There is no better destination in the U.S. than Vermont in the fall season. There, I said it! It might be a bold claim, but I’m stickin’ to it 😂
Vermont has a special place in my heart because it’s where my husband and I honeymooned, and I’ve been going back to explore every inch of it ever since – that’s over 20 years of visiting the Green Mountain State!
Between postcard-worthy foliage landscapes, quaint villages, the flavors of fall at farm-to-table restaurants, adorable covered bridges, and insanely gorgeous mountains ablaze in reds and oranges, Vermont in the fall is sure to catch your heart, too.
This post is all about the most amazing things to do in the Green Mountain State in this spectacular season, which I think is the best time to visit Vermont. This list has been curated after years of my travels throughout the state, and I’m so excited to be able to share them with you today.
Are you ready to plan your most fun and cozy fall trip yet? Let’s get started!
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Best Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall – Best Towns To Explore
Okay, so now you know when to go to Vermont in the fall, let’s talk about all the amazing towns, places to see, and things to do this time of the year! Below are all my recommendations on the things that are most worth your time on a fall trip.
1. Stowe
If there’s one place that pretty much has it all in Vermont, it’s Stowe. While it’s one of the most popular towns to visit in the state, especially in the fall season, it’s one that’s 100% worth the effort!, and even makes my list of best places to visit in New England. Not only does it offer tons to do for such a small little town, it’s got some of the best fall foliage in the northeast.
Stowe’s village is so cute and charming, and is home to a wonderful general store, mercantile, café, and lovely boutiques. Main Street is also home to the iconic white steepled church that’s used in a lot of stock imagery for fall in New England, which makes for great photos.
From Main Street, you can also pick up the wonderful Recreation Path, which has lots of fall color this time of the year. Just walk behind the church to find it! But you can also pick it up throughout town.
In the village, you can also pop into Stowe Cidery, which is especially great in the fall season, and drive a bit to The Alchemist Brewery, which is one of my all-time favorites.
If you drive a few minutes outside of the village, you’ll also be able to visit Emily’s Covered Bridge, drive Smugglers Notch, which is one of the most famous fall foliage drives in New England, and take a gondola to Vermont’s highest peak (but more on all three of these things later because they deserve their own mention).
Also, to get to Stowe, you need to drive through Waterbury Center, which is home to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, and a great little shopping area with Cold Hollow Cider Mill, an excellent coffee shop, a distillery, and the Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store.
See what I mean when I say Stowe has it all?
Where To Stay In Stowe:
🍁 Splurge: The Lodge At Spruce Peak
🍁 Moderate: The Green Mountain Inn (right on Main Street!)
🍁 Budget: Stowe Motel & Snowdrift
Important Note About Visiting Stowe In The Fall Season: Traffic gets extremely backed up getting in and out of town this time of the year. Since Stowe is a very small place, and wasn’t built to accommodate the amount of tourism it gets in the fall season, traffic can experience significant slow-downs, especially on weekends. This is largely due to congestion from folks trying to turn in and out of Cold Hollow Cider Mill on Waterbury-Stowe Road, just outside of town. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly, or try to arrive early in the morning.
2. Woodstock
Another wonderful town that feels right out of a Hallmark movie set is Woodstock, and this is one destination everyone should have on their radar. Between the adorable village with shops and restaurants, nearby farms, and covered bridges, it’s such a magical place to explore – especially in the fall!
As mentioned, you’ll want to budget some time to explore the lovely village. Woodstock has some great shops, including a cute little bookstore, a great café called Mon Vert, a Vermont Flannel Company store, and a wonderful general store. I also really love Woody’s Mercantile, so be sure to pop in there, too.
A short walk from the shops in the village, and you’ll run into Middle Covered Bridge, which is just begging for you to take its picture 😉 Outside of the village, you can drive to Lincoln Covered Bridge and Taftsbury Covered Bridge.
In fact, you’ll have to cross Taftsbury Covered Bridge to get to Sugarbush Farms, which is a must during your visit to Woodstock. Sugarbush makes its own cheese and maple syrups, and has a great little tasting area for both. On-site, you’ll also find some nice walking trails, and incredible mountain views. In fact, they encourage you to bring a picnic to enjoy while you admire the gorgeous mountains!
Pro Tip For Sugarbush Farms: The dirt road to the farm is pretty bumpy, so drive slow.
Lastly, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park offers some nice walking trails that are lovely in the fall season, and a short drive around this area you’ll find lots of foliage down Old River Road.
