As one of the best places in the entire country to see foliage, the fall season in Vermont is truly unmatched! And even though it’s a very small state, it can be overwhelming to decide when and where to go to see the best displays of autumn color.
If that’s how you’re feeling, I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been traveling to the Green Mountain State for over 15 years in all the seasons, and have visited countless times throughout autumn to find the best fall foliage in Vermont. Some places on my list are popular destinations that I think are worth the hype, and some of them are a bit more off-the-beaten-path. I’ll also share what Vermont is like in the fall season, and give you all my tips for planning the perfect fall getaway.
With that, I invite you to grab a warm, cozy beverage to sip on while we get to work on planning where you should go in Vermont this fall 😉
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Best Time To Visit Vermont For Peak Fall Foliage Color
Despite its small size, Vermont’s regions will peak at different times, so it’s good to have an idea of what the typical schedule is to set expectations.
In the most general sense, to give you an idea, the northern regions and higher elevations will peak first in early September, and then it trickles downstate from there, into early and mid October. Usually, Vermont’s foliage has finished its peak stage by late October.
Here’s a more specific breakdown on when you can expect peak fall foliage around Vermont:
Northeast Kingdom (Lake Willoughby, East Burke, Jay Peak) – Late September, early October
Upper Green Mountains & Central Vermont (Woodstock and Stowe) – Indigenous People’s Weekend/the second week of October.
Southern Vermont (Manchester, Bennington, Arlington, Shaftsbury) – Mid October/third week of October
When I get asked about a timeframe that works for most regions, I usually suggest the second week of October. During this week, you might be able to catch the tail end of peak foliage in the northern regions, peak in the central regions (where some of the best and most popular foliage towns are), and then the beginning of peak in the southern region. This is all dependent on the year, though, which brings me to an important note about foliage timing …
Please keep in mind, as with anything involving Mother Nature, fall foliage can and does change from year to year. While it’s generally safe to plan for the weeks mentioned above, weather patterns as late as early September can drastically affect foliage. It could come earlier than usual, or later. Even if the foliage doesn’t progress according to a schedule that aligns with your travel plans, know that your trip will still be amazing! While peak is truly spectacular, just before or after is also impressive.
How Long Does Peak Foliage Last On The Trees?
Once peak foliage hits, the leaves can last for 1-2 weeks before they fall, however, this is best-case scenario, and really depends on weather. If there’s a big rain storm, or high winds, those can remove a lot of the leaves from the trees while at peak color.
However, it it stays mild and the rainfall isn’t too intense, the leaves will hold on for at least a week, hopefully closer to two weeks. About a week is standard in New England, but it can vary from year to year.
The window for peak foliage is short, but don’t worry! There’s usually another region not too far away that may just be getting peak fall color – there’s usually always somewhere else to go to see it. Just keep heading south if you missed it 😉
Best Places To See Fall Foliage In Vermont
Now that I’ve filled you in on when to anticipate peak color, let’s talk about all the best places to see fall foliage around Vermont. It’s good to know that most places around the state have an amazing display of fall color. But, if you’re looking for the best of the best, here are my top suggestions.
1. Stowe
One of the most popular towns in Vermont for fall foliage is undoubtedly Stowe, and honestly, I think it’s so worth the hype. This is one of the most crowded towns to visit this time of the year, but because of its quaint charm, covered bridges, stunning mountain peaks, parks, scenic drives, and an adorable Main Street with great shops, I never mind braving the crowds to experience Stowe in October.
One of the best places to see fall foliage in Stowe is the drive through Smugglers Notch, which connects Stowe with Cambridge. This 17-mile drive takes you along a narrow pass through the Green Mountains, and is bursting with color during the fall season.
About halfway through the drive, you can also stop at the Stowe Gondola, which will take you up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state. At the top, you can enjoy impressive views of the mountains, which are completely ablaze with fall color in early to mid October.
While leaf-peeping in Stowe, I also recommend checking out:
→ The quaint Main Street and downtown area.
→ The Recreation Path, which runs through town, and is very peaceful, with lovely foliage.
→ Stowe Cidery, which is perfect in the fall season!
→ The drive to Waterbury Center to visit Cold Hollow for cider and donuts.
→ Emily’s Bridge, which has a haunted history.
Best time to visit Stowe for peak foliage*: Indigenous People’s weekend/second week of October.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Stowe, if you need more ideas 😉
2. Woodstock
Woodstock is just as popular a fall foliage destination as Stowe, and it’s another one that I think is worth the hype. This town is known as one of the most charming and idyllic destinations in the state (and, in my opinion, all of New England), and it truly feels like you’re on the set of a fall Hallmark movie here.
