture.
The gold dome of the state house is a nice photo stop. The downtown has good restaurants, coffee shops, and a local bookstore with a strong reputation. It’s compact enough to Visit on foot in an afternoon.
22. Visit a Local Brewery or Cidery
Vermont has a strong craft beverage scene. The state is home to dozens of breweries and cideries, many of which use locally grown ingredients.
In fall, many releases are seasonal. Look for pumpkin ales, apple ciders, and harvest-themed options. Sitting in a taproom with a cold glass while fall happens outside the windows is a simple but satisfying way to spend part of a day.
23. Stay at a Cozy Vermont Inn
Where you sleep matters just as much as what you do. Vermont has hundreds of small inns and bed-and-breakfasts scattered across the state.
Many are housed in historic farmhouses or old colonial buildings. They often include a full breakfast, fireplaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that a chain hotel simply can’t match. Book early because the best ones sell out quickly in October.
24. Take a Scenic Bike Ride
Vermont has a network of back roads that are ideal for biking in fall. The Mad River Valley and the Stowe recreation path are two popular options.
The Stowe path runs along the West Branch River and offers views of the mountains and the fall color. It’s paved and accessible. You can rent bikes in town and go at your own pace.
25. Attend a Fall Festival
Vermont towns host fall festivals throughout September and October. These events often include live music, local food, craft vendors, and activities for families.
The Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival is one of the most well-known. It runs for a full week across multiple towns. There are also harvest festivals, scarecrow contests, and apple celebrations happening across the state throughout the season.
26. Visit Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is a working farm and nonprofit educational center on the shores of Lake Champlain. The property covers nearly 1,400 acres and includes a historic inn, a farmyard, and miles of walking trails.
In fall, the grounds are lovely to walk through. The farm makes its own cheese on-site. It’s a thoughtful stop that gives you a sense of Vermont’s agricultural history and values.
27. Visit Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain stretches along Vermont’s western edge, bordering New York State. In fall, the shores are quiet and the water reflects the surrounding color.
You can walk along the waterfront in Burlington, take a short ferry ride, or find a quiet spot to sit by the water. The lake is most visited in summer, but it has a peaceful, almost melancholy quality in fall that some people find even more appealing.
28. Shop at a General Store
Vermont general stores are living pieces of history. Stores like Waitsfield’s Mad River General Store or the Jericho General Store carry local goods, homemade food, and the kind of everyday items that big box stores don’t stock.
They’re also gathering places for locals. Stopping in one gives you a small but real glimpse into how Vermont communities actually work.
29. Take a Photography Road Trip
Vermont in fall is a photographer’s dream. You don’t need to be a professional to come home with great images.
Plan a loose route that takes you off the main highways. Look for barns, church steeples, back roads lined with trees, and reflections in small ponds. Early morning and late afternoon light are best. Keep your camera or phone accessible and stop often.
30. Visit a Historic Church or Town Green
Vermont’s town greens and white-steepled churches are everywhere, and they look their best surrounded by fall color. They’re quiet, photogenic, and free.
Many date back to the 1700s and 1800s. Stopping to walk around one gives you a sense of the state’s long history. Peacham and Grafton are two towns with particularly well-preserved examples.
31. Try a Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Vermont takes local food seriously. Many restaurants here source directly from farms within a short drive. In fall, the seasonal menu options are at their best.
Look for dishes featuring butternut squash, local apples, Vermont cheese, and wild mushrooms. Reservations are a good idea for popular spots, especially on weekends in October.
32. Watch Sunrise Over the Mountains
Getting up early pays off in Vermont in fall. The mist sits low in the valleys before the sun burns it off. The light turns the trees gold and orange.
Find a high point with a clear eastern view and get there before first light. Mount Philo State Park near Charlotte and Hogback Mountain in southern Vermont are two good options.
33. Enjoy a Scenic Rest Stop View
Not every stop needs to be a destination. Vermont has plenty of roadside pullouts, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks where you can simply stop and look around.
Some of the best moments of a Vermont fall trip happen at unplanned stops. You pull over for a view, sit on the hood of your car, and realize you don’t want to leave. That’s the point of coming here.
Best Small Towns to Visit in Vermont in the Fall
These five towns offer the best mix of scenery, activities, and local character for a fall visit.
Stowe
Stowe is the most well-known fall destination in Vermont. It sits at the base of Mount Mansfield and offers a mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm. The main street is walkable and lined with good restaurants and shops. It’s also close to some of the most scenic drives in the state.
Woodstock
Woodstock has a refined, historic feel. The village green, the covered bridge, and the well-preserved Federal-style architecture make it one of the most photographed towns in New England. It’s also close to Quechee Gorge and a handful of good farms and orchards.
Waterbury
Waterbury is a practical base for visiting central Vermont. It’s home to Ben & Jerry’s and Cold Hollow Cider Mill, both of which are popular fall stops. The town itself is small but growing, with a few good restaurants and easy access to Route 100.
Burlington
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, but it still has a small-town feel. The waterfront, the Church Street marketplace, and a strong local food and drink scene make it a solid base for a fall trip. It’s also close to Shelburne Farms and Lake Champlain.
Waitsfield
Waitsfield sits in the Mad River Valley, which is one of the most scenic parts of Vermont in fall. It has a covered bridge, a good farmers market, and several farms nearby. It’s quieter than Stowe but equally rewarding. The valley fills with color in mid-October and the crowds are smaller here.
Tips for Planning Your Vermont Fall Getaway
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your Vermont fall trip.
- Small inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Stowe, Woodstock, or Waitsfield give you the most authentic fall experience. Book at least two to three months in advance since peak foliage weeks fill up fast.
- Fall weather in Vermont shifts quickly, so layers are a must. Pack a waterproof jacket, fleece, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat and gloves for cold mornings.
- A long weekend works for one or two towns, but three to four days is the sweet spot for covering more ground without feeling rushed.
- If you have five to seven days, you can comfortably see the full stretch of Vermont from Burlington in the north down to Grafton or Brattleboro in the south.
- For a 3 to 4 day trip, start in Stowe, spend a day hiking and visiting Cold Hollow Cider Mill, then head south to Woodstock and Quechee Gorge, and wrap up with a day in Burlington before heading home.
Conclusion
I hope this list gives you a real reason to start planning your Vermont fall trip. The state always has something new to offer in October, no matter how many times you’ve been.
Fall here is not just about the leaves. It’s about slowing down, eating well, and being somewhere that feels genuinely good. Personally, some of my best memories have come from the quietest moments, a roadside pull-off, a warm mug, a view I didn’t plan for.
If you’ve already been to Vermont in fall, I’d love to hear your favorite spots in the comments below. And if this post helped you, share it with someone who’s been thinking about going.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Vermont for fall foliage?
The best time is generally late September through mid-October. Northern areas like Stowe peak first, while southern Vermont follows a week or two later.
How many days do you need to see Vermont in the fall?
Three to four days gives you a solid experience. You can cover a few towns, do a hike, and drive some of the best scenic routes without feeling rushed.
What is the most scenic drive in Vermont during fall?
Route 100 is widely considered the most scenic fall drive in Vermont. It runs north to south through the Green Mountains and passes through several classic small towns.
Is Vermont expensive to visit in the fall?
Fall is peak season, so lodging prices are higher than usual. Booking early and staying midweek can help reduce costs. Many activities like drives, hikes, and farmers markets are free.
What should I wear to Vermont in the fall?
Dress in layers. Mornings can be close to freezing and afternoons can reach the mid-60s. A waterproof jacket, warm layers, and good walking shoes are the basics you need.