Where To Stay In Woodstock:
🍁 Luxury: The Woodstock Inn & Resort (it’s called Vermont’s most beautiful address!)
🍁 Moderate/Splurge: 506 Inn On The River
🍁 Budget: Sleep Woodstock Motel
Psst! I have an entire guide on Stowe Or Woodstock, VT: Which Is Better To Stay In, if you’re having trouble deciding between the two.
3. Northeast Kingdom & Lake Willoughby
An underrated destination in Vermont to visit in autumn is the Northeast Kingdom, which also include the gorgeous Lake Willoughby. Burke is a small town that’s home to absolutely stunning mountain landscapes, farm scenery, and of course, bright fall foliage.
While there, you can drive up the Burke Mountain Scenic Toll Road for fall foliage views, plan your visit during the Burke Fall Festival, visit the cozy restaurants, and drive over to Lake Willoughby.
Lake Willoughby is the deepest lake in Vermont, and surrounded by two mountains – Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. In the fall, these mountains showcase beautiful displays of fall color, making a drive around the lake especially exciting.
You don’t need a whole day at Lake Willoughby in the fall, as it only takes about 15 minutes at most to drive the entire length of the lake. However, there are also some great hiking trails up both mountains that offer amazing birds-eye views of the lake from above, which would make your drive out there even more worth while.
Where To Stay In The Northeast Kingdom:
4. Manchester
Manchester is such a great town to visit in the fall season, and year-round, honestly. But I personally find it extra magical in the fall. Manchester is home to some nice outlet shops, charming independent shops, historic streets, wonderful restaurants, and lots of things to do outdoors to enjoy fall foliage.
Manchester in home to Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, which offers amazing mountain views covered in foliage in the fall season. You’ll also want to swing into the cozy Northshire Bookstore, where you’ll find some unique gifts, a cute café, and of course, books. The historic streets near the Equinox Resort are also especially beautiful in the fall season.
While in town, you can also visit Hathaway Farms, which has a very fun corn maze in the fall season, as well as a great farm store that sells their own maple syrup. Another option is to walk the trail to Equinox Pond, which has stunning foliage color.
Where To Stay In Manchester:
🍁 Splurge: The Kimpton Taconic
🍁 Moderate: The Palmer House & Resort
5. Bennington
Another wonderful town for foliage and fall fun is Bennington in southern Vermont. The historic part of Bennington near the Bennington Battle Monument has some really nice foliage color, and there’s also a cute little downtown and Main Street. The downtown area is very small, but there are some nice shops and eateries to check out.
Bennington is also home to the Apple Barn Bakery & Café and Armstrong Farm, which are perfect fall places to check out. I also love all the amazing options for walking trails in town, including the Mile Around Woods trail, and the Bennington Area Trails System (BATS), all of which have beautiful fall foliage.
Psst! While these are the top places I recommend visiting in Vermont during the autumn season, there are so many more amazing places to check out this time of the year. You may want to read my posts on the best times & places for fall foliage in Vermont, and cozy places to stay in Vermont in the fall, if you’re looking for more ideas 😉
Where To Stay In Bennington:
Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall: Festive Activities
For your Vermont & New England fall bucket list, these are all the things I recommend doing throughout the fall season to celebrate all the best things about this cozy time of year.
6. Drive Through Smugglers Notch
Just a few minutes outside of the village of Stowe, you’ll find the very scenic Smugglers Notch park. But really, the best part is simply the drive through it. The road that runs through the park is completely free for all, and it’s entirely ablaze with fall color, making it simply magical during foliage season.
The drive is only about 3.5 miles long one-way, and runs along Route 108, which connects Stowe to Cambridge, VT. So while it doesn’t take long, it’s definitely worth doing.
During the drive, please exercise caution, as there are some hairpin turns that could be dangerous if you’re not careful. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the ride!
Pro Tip: Once you reach the end of the drive, you can spend some time in Cambridge. While not as picturesque as Stowe, you can swing into the Vermont Maple Outlet and Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits, and also pop on over to the Cambridge Junction Covered Bridge.
7. Ride The Stowe Gondola To The Top Of Mount Mansfield
Also in Stowe, you have easy access to the amazing Stowe Gondola, which takes you to the top of Vermont’s highest peak – Mount Mansfield.