One of my favorite things to do in the fall season in Woodstock is visit Sugarbush Farms, which not only has awesome cheeses and maple syrup to sample, but offers incredible mountain views with bright fall color in early to mid October.
But Woodstock’s village center is really just so perfect in the fall, and you’ll find houses and storefronts proudly decorated for the season, autumnal trees lining the streets, covered bridges, and great shopping.
The nearby town of Quechee is also very worth an afternoon excursion while visiting the area, and you’ll find the Quechee Gorge here, which is beautiful in the fall, as well as cute little shops, and the Simon Pearce Flagship Store, which has a nice restaurant overlooking the river and a covered bridge.
While leaf-peeping in Woodstock, I also recommend checking out:
→ The idyllic village center, and Middle Covered Bridge (which is in the heart of the village).
→ The Lincoln Inn restaurant, which is perfect for a special, seasonal fall dining experience.
→ Billings Farm & Museum, which has seasonal events on the weekends, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
→ Drive the nearby back roads for postcard-ready landscapes, especially near Maple Grove Farm in South Royalton, and the trees and fences on Old River Road near Billings Farm.
Best time to visit Woodstock for peak foliage*: Indigenous People’s weekend/second week of October.
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Woodstock, VT, if you need more ideas 😉
3. Lake Willoughby
Vermont is home to over 800 lakes (yep, you read that right!), and one of my absolute favorites to visit both in the summer and fall is Lake Willoughby in the northern part of the state. But honestly, it’s especially gorgeous during peak foliage season because you get to see the lake backdropped by the stunning foliage display.
The Lake Willoughby area is a quieter destination in Vermont, so I recommend it as more of a day trip than a place to spend the night (however, it makes for an incredibly peaceful weekend getaway, too, if that’s what you’re after!). While here, I recommend driving around the lake to take in the beautiful fall color, renting a canoe or kayak to paddle around the lake, and hiking the Mount Pisgah trail for epic views of the lake from above.
If you’re interested in renting a kayak or canoe to explore the lake, I recommend Clyde River Recreation, which offers delivery services, depending on what you rent with them. They’re usually open for the season through early October, which perfectly aligns with peak foliage in this area.
Lake Willoughby is only about an hour from Stowe, making it a really fun day trip to take when visiting the region.
Best time to visit Lake Willoughby for peak foliage*: Late September/first week of October
4. East Burke
Heading up a bit further up in the Northeast Kingdom, you’ll find East Burke, which is an incredible place to visit for fall foliage in Vermont. Known for its more remote wilderness and outdoor activities, it’s also the perfect place for anyone hoping to squeeze some adventure into their fall itinerary.
In this area, you’ll want to take a drive through quaint East Burke, and head up the scenic toll road at Burke Mountain Resort, which is typically open to vehicles through mid-October (be sure to check ahead of time here, as this date can change based on weather each year). Burke Mountain Resort is also home to some pretty epic mountain biking trails, which are awesome for foliage in the fall season.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, which is the perfect fall activity! This is typically open through mid-October each year, and as the largest corn maze in New England, it’s a very cool experience to add to your fall itinerary.
Best time to visit East Burke for peak foliage*: Late September/first week of October
5. Jay Peak
Jay Peak Resort is another fantastic fall foliage destination in the Northeast Kingdom. Much like East Burke, it’s surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, and home to a lot of different outdoors activities, so this is a great place for anyone looking to spend a lot of time adventuring outdoors.
At Jay Peak Resort, one of the most fun things to do in the fall is take a ride on the Jay Peak Tram* to the top of the mountain, and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit. On a good day, you can even see Canada! There are also some great mountain biking and hiking trails at the resort.
*Be sure to check the tram hours here before heading out, as it does close at the end of September for scheduled maintenance, and is usually only open until mid-October after that.
Montgomery is also only about 15 minutes from Jay Peak, and is a wonderful area for a scenic fall foliage drive. You’ll find lots of covered bridges in this area to visit, and you’ll drive along some really beautiful roads surrounded by foliage.
Best time to visit Jay Peak for peak foliage*: Late September/first week of October
6. Shelburne
A small town just outside of the city of Burlington, Shelburne is absolutely beautiful in the fall season, and packed with foliage.
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage here is by visiting Shelburne Farms, which is farm estate once owned by the Vanderbilt family, and is now open to the public. The walking and hiking trails around the grounds, farm buildings, and breathtaking scenery here are all so memorable! I especially love doing the Farm Trail during my visits, which takes you to a beautiful overlook of the grounds and Lake Champlain.
