One of the most common questions I get asked about autumn travel through New England is, Should I go to Vermont or New Hampshire in the fall? Well, good news! This post is all about which is better for your plans, the differences between the two, and my overall suggestion.
If you’re looking to plan the perfect fall getaway in New England to either Vermont or New Hampshire this year, then just keep reading š
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Differences Between Vermont & New Hampshire In The Fall
So, let’s start with the biggest differences between Vermont and New Hampshire. Since both have high mountain peaks, rural land, stunning fall foliage, small towns, and covered bridges, it’s pretty challenging to note the differences between these two if you’ve never been before – they seem pretty similar while doing research, right?
And honestly, they kind of are. That said, I personally think each has a distinct vibe that’s worth noting:
Vermont can feel more upscale than New Hampshire, and has more of a New England feel to it. You’ll pass by a lot of rolling farmland with gorgeous barns, and tons of fall color. Much of this scenery feels like a fall postcard.
New Hampshire definitely has a big “mountain/cabin” vibe to it, as compared to Vermont. Since most of the best fall foliage spots in New Hampshire are up in the White Mountains and Lakes region, it will feel a bit different than Vermont in this way. But the fall color in these regions is breathtaking, and the towns are still very cozy and picture-worthy.
It’s important to note that these two comparisons are very general and over-arching. New Hampshire can also feel upscale and traditionally New England in some areas, and Vermont can also feel more like a mountain getaway in places. But overall, this is the best way to differentiate between the two states in the fall season, based on where the best foliage spots are.
Another important difference between the two is that Vermont is the only New England state that’s not bordered by the Atlantic coastline. New Hampshire does share some coastline with the Atlantic, but it’s very small.
Lastly, New Hampshire is home to New England’s highest peak: Mount Washington. If you’re hoping to cross this off your New England fall bucket list, New Hampshire is where you’ll want to go.
Similarities Between Vermont & New Hampshire
Both Vermont and New Hampshire have beautiful cities to explore, quaint towns, lakes, covered bridges, and they’re both about the same size (although, Vermont is ever so slightly larger).
Both have amazing hiking trails, and are home to gorgeous mountain ranges. Vermont has the beautiful Green Mountains, and New Hampshire has the stunning White Mountains, both of which are equally as gorgeous in the fall season with foliage color.
Both of these states have beautiful lakes to explore as well. Vermont is home to Lake Champlain, which is the biggest is New England, and is beautiful in the fall season. New Hampshire has the scenic Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Squam, both of which make for amazing fall foliage drives.
Does Vermont Or New Hampshire Have Better Foliage?
Both have equally beautiful and abundant fall foliage, so one isn’t better than the other when it comes to autumn color. Typically, the White Mountains region in New Hampshire, where much of the best fall color and attractions are, will peak a bit earlier than Vermont. But there’s also overlapping with peak foliage between Vermont and New Hampshire.
So, Should You Visit Vermont Or New Hampshire In The Fall?
This really depends on what you’re looking to do on your trip, and the overall atmosphere you’re going for.
New Hampshire is great for adventurous people, and those looking for that mountain/cabin vibe. Some of the best fall attractions in New Hampshire require a lot of walking and/or hiking, so this is something to keep in mind. It’s all fairly easy, unless you tackle the more advanced trails, but I think New Hampshire requires a bit more physical activity to explore in the fall than Vermont.
Vermont is perfect for those that are after a relaxing fall getaway with foliage spots that are easy to access and see, as well as idyllic scenery, and towns that feel like a Hallmark movie set. While you can also access more challenging hikes and be active on your trip to Vermont, I think it’s a bit easier to see for those who want a more relaxed trip.
Overall, though, you truly can’t go wrong with either Vermont or New Hampshire in the fall season! These comparisons and suggestions are generalized, and there’s really something to do and see in both destinations for all types of travelers.
Can You Visit Both Vermont & New Hampshire In The Same Trip?
Yes! And I highly encourage it. Why? Because they’re much closer to each other than you may realize. In fact, if you stay in a popular fall town in Vermont like Stowe or Woodstock, you’re only 1.5 hours from Franconia in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. You could easily visit one or the other for the day, depending on where you are, or plan a few days in both states.
Where To Go In Vermont In The Fall
If you only have a few days to spend in Vermont in the fall season, or are doing a combined Vermont/New Hampshire trip with a few days in each, I recommend booking a stay in either Stowe or Woodstock in Vermont. These two towns are very idyllic, offer gorgeous fall foliage and easy side excursions outside of town to see postcard-worthy farm landscapes, and have tons of fun fall things to do.
Where To Stay In Stowe, VT:
š Lodge At Spruce Peak
š Green Mountain Inn
š Field Guide Lodge
Where To Stay In Woodstock, VT:
š Woodstock Inn & Resort – Often called Vermont’s most beautiful address!