The gondola is along the Smugglers Notch drive, so if you want to do both, it’s best to do them together. The gondola ride takes about 15 minutes each way, and once you’re at the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain vistas, as well as the resort below. It’s really such a cool thing to see in person! In the fall, the mountains just look orange, as you can see in the photo above.
At the top, you’ll also have access to some eateries, one of which is a fun little waffle place.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also hike up to the top!
Pro Tip: This is a popular attraction in the fall season, and only runs through mid-October. It’s best to purchase your ticket online in advance to save time when you arrive. I also suggest going on your ride in the morning to avoid the longest lines at the gondola.
8. Visit The Haunted Emily’s Bridge
Lastly in Stowe, you have to see Emily’s Covered Bridge. Rumor has it, it’s haunted, so this is especially exciting to do just after sunset, or on a cloudy, overcast afternoon.
Legend has it that a young woman named Emily hung herself from the bridge when her lover didn’t meet her there to elope, and has haunted the bridge ever since. Since the 1960s, there have been reports of unusual activity at the bridge, including people claiming strange scratches found on their car after driving over it, a woman’s voice screaming, and other unexplained noises.
While there’s no documentation or confirmed history that a woman died at the bridge, so many people have had strange experiences here that it’s most definitely eerie to visit whether you believe in ghosts or not.
When you visit the bridge, there are a few parking spaces on the Covered Bridge Road side if you’d like to get out and explore. However, just be aware that this is a working bridge, and there will be cars driving across, so please be careful while you enjoy the scenery.
9. Visit Vermont’s Other Covered Bridges, Too!
Emily’s Bridge is one of many in Vermont, and these structures are an iconic emblem of the state that are always a bit more photogenic in the fall season.
One thing I do every time I visit Vermont in the fall is visit as many covered bridges as I can, and there are some that are just perfection in the fall season. My favorites that I always recommend to folks for a fall visit are:
→ AM Foster Covered Bridge
→ Arlington Covered Bridge
→ Red Covered Bridge in Morristown (just outside of Stowe)
→ Henry Covered Bridge
→ Green River Covered Bridge
But in all honestly, they’re all really pretty and fun to see, and there are so many sprinkled throughout the state. So chances are, wherever you end in Vermont, you won’t be far from one.
Psst! You may want to check out my Vermont covered bridges driving tour post if you’re looking to see some covered bridges on your upcoming trip. I made this after years of experience in seeing the best bridges in the state, as well as the prettiest towns to visit so you can make the most of your trip.
10. Visit One Of The Cute Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands
Vermont is packed to the brim with wonderful pumpkin patches and farm stands! If you happen to be near one, or live in the New England area and want to bring home some pumpkins, you’ll want to have these on your radar as you drive around.
One of my personal favorite pumpkin patches in Vermont is at Armstrong Farm just outside of Bennington, which is in the southern region of the state. They spell out Vermont with pumpkins on their lawn, and it makes for such a great photo spot on your visit! They have awesome pumpkins to choose from, including some heirloom varieties, and a cute little farm stand with maple syrup and more goodies.
Just down the road from Armstrong Farm is the Apple Barn Bakery & Café, which I mentioned earlier, so you can easily visit both of these in one trip.
Here are some more great Vermont pumpkin patches and farm stands to check out:
→ Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins and Corn Maze
→ Kingdom Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch at Simpson Farm
→ Dutton Farm Store
→ Equinox Valley Nursery (great cider donuts here, too!)
Psst! I have an entire guide of the best pumpkin patches & farm stands in Vermont, if you’d like more ideas 😉
11. Get Cider Doughnuts, Of Course
The northeast in general is famous for cider doughnuts in the fall season, and Vermont is no exception. In fact, I start pretty much every fall trip to Vermont by stopping at the nearest bake shop that sells coder doughnuts, so I can munch on them throughout my getaway 😉
I know I sound like a broken record, but the Apple Barn in Bennington makes some pretty amazing cider doughnuts, and while you’re there, you’ll probably just want to fill up a bakery box with other treats, too, because everything they make is awesome. Their apple turnovers are especially great.
I also love the cider doughnuts at these places in Vermont:
→ Mad Tom Orchards
→ Burtt’s Orchards
→ Equinox Valley Nursery
→ Adams Apple Orchard
→ Shelburne Orchards
12. Sample ALL The Cider
Nothing pairs better with cider doughnuts than actual cider, am I right? 😉
And you’ll find delicious, fresh cider all over Vermont this time of the year. All the places mentioned above for doughnuts will also serve hot and cold cider.