Also in the area, I recommend taking a drive to Shelburne Orchards for apple picking, and their incredible cider donuts. Then head over to Guillemette Farm nearby, and visit their farm stand, which will be full of fall goodies. They also have a great u-pick flower field, and some lovely sunflower fields, which can still be open through early to mid-October (depending on the year).
Other fun things to check out in Shelburne:
→ Shelburne Vineyards for a wine tasting
→ The Shelburne Museum, which is home historic buildings, a covered bridge, artwork, and rotating indoor exhibits.
→ The Shelburne Country Store
→ Fiddlehead Brewing
Best time to visit Shelburne for peak foliage*: Mid-October
7. I-89 Interstate
It may seem strange to see a main highway on this list, but hear me out! 😉
If you’re short on time, and don’t have a lot of room in your fall itinerary for relaxed drives along the back roads, or to visit some of the more remote locations, the drive on the I-89 Interstate, between Waterbury and Burlington, offers incredible foliage color! The interstate goes through some mountainous areas, too, making it even more impressive.
This is the route you’ll likely take if you’re in Stowe, and looking to visit Burlington or Shelburne, so it’s an added bonus when making the drive. Additionally, if you have some extra time, you can stop in the Williston area, just off I-89, which is home to some really nice fall farm stands and pumpkin patches (like Whitcomb’s Land Of Pumpkins, and the Parker Family Farm, to name a few).
Best time to drive I-89 for peak foliage*: Second week of October
8. Appalachian Gap
Another fantastic scenic fall foliage drive that’s a bit lesser-known to tourists is the stunning Appalachian Gap. Located in central Vermont just north of the Green Mountain National Forest, this drive follows route 17 through the mountains, and it’s absolutely bursting at the seams with fall color at peak time.
The drive is only about 15 miles one-way, but the views you get during the drive pack a lot of punch.
There’s also a really wonderful overlook at about the midway point on the drive (located at around 44.211010950768575, -72.93162396451856) that makes for the perfect photo opportunity. There’s a parking lot here where you can safely pull over to enjoy the views, which is an added bonus.
Best time to see the Appalachian Gap for peak foliage*: Mid October
9. Mad River Valley
While the Appalachian Gap is located within the Mad River Valley, these two destinations most definitely deserve their own mentions 😉 Known for being a popular ski destination in the winter, it’s also absolutely beautiful in the fall season, and offers fantastic fall foliage color.
One of the best things to do in the region is drive around to all the covered bridges, and there are at least eight of them in the area that are worth seeing. Some of them include the Upper and Lower Cox Brook covered bridges, Slaughterhouse, Stony Brook, Warren, and Pine Brook.
This area is also home to Sugarbush Resort, and through mid-October, you can take a scenic chair lift ride up the mountain to enjoy incredible views from the top, as well as access some awesome hiking trails.
There’s also a quaint downtown area in Waitsfield along Main Street, and the fantastic Canteen Creamery, which serves up amazing maple creemees (which is Vermont’s beloved version of soft serve ice cream infused with fresh maple syrup).
Best time to visit the Mad River Valley for peak foliage*: Second week of October.
10. Grafton
Located closer to southern Vermont, Grafton is always a wonderful destination to visit if you’re looking for stunning fall foliage in Vermont. This small town doesn’t have quite as much to do as the others mentioned on this list, but that’s part of its appeal – it’s definitely quieter and more peaceful.
The best place to start leaf-peeping in Grafton is the quaint downtown area. You won’t find rows of shops here, but you will find a beautiful white-steepled church, cozy inn, charming general store and café, and a lovely cheese shop that offers samples. It’s a great place to stop for lunch, and admire the beautiful fall trees along Main Street.
Then, you’ll want to head over to Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center, which is filled with scenic nature trails offering amazing fall color and mountain views. Click here for more information on the trail system.
Best time to visit Grafton for peak foliage*: Mid-October
11. Bennington
In southern Vermont, one of the best towns to experience fall foliage is historic Bennington. Located right on Route 7, you’ll find gorgeous tree-lined streets, mountain views, quaint farm stands, tons of nature and hiking trails, and a charming little Main Street in the town center. Not to mention the impressive Bennington Battle Monument, so let’s start there 😉
The Bennington Battle Monument is located in the historic district, stands over 300 feet tall, and offers really nice mountain views from the park where it stands. You can also head up to the top of the tower for impressive foliage views. Just a short walk away on Monument Ave, you’ll find a picturesque street with a white fence and a church, which is always one of the most colorful fall foliage spots in town each year.
From there, you’ll want to take a quick drive to the heart of Main Street to visit the shops and restaurants, then continue on to the Apple Barrel farm stand store for amazing cider donuts. Also nearby is Armstrong Farm, which is a great stop to make to see their famous lawn with “Vermont” spelled out with pumpkins.
