Vermont in the fall is one of the most spectacular seasonal destinations in the United States. From late September through October, the Green Mountains explode into shades of red, orange, and gold, making Vermont famous for its fall foliage, scenic drives, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. This guide covers the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall, when to go for peak foliage, and the top things to do during autumn.

Vermont in the Fall: What to Expect

• Best time to visit: Late September–mid October

• Peak foliage: Early October (varies by region)

• Weather: Cool days, cold nights

• Crowds: Weekends are busy, weekdays are calmer

• Best experiences: Scenic drives, hiking, apple picking, small towns

When to Visit: Timing Your Fall Foliage Trip

When to Visit Vermont in the Fall for Foliage

Fall foliage timing in Vermont varies by region due to elevation and temperature differences. Knowing where to go — and when — makes all the difference when planning a fall trip.

Northern Vermont (Late September – Early October)

Northern Vermont sees peak fall foliage first because of higher elevations and cooler temperatures. Areas around Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and the Green Mountains begin changing in late September, with peak color often arriving by the end of the month.

This region is ideal for travelers who want to see early foliage and enjoy mountain views before peak crowds arrive.

Central Vermont (Early – Mid October)

Central Vermont typically reaches peak foliage in early October. The Route 100 corridor, including towns like Stowe, Waitsfield, and Waterbury, offers some of the most iconic fall scenery in the state during this time.

This is often considered the best overall time to visit Vermont in the fall, combining vibrant color with full access to attractions, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Southern Vermont (Mid October)

Southern Vermont’s foliage season lasts slightly longer and usually peaks in mid-October. Areas around Woodstock, Manchester, and Brattleboro offer beautiful fall color with fewer crowds later in the season.

This region is perfect for travelers who prefer a slower pace, charming villages, and classic New England scenery well into October.

Pro Tip: Check Vermont’s official foliage report, updated weekly during fall season, to track color progression across different regions. This is only useful to people who can drive for the day, but its a great place to check before you go.

Essential Fall Foliage Tips

 

When to book your hotel

Hotels fill up quickly in Vermont, and I mean 6 months to a year ahead of fall foliage season. If you want to be in the most desireable places like Stowe or Woodstock, you need to plan ahead. If you are ok staying a little farther out, Brattleboro is a good choice, and you can book later in the year.

If you are really stuck on a hotel option, consider staying in Northern Massachusetts or New Hampshire and driving in to Vermont.

Best Photography Times

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides the most dramatic lighting for foliage photography. Overcast days actually enhance color saturation, making reds and oranges appear more vibrant than in harsh sunlight. If it is raining, the contrast between the trunk and the leaves is even more spectacular.

Driving Considerations

Traffic increases significantly during peak foliage season, but we are still talking about Vermont. It won’t be too bad, just plan on starting earlier for some of the attractions on the list below.

Really the biggest consideration for traffic is Route 100, which can be quite busy on weekends in the fall.

What to Pack

Packs layers, because New England can be freezing or hot in October. You may want to bring your cutest fall sweaters, but pack some warm weather clothes jsut in case. Comfortable walking shoes are the most imporatant thing to pack for hiking trails and exploring small towns.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Vermont During Fall

1. Drive the Scenic Route 100

Vermont’s most famous scenic drive runs the length of the state through the Green Mountains. Route 100 will pass by spectacular Stowe, and other charming towns like Waitsfiled and Weston. Be sure to pull over if you want to take pictures, as there are many spots to do so and you will help other foliage peepers be able to go along their way.

2. Explore Stowe Village and Mount Mansfield

Vermont’s most quintessential fall town is a must visit. Take the gondola up Mount Mansfield for a spectacular view of every color of fall foliage across the Green Mountains. Grab your favorite apple cider donut and take a walk through Stowe village with its white-steepled church and charming shops.

Of course there are tons of things to do in Stowe, so check out my article about Vermont for more ideas.