But another great option is craft hard cider, and there are some awesome places throughout Vermont that make really great batches of it to try.
The first is Stowe Cider, which can be found right in Stowe. They have classic flavors that are usually stocked throughout the year, as well as fun seasonal flavors. They also serve food, and offer cider flights, which is a great way to sample different ones and find your favorite.
However, these are some more great places to check out for delicious cider in Vermont:
→ Cold Hollow Cider Taproom
→ Vermont Hard Cider
→ Vermont Cider Lab
→ Champlain Orchards
13. Try All The Seasonal Brews
In the same vein as cider, craft breweries are especially exciting in the fall season because of all the limited releases featuring seasonal flavor profiles. Basically, that’s my fancy way of saying – pumpkin beer 😂
And honestly, it’s not just the fall season that breweries in Vermont are worth visiting. The state is home to some of the top breweries on the East Coast, and the entire country. These are some of my favorites that I love to visit year-round, but especially in the fall:
→ Foam Brewers in Burlington
→ Alchemist Beer in Stowe
→ Fiddlehead Brewing in Shelburne
→ Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro Bend
→ Zero Gravity Brewery in Burlington
14. Drive The Back Roads
One of the things I always encourage folks to do on their Vermont visits is to hit the back roads.
Now, chances are if you’re planning to visit a few places in Vermont, you’ll be navigated through the backroads anyway. BUT, there are some really beautiful landscapes and lots of fall foliage scenery to be had off the main highways (that said, the drive along I-89 between Waterbury and Burlington is awfully gorgeous in the fall!).
I feel like whenever I’m lost in Vermont, it’s always okay because I stumble upon a beautiful farm backdropped by mountains. So, plan some time to get lost, go down a street GPS isn’t telling you to go down, and see where the day takes you.
It’s not guaranteed to be spectacular, but I’m fairly confident it will be worth it ☺️
15. Find Your Way Through The Great Vermont Corn Maze
Did you know that the largest corn maze in New England is in Vermont? Well, now you do! The Great Vermont Corn Maze is an awesome fall tradition that’s so fun to take part in during your visit.
Located in Danville, the maze spans over 24 acres, and is actually considered a hike through their farm because of how large it is. If you’re not up for the challenge, don’t worry – they have you covered. Visitors can choose the Scenic Maze option instead, which is a designated section within the big maze that doesn’t take quite as long to walk through.
The maze is only open through mid-October, so be sure to plan your visit before then. They also do a great job updating any weather closures on their Facebook page.
Psst! There are actually some really great corn mazes in Vermont, so be sure to check out a few during your visit!
16. Get A Maple Creemee
One of the best treats you can get in Vermont (in addition to cider donuts, of course!), is the famous maple creemee. This is basically a maple-infused soft serve ice cream, and it’s especially amazing in the fall when it coincides with all the other warm and spiced flavors of the season.
Vermont has really perfected the art of the maple creemee, especially since it’s home to the best maple syrup in the country. Here are a few places that whip up amazing maple creemees:
- Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield (my personal favorite!)
- Creemee Stand in Wilmington
- Woodstock Scoops in Woodstock
- Creemees Ice Cream in Burlington
- Village Creeme Stand in Bristol
17. Drive Route 100
One of the most famous fall foliage drives in all of New England is the iconic Route 100 in Vermont, which spans over 200 miles, and runs right through the middle of the state. During this drive, you’ll enjoy foliage scenery all over the place, and pass through some cute towns.
The best place to start this drive is in Wilmington, VT, and some notable places it passes through are:
- Dover
- Weston (where there’s a Vermont Country Store!)
- Ludlow
- Killington
- Warren
- Waitsfield
- Waterbury Historic Village & waterbury Center
- Stowe
- Newport
Driving the entire route from Wilmington to Newport would only take just under 3 hours without stops, so you can easily make this a day trip if you’re ambitious, or turn it into a 1-2 night adventure!
Psst! I have a post all about Must-See Places On A Vermont Route 100 Road Trip if you need more ideas!
18. Visit The Vermont Country Store
While this is honestly really fun year-round, the fall season brings festive displays outside of both locations that just make the experience even more enjoyable and festive.
The Vermont Country Store has two locations in the state: Weston and Rockingham. Both are great, but the one most people visit is the Weston location because it sits directly along Route 100, making it so convenient to stop.