The Bennington Area Trail System is wonderful in the fall season, and you’ll see lots of foliage color on any of the trails. There are options ranging from easy/beginner, to more advanced, making it the perfect outdoors destination for everyone.
Lastly, there are some covered bridges to check out in Bennington, and my favorite one to visit in the fall season is Henry Covered Bridge.
Best time to visit Bennington for peak foliage*: Third week of October
12. Shaftsbury
One town in southern Vermont that often gets overlooked is Shaftsbury, and I’m always so impressed by the fall foliage I see here. There are lots of gorgeous, scenic back roads to drive, and postcard-worthy landscapes with idyllic barns to be enjoyed here, and it’s so worth it to visit for a few hours.
While there’s not a ton of specific things to do in Shaftsbury, the scenery more than makes up for it. However, some great things to check out when in the area are Shaftsbury Lake State Park, Shaftsbury Alpacas, The Chocolate Barn, and Shaftsbury Country Store – all of which are worthy stops!
However, the best thing to do here in the fall for leaf-peeping is to just head out on the drive without a specific plan. This town is bursting will gorgeous back roads, and there are so many scenic spots just waiting to be found, drenched in fall color in October.
Shaftsbury Lake State Park is also especially beautiful in the fall season, and makes for a relaxing walk around the lake while admiring the foliage. It’s good to know that the park officially closes access at the gate after the second Monday in October, but you can park on the road outside the gate and walk in after that time.
Best time to visit Shaftsbury for peak foliage*: Second and third weeks of October
13. Arlington
Located very close to Shaftsbury is Arlington, and much of its appeal during fall foliage season is similar to Shaftsbury – this is another fantastic town for taking the scenic route and back roads, and making stops at quaint shops along the way.
One of the best places in Arlington for taking in the fall foliage is Arlington Covered Bridge, which is backdropped by mountains, and is very close to a beautiful little church, which creates such a lovely photo moment.
Some charming stops that are worth your time while driving around and leaf-peeping are the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, Rablogan Castle of Scotland, and the Wayside Country Store.
Best time to visit Arlington for peak foliage*: Second and third weeks of October
14. Manchester
Manchester is one of my favorite towns in southern Vermont, and the fall season is most definitely the best season to experience it. Balancing a walkable downtown area with lots of quaint scenery and outdoors activities, it offers a variety of things to do while leaf-peeping in the area.
As mentioned, Manchester is a very walkable town, and one of my favorite places to stroll during foliage season is Main Street, right by the Equinox Resort. This area is always ablaze in color in mid-October, and you’ll find sidewalks on both sides lines with fall trees this time of the year. It’s the kind of street that’ll have you wondering if you should move there 😉
Downtown Manchester is an easy walk from there on a sidewalk that’s just over a mile – however, you can choose to drive if you’re not up for walking. In this part of town, there are some outlets stores and some charming independent shops to enjoy. My favorite spot here is Northshire Bookstore.
The Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is another memorable place to take in fall foliage in Manchester. There’s a fee to enter the road, however, it’s worth every penny. This scenic road takes you to the summit of Mount Equinox, and offers absolutely incredible views that are simply magical in the fall season.
More fun things to do in Manchester in the fall:
→ Visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, which has awesome views of the mountains
→ Walk out to Lye Brook Falls
→ Book a memorable dining experience at either the Crooked Ram or The Silver Fork
→ Visit Equinox Valley Nursery for cider donuts and other fall treats, and their corn maze
Best time to visit Manchester for peak foliage*: Second and third weeks of October
15. Montpelier & The Eastern Rural Countryside
Last on my list of best places to experience fall foliage in Vermont is Montpelier, and the eastern rural countryside. While it’s the state’s capital, and has more of an urban vibe, it’s equally cozy and charming, which often surprises people. And you guys, the farmland scenery heading east out of Montpelier is absolutely beautiful!
Right in downtown Montpelier, there are some great places for leaf-pepping, and you’ll find tree-lined streets, beautiful parks to explore, and nearby farms to check out. You’ll want to start on Main Street in the downtown area to visit all the lovely shops and eateries, and then take a short walk over to Hubbard Park, which has a tower you can climb to really admire the best foliage views.
A short drive from town in East Montpelier is the awesome Bragg Farm Sugar House, which is well-stocked with all kinds of maple goodies that are perfect for snacking on during a crisp, fall day.