š 506 On The River Inn
š The Vesper
If you have more than a few days to spend in Vermont in the fall, Stowe and Woodstock still make great options, and you can take day trips to other nearby areas like Burlington, Waitsfield, and Lake Willoughby. You can also plan a little Vermont road trip, and start in the northern part of the state, and chase the foliage as it peaks down to the southern parts. In this case, a Route 100 road trip through Vermont would be a great option to consider.
Here are some of my Vermont town guides that will help you plan:
Where To Go In New Hampshire In The Fall
The best place for fall foliage in New Hampshire is the White Mountains region, which offers the most bang for your buck in terms of fall colors, things to do, scenic drives, and fall activities. The White Mountains region is comprised of several towns to choose from, and my favorites to stay in are Littleton, Sugar Hill, North Conway, and Jackson.
Awesome Places To Stay In The White Mountains:
š Christmas Farm Inn in Jackson
š Omni Mount Washington Resort
š Sugar Hill Inn
š Lumen Nature Retreat
The Lakes region in New Hampshire is also excellent for fall foliage, which includes Lake Winnipesaukee, and Squam Lake.
Great Hotels In The Lakes Region:
š Mill Falls At The Lake in Meredith
š Squam Lake Inn
Here are some of my guides on towns in the White Mountains to help you plan:
- Best Things To Do In Littleton, NH
- Best Things To Do In Franconia, NH
- Best Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
Which Has More Fall Things To Do?
Generally, I think New Hampshire has more actual things to do than Vermont, but honestly, both offer plenty of things to see and check out in the fall season to keep you busy for a week or longer.
New Hampshire’s White Mountains region happens to offer a lot of attractions like The Cog railway to the summit of Mount Washington, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Flume Gorge.
In Vermont, you’ll also find the Stowe Gondola to the top of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. There’s also Hildene in Manchester, which is gorgeous in the fall, and Billings Museum and Farm in Woodstock, which is very fun in the fall.
But generally, I think Vermont is more relaxed in that it offers more opportunity to simply walk and drive around to admire the foliage, go shopping, and road trip the back roads to find cute towns and stunning scenery. New Hampshire has more attractions and set things to do.
Is One Better Than The Other For Kids?
Yes, I think New Hampshire is better if you’re traveling with kids for the reasons mentioned above. Both states will offer wonderful activities for kids in the fall season, like corn mazes, apple orchards, and fall fairs, but New Hampshire has a lot more kid-specific attractions than Vermont.
Vermont Vs. New Hampshire In The Fall FAQ
Is Vermont Or New Hampshire More Expensive In The Fall?
Both are expensive in the fall season, as is any foliage destination in New England, unfortunately. However, I generally find hotel prices and accommodations more expensive in Vermont than in New Hampshire. New Hampshire tends to have more affordable motel options than Vermont, and Vermont has a lot more historic, cozy, and upscale inns than New Hampshire. The difference between the two is minimal, though.
That said, both have budget-friendly, and luxury places to stay. But if you’re on a tighter budget, I think New Hampshire is the better choice.
Is Vermont Or New Hampshire Easier To Visit In The Fall?
They’re both equally as easy to visit, so this likely won’t be a big determining factor for you. Both will require a car to drive around, as public transportation is not efficient or especially tourist-friendly throughout these regions.
If you need to fly into the region, the best airport is Boston Logan for international flights. Both Vermont and New Hampshire are about the same distance from this airport (2-2.5 hours, depending on where you’re going).
If you’re looking to fly in on a regional flight, New Hampshire does have better options with the Portsmouth and Manchester-Boston region airports. Vermont does have the Burlington airport, which may also be convenient for some.
Which Has The Best Hotel Options?
I think that Vermont wins by a slight edge in this category. I find Vermont hotels, inns, and resorts to just have that extra special feeling of cozy during the fall season. Vermont has a lot of historic houses-turned-inns that feel very romantic and homey, and invoke that feeling of New England.
However, New Hampshire also has some wonderful places to stay. As mentioned earlier in the post, New Hampshire will have more mountain-themed hotels and accommodations. They’ll feel a bit less “New England” style, and more mountain-cabin style. However, the further south you go in the state, like Keene and Portsmouth, you’ll find that New England charm.
Both Vermont and New Hampshire also have wonderful resorts to choose from.
Is Vermont Or New Hampshire Prettier?
This is, of course, a pretty relative sentiment, but generally, I find Vermont to be “prettier” than New Hampshire. That’s not to say that New Hampshire isn’t pretty, though! I say this because I think New Hampshire has a lot more rugged natural beauty and scenery, and Vermont in many ways can seem more manicured, as well as naturally beautiful.
More posts you may find helpful:
- Fall In New Hampshire: The Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- Fall In Vermont: The Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
- Ultimate Fall In New England Guide: Best Foliage & Things To Do
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
- Where To Stay In 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 Vermont Or New Hampshire In The Fall
And there you have it! Hopefully now you have a better idea of which is better for your next visit between Vermont and New Hampshire in the fall season. Whether Vermont’s picturesque little towns appeal to you the most, the cabin vibe of New Hampshire is totally up your alley, or you have time to visit both, one thing’s for certain – they both make for epic fall foliage getaways in the Northeast!