Inside, you’ll find, well … everything, which is exactly as it should be with a general/country store, right? Often in the fall season, they’ll also be serving cider doughnuts, which is just more motivation to make the stop 😉
19. Take A Fall Foliage Hike
I mean, Vermont is nicknamed the Green Mountain State for a reason, so you know you’re in for some pretty amazing hiking trails when visiting! And during the fall foliage season, the views are just … amazing.
And there’s a good range of trails to explore, with everything from beginner to advanced, so you can find something for just about anyone.
Here are some of the best hikes to do in the fall in Vermont:
→ Camel’s Hump Trail in Waterbury
→ Owl’s Head Trail in Groton
→ Prospect Rock Trail in Manchester
→ Stowe Pinnacle Trail in Stowe
→ Deer Leap Overlook Trail in Killington
This is a very small sampling of all the incredible trails to explore in Vermont, but this should definitely get you started.
20. Walk Around Shelburne Farms
A personal favorite destination of mine in the fall season is Shelburne Farms. And with it not being far from Shelburne Orchards for doughnuts and apple picking, it makes for a pretty awesome fall day of adventure and fun.
This 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark offers stunning views of Lake Champlain, historic architecture, and over 10 miles of scenic walking trails through woodlands, pastures, and gardens.
During your visit, you can also meet the farm animals, and learn about sustainable agriculture from those working at the farm. While all of this makes the experience more than worth your time, I’m rather partial to stopping into the farm’s on-side bakery for treats to munch on while I explore the trails, but that’s just me 😉
21. Take In The Foliage Views From Hildene
Mentioned previously earlier in the post, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is a stunning estate to visit any time of the year, but the fall season brings a certain something to the scenery. Probably because of all the bright fall color you’ll see from the back gardens, which are surrounded by towering mountains.
This 412-acre estate features 12 miles of walking trails that wind through meadows and woodlands, and also, a unique opportunity to walk through the beautifully restored 1903 Pullman railcar “Sunbeam.” Once used by Robert Todd Lincoln, president of the Pullman Company, the train car showcases what it was like to travel inside an early 20th-century luxury train, which is such a cool experience, even if you’re not a history buff.
22. Head Up Mount Equinox’s Skyline Drive
This very exciting drive is a privately owned road that takes you to the top of Mount Equinox, and it’s also the longest paved mountain drive in the state, stretching 5.2 miles to the summit. Once you arrive to the top at 3,848 feet, you’ll be rewarded with incredible mountain vista views.
Because of the elevation gain, you’ll want to time your drive just right to take in all the stunning foliage color. This means you’ll want to go about a week before Manchester will be a full, peak foliage (around Indigenous People’s weekend or the second week of October).
And if you’re able to time it just right, as you drive up, you’ll be surrounded by stunning fall color all the way up to the top.
This is one of my favorite things to do in Vermont, and I’ve been a few different times in both summer and fall.
23. Go On A Spooky Tour
Spooky ghost tours are one of the best things to do in all of New England in the fall season, and Vermont is definitely no exception. There are wonderful tours of all kinds throughout the state, ranging from very spooky nighttime tours, to more history-focused walking tours that still have that hair-raising factor.
Here are some really awesome spooky tours to check out in Vermont this fall season:
- Stowe Lantern Tours in Stowe
- Queen City Ghostwalks in Burlington
- Saturday Night Ghost Tours in Woodstock
- Wilson Castle Haunted Paranormal Tours in Proctor
Pro Tip: Many of these tours are offered seasonally only, often through the end of October, so plan accordingly.
24. Get Some Fall-Infused Chocolates
In both the fall season and winter, one of my favorite things to do in Vermont is stock up on seasonal chocolates because there are some pretty amazing chocolatiers throughout the state. And since chocolate is easiest to travel with in the cooler months, the fall season is the perfect time of year to start stocking up!
Lake Champlain Chocolates is a bigger company that’s very popular and sold in stores around New England, and it’s definitely worth checking out. They have a great little shop near everything in Waterbury Center, and their flagship store in Burlington is also great. They release their Apple Cider Caramels around this time, and I love to pick up a box of those each year.
Here are some other great chocolate shops around Vermont to check out this fall:
→ Village Peddler and Chocolatorium in Arlington
→ Tavernier Chocolates in Brattleboro
→ Snowflake Chocolates in Jericho
→ The Chocolate Barn in Shaftsbury
→ NU Chocolat in Burlington
25. Sample The Maple Syrup
I mean, you can’t come to Vermont in any season, and not taste the local maple syrup, am I right? 😉
But honestly, I much prefer these flavors in the fall and winter season, so the fall is typically when I start to make a point to visit the local sugar shacks and maple stands.