Heading east of Montpelier, and before you get to New Hampshire, you’ll find lots of incredible countryside drives that offer postcard-worthy scenery. Some especially beautiful places to check out are Peachum, Cabot, and East Ryegate. These towns are pretty small, but the roads getting from one to the other are so beautiful. I especially loved the back roads around Peachum.
In Cabot, you can also make a pitstop at Burtt’s Orchards for apple picking, cider, donuts, and a corn maze.
Lastly in this area, Groton State Forest is a great fall foliage location, and is home to one of my favorite fall hikes in the state – Owls Head. But there are miles of trails here to enjoy, and trails range from easy to challenging.
When I visit this area, I usually plan a full day driving around the countryside, and tackling a hike in Groton State Forest before heading back to my home base (which is usually Stowe).
Best time to visit Montpelier & the Eastern countryside for peak foliage*: Second week of October
*Reminder, these are estimated timeframes based on historical data, and my own experiences traveling through the state in the fall season. Peak foliage times vary from year to year, so you’ll need to keep in mind that it’s not an exact science.
My Tips For Visiting Vermont In The Fall Season
→ Offline maps to your phone! You’re very likely to lose cell service while driving around, even in the bigger towns. You’ll be so happy to have a back-up navigation system downloaded to your phone so you always know where you’re going.
→ Take the scenic route. One of the most magical things about Vermont is how beautiful and postcard-worthy the back roads can be. While not every back road will prove to be worth the excursion, most of them are. You’ll usually drive past idyllic farms and barns backdropped by the impressive mountains. I’m never sad when I’m lost in Vermont – the detour is almost always worth it.
→ Dress casually. Unless you’re planning a dinner out at a very fancy restaurant (which is rare in Vermont), you don’t need much more than jeans and sweaters in the fall. Also, come prepared with sturdy hiking boots if you’re planning to do any nature or hiking trails. Even better if they’re waterproof in case of rain.
→ Vermont is very crowded in the fall season, especially around peak foliage time. It’s one of the busiest times in the state, if not the busiest. Expect crowds wherever you go, especially in top towns like Stowe and Woodstock. I like to get up at sunrise to avoid people and enjoy some peaceful moments during foliage season. However, I’ve never found the crowds to be too overwhelming (and I get overwhelmed easily in crowded places). Just set expectations accordingly, and know that not every inch of the state is crawling with tourists.
→ Make reservations in advance, including hotels and dining, for the reasons mentioned above.
→ Be respectful of private property and any No Trespassing signs. Because of the crowds in popular places, communities have begun to restrict access to popular photo spots in the fall season to residents only. One example of this is Sleepy Hollow Farm near Woodstock, which just got to be so overrun with people trying to get photos, it impeded on the resident’s daily lives. Please respect road closures and No Trespassing signs so that Vermont can remain a happy and safe space in the fall season for everyone to enjoy.
→ Going along with that, never stop for a photo if it’s not safe to pull over. You’ll be tempted to pull over quite often and snap photos of the incredible countryside – there are so many postcard-worthy places, especially on those back roads I mentioned. But please, never pull over for a photo unless you can do so safely, and not interfere with the flow of traffic. I often see tourists stopping in the middle of the road, or pulling over on a busy road without a shoulder, which puts not only you, but the incoming drivers’ safety at risk. There are lots of places to pull over safely, but when you can’t, just know there’s another great photo spot just down the road where it’s safe to snap some photos 😉
→ Practice caution when hiking after a rainfall. The fallen leaves on the trails can create extra slippery conditions, and it’s never worth risking an injury if you’re unsure how stable you’ll be during the hike.
→ Load up your playlists with Noah Kahan! Vermont is very proud of his recent success, for good reason, and it’s very fun to drive around listening to music inspired by his home state.
→ Lastly, enjoy it! Vermont is a bucket list destination for so many people, and there’s a very good reason why. Soak it all up, take photos to remember it by, and live in the moment. It’s such a special state, and worthy of every second of your time.
More of my Vermont guides you may find helpful:
- Best Time To Visit Vermont
- Best Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands In Vermont
- Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
- Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
- Spring In Vermont
- Christmas In Vermont
- Must-See Places On A Vermont Route 100 Road Trip
More of my fall posts you may enjoy:
- My PERFECT New England Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary
- Ultimate Fall In New England Guide
- Vermont Vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
That’s A Wrap On Where To See The Best Fall Foliage In Vermont
And there you have it, all my suggestions on where to find the most beautiful and magical displays of fall foliage in Vermont. Whether you’re excited to visit popular places like Stowe and Woodstock, or you’re looking for a slower-paced leaf peeping trip around Lake Willoughby, I know your trip will be one for the books. After all, there’s no cozier place to experience autumn than New England. Happy planning 🍁🍂