3. Visit Shelburne Farms

This working farm and National Historic Landmark is a great stop especially if you love to be outside during the fall. The 1400 acre property overlooking Lake Champlain has all kinds of fall fun. You can head out on an open air wagon tour of the farm, and how the farm operates. Or sample their famous cheddar cheese, and enjoy farm-to-table dining overlooking the Adirondack Mountains.

4. Apple Picking and Cider Tasting

Apples and fall go hand in hand, and the entire New England region goes apple picking. Seriously, it is a fall right of passage. If you don’t pick apples in the fall, the fall didn’t happen.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury offers fresh cider donuts and the chance to watch cider being pressed, while Shelburne Orchards provides pick-your-own apples with mountain views.

5. Hike the Green Mountain Trails

Fall is a beautiful time to go hiking, not just because of the fall foliage. The heat and humidity calm down and make for perfect hiking weather.  Some of the best hiking spots are:

Mount Equinox near Manchester offers a challenging hike with 360-degree views, while the easier Quechee State Park trails provide beautiful gorge views. The Long Trail, America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, offers sections suitable for day hikes with stunning foliage vistas.

6. Discover Covered Bridges

Vermont has over 100 covered bridges, and fall foliage provides the perfect backdrop photos and exploration. The Cornish-Windsor Bridge spans the Connecticut River between Vermont and New Hampshire, while the Scott Bridge in Townshend offers classic rural Vermont scenery.

If you do a road trip through Vermont, make sure to allow yourself some time to stop and visit the covered bridges you pass.

7. Explore Woodstock and Billings Farm

If I had to pick one spot in Vermont that is spectacular in the fall it would be Woodstock. This gorgeously little town is everything you think of when you think of picture-perfect Vermont. It is the perfect size to walk around and explore charming shops, great restaurants and enjoy the fall foliage.

The Billings Farm Museum demonstrates 19th-century farm life with heritage breed animals and traditional farming demonstrations.

8. Take a Scenic Train Ride

The Vermont Railway’s fall foliage train runs along the Connecticut River, offering comfortable viewing of spectacular scenery without driving concerns. The Green Mountain Railroad operates special fall foliage trains from White River Junction, providing narrated tours through some of Vermont’s most beautiful landscapes while you relax and enjoy the views.

9. Visit Local Farmers Markets and Harvest Festivals

Fall brings harvest celebrations throughout Vermont. The Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival combines fall fun with quirky competition, while farmers markets in towns like Burlington and Brattleboro showcase local produce, maple products, and handcrafted goods. These events offer authentic local experiences beyond just viewing foliage.

10. Stay at a Classic Vermont Inn

Experience Vermont hospitality at historic inns like The Reluctant Panther in Manchester or Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford. Many feature farm-to-table restaurants highlighting local ingredients, cozy fireplaces for cool evenings, and locations chosen specifically for their foliage views. The inn experience becomes part of the Vermont fall adventure.

Making the Most of Your Vermont Fall Experience

Plan for lots of down time when you plan your Vermont fall foliage trip. Some of the best times I have had in Vermont were unplanned and we happened upon a small town, or a covered bridge. You are there to be immersed in fall color, not to be hurried to the next thing. Enjoy the beauty all around you.

Remember that peak foliage lasts only a few weeks, but Vermont’s fall season extends from late September through October. Early fall offers brilliant colors with warmer weather, while late fall provides dramatic landscapes with fewer crowds and cozy indoor experiences.

Vermont in fall isn’t just about seeing beautiful colors – it’s about experiencing a place where small-town America, agricultural heritage, and natural beauty combine to create memories that last long after the last leaf has fallen.

Vermont in the Fall Itinerary Ideas

2–3 Days in Vermont in the Fall

• Scenic drive on Route 100

• Stowe + Mount Mansfield

• Covered bridges + cider mill

4–5 Days in Vermont in the Fall

• Woodstock + Billings Farm

• Shelburne Farms

• Hiking + train ride

• Farmers markets & festivals