One of my favorite places to do this is at Sugarbush Farms in Woodstock, which I mentioned earlier in the post. They’re surrounded by such beautiful mountain views that are gorgeous during foliage season, and they also make their own cheeses, so it’s definitely a treat to visit!
There’s also a cute little stand just outside of the village of Stowe called Stowe Maple Products, and the family that owns it is so nice and friendly!
But there are places all over the state, and as you’re driving around, keep an eye out for cute little signs that say “Maple Syrup,” and prepare to break. That’s honestly the most fun way to sample the best syrups around Vermont.
26. Go Apple Picking, Of Course!
I mean, you can’t talk about fall and not mention apple picking – even if it seems obvious. Vermont is a wonderful state for apple picking, and there are some really awesome orchards to explore that offer everything you’d want – juicy apples, stunning mountain views, doughnuts, and cider. Many of them will also have fun corn mazes and other fall activities to check out.
One of my favorites that I love to visit each year is Mad Tom Orchard, which is in Dorset, near Manchester. Once you see the house with the apple shutters, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place. Their orchards are backdropped with the Green Mountains, and they also make really good cider donuts.
Shelburne Orchards is another one of my favorites, and I love to stop by after spending my morning walk the trails at the nearby Shelburne Farm. Shelburne Orchards also makes some pretty awesome cider donuts, so be sure to stock up when you visit!
Lastly, I also love Burtt’s Orchards in Cabot, which is a great one to visit while exploring the Stowe or Montpelier area.
But most areas in Vermont will have some really nice orchards to explore, so keep an eye out while driving around!
27. Take In The Views From The 100-Mile Overlook
One great, lesser-known gem in southern Vermont is the amazing 100-mile overlook in Marlboro. This is a scenic area right by the Hogback Mountain Gift Shop that has a wonderful view that you can … you guessed it! … see for over 100 miles on a clear day. While this is amazing year-round, it’s especially beautiful in the fall when foliage is as its peak.
And the gift shop next door is a fun place to look around! You’ll be able to find all kinds of Vermont souvenirs inside, including apparel, foods, and lots more. While this all doesn’t take too much time to visit, if you’re exploring southern Vermont, this is definitely a place that should be on your radar.
Pro Tip: This area is less than 10 minutes from the cute town of Wilmington, which is a great place to start a Route 100 road trip!
Fun Fall Festivals In Vermont
28. Harvest Celebrations At Billings Farm
Also in Woodstock is the amazing Billings Farm, which is an incredible working dairy farm that’s also a museum. And what I love most about this farm is what a great job they do with community events that celebrate each season, and of course, fall is no exception.
Typically held the second weekend in October, Harvest Celebrations is the perfect time to visit the farm because in addition to the usual museum exhibits and farm demonstrations, you’ll be able to enjoy some fun fall-themed activities like pumpkin bowling, cider pressing, crafts, and live music.
29. Experience Enchanted Forest In Montpelier
For an extra magical experience in Vermont in the fall, you’ll want to check out the Enchanted Forest exhibit in Montpelier. This event typically takes place in mid-October, and is a guided tour through Hubbard Park with paths aglow with jack-o-lanterns, and forests filled with art exhibits in different mediums. Once you reach the tower, you’re rewarded with a special performance before making your way back to the start.
Pro Tip: This event tends to sell out pretty quickly each year, so if you have your heart set on it, you’ll want to book your tickets in advance. Click here for more info.
30. Attend Oktoberfest On Mount Snow
Speaking of beer, a wonderful event that celebrates both brews and the fall season is the very cool Oktoberfest on Mount Snow. Typically held on the second weekend in October, this festival features a lot of really great brewers around New England, including von Trapp Brewing in Stowe, Zero Gravity in Burlington, and even Main Beer Company, which is one of my favorites from the Pine Tree State!*
During the event, you’ll also find yodeling contests, a keg toss, and a special area for the kiddos.
*Beers mentioned are examples of what’s been on draft in past years, and brews featured can vary each year. It’s best to check the event’s website before buying your ticket to ensure you’re good with the offering line-up!
