Vermont in the fall is one of the best places in the United States to experience autumn foliage. From late September through mid-October, vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves transform the Green Mountains into one of New England’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip, searching for the best small towns, or hoping to catch peak foliage, this guide will help you decide when to visit, where to stay, and the best things to do.

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.

 

Where to Stay in Vermont During the Fall

Choosing where to stay in Vermont can make a big difference in your trip, especially during peak foliage season. Rather than trying to see the entire state in a weekend, I recommend picking one area as your home base and exploring from there.

Stowe: Best for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first trip to Vermont in the fall, Stowe is hard to beat. It’s close to Mount Mansfield, Smugglers’ Notch, Route 100, hiking trails, cider mills, and some of Vermont’s most spectacular foliage. It can also be one of the busiest places in the state during peak season, so book your hotel as early as possible.

Woodstock: Best for Classic Vermont Charm

If you’re picturing white church steeples, covered bridges, historic inns, and quintessential New England scenery, Woodstock is the place to stay. I’ve stayed at the Woodstock Inn twice—once during the town’s famous Wassail Weekend and again while visiting to learn how to fly fish—and it’s one of my favorite places to experience Vermont. The town is incredibly walkable, with great restaurants, unique shops, and easy access to Billings Farm and scenic country roads.

Burlington: Best for Food and Lake Views

If you enjoy great restaurants, breweries, and a livelier atmosphere, Burlington makes an excellent base. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, it’s a great choice if you want to combine fall foliage with waterfront views and a vibrant downtown. I highly recommend the Hotel Vermont!

Manchester: Best for Couples

Southern Vermont tends to reach peak color a little later than the northern part of the state, making Manchester a great choice for a romantic fall getaway. You’ll find historic inns, boutique shopping, scenic drives, and easy access to hiking and Mount Equinox.

Brattleboro: Best for Budget Travelers

Hotels in Vermont can become expensive during foliage season, especially in popular towns like Stowe and Woodstock. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Brattleboro often has lower hotel rates while still providing beautiful fall scenery and easy access to southern Vermont’s covered bridges, hiking, and small towns.

Vermont in the Fall Itinerary Ideas

2–3 Day Vermont Fall Itinerary

If this is your first trip to Vermont in the fall, base yourself in Stowe or Waterbury. These towns put you close to many of Vermont’s most iconic fall experiences without spending all day in the car.

Day 1: Arrive in Stowe and explore the charming downtown before riding the gondola up Mount Mansfield for panoramic views of the Green Mountains dressed in fall color. Stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and warm cider donuts, then enjoy dinner at one of Stowe’s local restaurants.

Day 2: Spend the day driving Route 100, one of New England’s most scenic roads. Stop whenever the views catch your eye, explore covered bridges along the way, and visit small towns like Waitsfield or Weston. One of my favorite parts of Vermont is that some of the best memories come from the unexpected roadside stops rather than the ones you planned.

Day 3: Visit Shelburne Farms for a wagon ride, local cheese, and beautiful views of Lake Champlain before heading home. If time allows, spend a few hours exploring nearby Burlington.

4–5 Day Vermont Fall Itinerary

With a few extra days, you can experience much more of Vermont without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Explore Stowe, ride the Mount Mansfield gondola, and enjoy the shops and restaurants downtown.

Day 2: Drive Route 100 through the Green Mountains, stopping at scenic overlooks, covered bridges, cider mills, and small villages along the way.

Day 3: Spend the day in Woodstock, one of Vermont’s most picturesque towns. Visit Billings Farm, stroll through the historic downtown, and take your time enjoying the classic New England scenery.

Day 4: Head to Shelburne Farms and nearby Burlington. Sample local food, walk along the Lake Champlain waterfront, and enjoy one of Vermont’s best farm-to-table experiences.

Day 5: Choose one final adventure before heading home. Go for a hike in the Green Mountains, take a scenic train ride if it’s operating during your visit, or spend the morning browsing a local farmers market or harvest festival before making the drive home

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vermont in the Fall

When is the best time to visit Vermont in the fall?

The best time to visit Vermont for fall foliage is usually from late September through mid-October. Northern Vermont typically reaches peak color first, followed by central Vermont in early October and southern Vermont in mid-October. Since weather varies each year, check the state’s foliage report before your trip.

What is the best town to visit in Vermont during the fall?

Stowe is one of the best towns for first-time visitors because it offers easy access to Mount Mansfield, scenic drives, hiking, restaurants, and spectacular fall foliage. If you’re looking for a quieter, classic New England experience, Woodstock is another excellent choice.

How many days do you need in Vermont during the fall?

I recommend spending at least three days in Vermont during foliage season. That gives you enough time to drive Route 100, explore a few small towns, enjoy a hike, and experience some of Vermont’s famous farms and cider mills without feeling rushed.

When is peak fall foliage in Vermont?

Peak foliage depends on where you are in the state. Northern Vermont often peaks in late September to early October, central Vermont in early October, and southern Vermont in mid-October. Elevation and weather can shift peak color by several days each year.

Is Vermont crowded during fall foliage season?

Popular destinations like Stowe, Woodstock, and Route 100 can be busy on October weekends. Visiting during the week or traveling in late September or mid-October often means fewer crowds while still enjoying beautiful scenery.

What should I pack for a Vermont fall trip?

Pack layers since temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring small towns and hiking trails, and don’t forget a light jacket, rain gear, and a camera for the incredible foliage.

Is Route 100 worth driving?

Absolutely. Route 100 is Vermont’s most famous scenic drive and one of the best ways to experience fall foliage. The road passes through charming villages, mountain scenery, covered bridges, farms, and many of the state’s most popular attractions.

Is Vermont worth visiting if I miss peak foliage?

Yes. Even if you miss the absolute peak, Vermont is still a wonderful fall destination. Early fall offers pleasant hiking weather and changing leaves, while later in October you’ll often find fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and beautiful autumn scenery.

Should I stay in one town or move around Vermont?

For most travelers, staying in one town and taking day trips is the easiest option. Stowe, Woodstock, Burlington, and Manchester all make excellent home bases depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for Vermont in the fall?

If you’re planning to visit during peak foliage, book your hotel as early as possible. Popular hotels in places like Stowe and Woodstock often sell out six months or more in advance, especially for October weekends.

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