31. Autumn On The Green Fall Festival
Remember the Great Vermont Corn Maze from earlier in the post? Well, it just so happens that the town the maze is located in is also home to an amazing fall festival. Usually taking place the first weekend in October, the Autumn on the Green Fall Festival in Danville is one of the best ones to experience in Vermont.
With over 200 vendors, ranging from local artisans and antiques, to crafters and delicious food, you’ll be able to have the perfect fall day here. And, it’s completely free to attend.
With all kinds of fall foods and activities at the forefront, like cider donuts and pumpkin-everything, you’ll also be surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage at every turn. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Here are some links you may find helpful, including some detailed guides:
Want a fully-planned New England fall foliage travel guide?
When To Visit Vermont For Fall Foliage
While Vermont is a small state, foliage will still peak at different times throughout each region. Here’s a quick guide to give you an idea of what areas peak when:
Northern Vermont: End of September
Mid-Vermont: Mid-October (usually around Indigenous People’s weekend). This region includes popular places like Stowe and Woodstock.
Southern Vermont: Third week of October, usually just about a week or so after mid-Vermont peaks.
It’s best to keep in mind that fall foliage in Vermont, and all of New England, is not an exact science. The timing can fluctuate from year to year, and sometimes it can peak sooner, and it can run behind schedule, too. It all depends on weather patterns, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations throughout the earlier part of the year.
That said, the above guides are usually pretty accurate. But, I always like to remind people there’s always a chance it could fall outside of these timelines.
If you need to plan your trip in advance (and in Vermont, you definitely need to as this is a high season for tourists!), I always say err on the side of a bit early if you’re unsure. It’s better to see the fall foliage just before peak than after when all the trees are bare.
That said, foliage should last on the trees for about 1-2 weeks. This is, again, a guess, and there have been years where leaves fell pretty quickly, and only stayed on for about a week. There have also been years where it last for a little longer than 2 weeks.
If you happen to visit on a year that foliage peaks a bit early and you miss it, fear not! I still think foliage season just after peak time is still gorgeous. You’ll see a lot more leaves on the ground as opposed to the trees, so mountains may not be aglow with that impressive fall color. But there’s still something special about this time of the year before the first snowfall.
And, of course, communities around Vermont will be gearing up with fall and Halloween festivals throughout all of October! Fall will definitely still be in the air after peak foliage season.
Where To Go In Vermont In September
If you’re hoping to visit Vermont in September, and also catch a glimpse of fall color, I would target the Northern Kingdom in the last two weeks of September. Sometimes fall color will last in this area through early October, but generally, experts predict last-September for this area. Some great areas and towns to visit here are:
- Lake Willoughby
- Newport
- Jay
- Montgomery (great town for covered bridges!)
Jay, in particular, is wonderful for fall foliage, and has some great mountain areas for hikes, as well as a tram ride to the summit of Jay Peak. This runs through the beginning of October, and it’s a unique experience because it’s the only mountain tram in Vermont.
At the end of September, you can also enjoy the Burke Fall Festival in Burke, VT!
Where To Go In Vermont In October
October is when foliage around the rest of the state really begins to take off, and by Indigenous People’s weekend, most of Vermont is alive with fall color. If you’re planning to visit Vermont for a week or more during foliage season, I suggest you start your trip right at the beginning of October, and then chase the foliage heading from north to south, starting in Stowe, and ending near the Manchester/Bennington areas.
The best places for fall foliage around Indigenous People’s weekend are:
- Stowe
- Woodstock
- Montpelier
- Burlington/Lake Champlain/Shelburne
- Middlebury
The best places for fall foliage right after Indigenous People’s weekend are:
- Manchester
- Bennington
- Brattleboro
- Wilmington
- Shaftsbury/Arlington
What About Vermont In November?
You may be wondering if Vermont is worth visiting in November – after all, the foliage season is over this time of the year, and winter hasn’t quite arrived yet.
Personally, I love the month of November in New England. It’s become such a joy over the last few years, especially because everything is just quiet, which is a welcomed pace after an exciting foliage season, and right before a busy holiday season.
So, Vermont in November is really a personal preference. You are right between two seasons, so hotel prices are usually much more affordable, and it’ll be easier to get reservations at popular restaurants. The downside to Vermont in November is that some fall attractions like gondolas, corn mazes, etc. will be closed for the season, and all the trees will be bare, but you’ll still see leaves swirling around on the roads and sidewalks. Also, you could get snow.
Yep, snow!
Mid-November is usually when Vermont sees its first big snowfall (1 inch or more of accumulation), so you may be lookin’ at a winter trip more than a fall trip this month. It’s not likely you’ll get a big blizzard, but depending on when you plan to visit in November, snow is not off the table. It’s a bit of a gamble.
Do I personally like Vermont in November? I sure do! It’s peaceful, cozy, and still beautiful. However, it’s not for everyone.
Tips For Visiting Vermont In The Fall
→ Prepare for crowds at peak foliage season, but know it’s worth it! Fall is one of the most popular times to visit Vermont (the other is winter for skiing), so you’ll want to expect crowds at the popular attractions. The most beautiful places to see like Stowe, Woodstock, etc. are also popular, but worth braving the crowds. Don’t let this deter you from planning a fall trip.
→ Expect the highest prices & book in advance. Along with crowds, this is probably the most expensive time to visit Vermont, and it will be hard to do on a tight budget. You’ll want to make hotel and restaurant reservations in advance to make sure you get the best options for both.
→ Rain is likely, but not a sure thing. I would expect to have some on your trip, so plan accordingly. The fall season begins to bring more days of rain than the summer.
→ Weather can be all over the place, actually. In fact, weather throughout New England in the fall is a mixed bag. Some years, I’ve had warm, sunny days for most of my trip, and other years, it’s been cold and rainy. It’s best to check the weather forecast a few days before leaving, and then pack accordingly. But generally, even on warm, sunny days, you can expect chilly evenings, so you’ll definitely have a chance to wear those cozy sweaters you were hoping to bring 😉
→ Offline maps! I lose cell service all the time in Vermont, even when I’m in a town center (I have Verizon, just FYI). Before your trip, be sure to offline maps so you have a back-up if you lose service.
→ What to pack? Speaking of packing, let’s breakdown what you’ll need. Tailor this to your personal preferences, the weather forecast, and how long you plan to stay.
- Waterproof hiking boots if you plan to do any hikes.
- Hiking clothes, if needed.
- Rain boots if there’s rain in the forecast. Rain boots that look like Chelsea boots are a great option for versatility, or waterproof sneakers like Vessis.
- Sneakers or flat fall boots for walking around the towns.
- Layers, layers, layers! Since it’s likely you’ll experience both warm-ish days, and chilly days, layers are key. I usually pack long or short-sleeved t-shirts and sweaters/cardigans to wear over.
- Light jacket, hats and scarves if the weather is predicted to be chilly.
- Jeans are perfect for everyone – that’ll probably be all you’ll need for pants.
- Nice dinner outfits if you’re planning a fancy-ish dinner out, but honestly, most restaurants in Vermont are casual (even the nice ones!). If you know you’re visiting a nice restaurant where a more put-together outfit is preferable, you can get away with a cute dress and boots, or jeans and a nice top.
- Day pack for hiking or day trips.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera! Definitely don’t forget this! If you have a nice DSLR or Mirrorless model, this is the trip to bring it. You’ll also want extra batteries, and a large capacity memory card because it’ll be in use quite a bit.
→ Lastly, always be respectful of private property, and never put yourself or others in danger to get the perfect photo. If there’s not a safe place to pull over on the side of the road to snap a photo, then it’s not worth it. And, of course, obey any signage about private property, and use common sense. Don’t park in driveways to get a great photo. I promise that you’ll get so many amazing photos from your trip while respecting the locals, and staying safe!
More Of My Vermont Travel Guides:
- Vermont In The Winter
- Vermont In The Spring
- All The Best Things To Do In Vermont
- What Is Vermont Known For? I’ll Tell You!
- Christmas In Vermont: All The Most Festive Things To Do
More posts you may find helpful:
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Stops To Make Driving From Boston To Stowe, VT
- Exciting Things To Do In New England In The Fall
- The Best New England Souvenirs To Look For On Your Trip
- Vermont vs. New Hampshire In The Fall
- Is New England In November Worth Visiting?
- Thanksgiving In New England: Cozy Getaway Ideas & Things To Do!
That’s A Wrap On Best Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall
And there you have it! Now that you’re a seasoned pro on all the best things to do in Vermont in the fall, you’re ready to plan the perfect foliage getaway. Whether it’s a visit to Stowe or Woodstock for the quintessential Vermont village experience, or an epic road trip along Route 100, one thing’s absolutely sure – it’s going to your most memorable fall trip yet!
