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The rolling vibrant green hills, accented with bright reds, oranges, and yellows make a visit to Vermont in the fall like stepping into a living postcard. White church steeples reach skyward, and the crisp cool air carries with it the aroma of smoke and damp leaves.
Small town hospitality beckons you in to explore streets and shops abuzz with activity. Forested hillsides offer a respite. A place to walk and soak in nature.
Below is our round up of the best places to visit in Vermont in the fall. From a historic dinner train ride from Burlington, to strolling through the quaint towns of Manchester, Stowe, or Waitsfield, U-pick orchards, and the remote natural landscapes of the Northeast Kingdom, there's a mix of everything that's quintessential Vermont.
The Best Fall Destinations in Southern Vermont
Go For a Fall Foliage Drive Near Bennington
Bennington's history dates all the way back to 1749, making it the oldest town in Vermont. Located in the southwest corner, a few hours drive from major cities like NYC and Boston, it's a gateway into the Green Mountain State and a great jumping off point for chasing fall colors through New England.
Take a drive, or two, starting from Bennington. Here are a couple of the best routes to enjoy fall foliage:
The Route 7A-Route 100 Loop | You could complete this drive in about 4 or 5 hours, or spread it out over a weekend. From Bennington, head north on Route 7A up to Manchester, before cutting east to Route 100. Stops along the 96 mile loop include Lake Shaftsbury State Park, and the quaint towns of Jamaica, Wardsboro, and Dover.
Bennington to Lake Shaftsbury | If you're short on time, this one hour loop, not including stops, is sure to still satisfy your craving for autumn views. Leave from Old Bennington and travel along the Walloomsac River to see Silk Road Covered Bridge, Paper Mill Village Bridge, and Henry Covered Bridge. Leaving town for the outskirts, you'll discover just how vibrant fall in Vermont can be along Cross Hill Road, a dirt road that will take you back to Route 7A. Six minutes north is Lake Shaftsbury State Park, where you can walk the 1.3 mile loop trail around the lake.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy this time of year in Vermont or anywhere else is by hanging out near the water and going on beautiful hikes. Besides Lake Shaftsbury, Woodford State Park is also easily accessible from Bennington and has a 2.3 mile loop trail.
'O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow,
Make the day seem to us less brief.'
- from 'October' by Robert Frost
Though originally native to New Hampshire, the poet laureate Robert Frost moved to Vermont in 1920. He spent nine years living and working in Shaftsbury, in a building now preserved as the Robert Frost Stone House Museum.
When you're back in town, save some time for a tour of the historic Stone House or other notables, such as the Park McCullough House.
Try Cider Donuts and Maple Creemees in Manchester
One particular delight of the fall season in New England is the food.
You simply can't make it through a visit to Vermont in the fall without stopping for some warm cider donuts and maple creemees.
Dutton Farmstand in Manchester is the place to go for fresh treats. You'll find soft and delicious donuts, made with apple cider, and covered in cinnamon.
But save room for the maple creemees, a New England specialty. Dutton's adds their own harvested maple syrup into the vanilla base of this ice cream treat. They also carry fresh baked pies, homemade jams, and hard cider.
When you're ready to burn off some of those calories and take in elevated views of the Manchester area, head up to Equinox Mountain, a challenging 6.3 mile out-and-back trail with almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
Alternatively, you can take a car up Skyline Drive to the summit. It's a privately owned toll road, so it'll cost you $25-30 per vehicle, depending on the time of year, but you'll get all the views without the effort.
Another excellent hike in the area is to the Stratton Mountain fire tower. You can start from the trailhead on Stratton Arlington Road, which puts you on a 3.6 mile section of the Appalachian/Long Trail leading to the tower.
It's a bit less challenging than Equinox but, once again, you have an alternative option for reaching the top. On weekends, the Stratton Mountain gondola can transport you up, shortening the hike to 0.75 miles.
Do a Tasting in Wilmington at the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival
The annual Wine & Harvest Festival in Wilmington brings together local vintners, chefs, cheese makers, and other artisans for a three day event.
It kicks off Friday evening in late September with a wine and soup tasting stroll through the historic downtown. Saturday and Sunday's events are hosted at the Mount Snow Resort, just north of Wilmington, where you can taste and shop the offerings of dozens of vendors, including wineries, distilleries, cideries, and breweries.
Tickets are also available for a lift ride up to the summit of Mount Snow for views of the surrounding fall foliage.
Where to Stay in Southern Vermont
Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester | Centrally located along Main Street in Manchester, just a hop away from day trips along Route 7A or Equinox Mountain.
South Shire in Bennington | A charming and historic B&B filled with antique furniture and wood burning fireplaces in guest rooms.
Brook Bound Inn in Wilmington | A boutique hotel with spacious rooms in the main lodge, as well as a rustic cabin and carriage house.
The Best Fall Destinations in Central Vermont
Soar Over the Mad River Valley
The Mad River Valley is a slice of Vermont that cultivates small town charm and a slower pace of life.
Those sentiments are alive and well in the village of Warren. Don't pass through town without a visit to the "nearly world famous" Warren Store. On the first floor you'll find coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, among other every day provisions.
The store's "Upstairs" is home to boutique shopping, including clothing, jewelry, cards, and gifts.
To get out and enjoy the valley's scenic views, take the Long Trail on a short out-and-back hike, beginning at Lincoln Gap Trailhead, up to Sunset Ledge.
And for more adventurous leaf peepin', take to the skies on a glider flight with Sugarbush Soaring. Rides start at $189 per person for 20 minutes and on a clear day you'll be able to see all the way from the Adirondacks to New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Through October 12th you can rub elbows with the locals and truly soak in that small town charm at Waitsfield's Farmers Market, which happens every Saturday rain or shine.
Go Apple Picking at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham
We'd be lying if we said we knew that over 200 varieties of apple are grown in the US. That number is surprising and impressive, but what's even more impressive is that Champlain Orchards has 146 varieties on their farm in Shoreham.
Along with a dozen other fruits, they keep their website updated on which apples are ripe and ready for a day of pick-your-own fun.
On weekends you can relax in the cider garden and enjoy both non-alcoholic drinks and hard ciders pressed and fermented right on property.
Explore the VINS Canopy Walk in Quechee
Without a doubt, fall is the best time for a walk among the trees. And how better to see the colors than by actually getting up into the canopy?
That's exactly what you can do at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Their property in Quechee, just outside Woodstock, rapidly drops in elevation toward the bordering river. That makes it the ideal location for a canopy walk.
Rather than climbing up into the highest reaches of the forest, a relatively flat boardwalk brings visitors of all ages and physical abilities to viewing platforms up to 100 feet above the ground.
Similar to other canopy walks throughout North and Central America, the VINS Walk has a 'tree house', that's reminiscent of a fire tower and is the perfect way to get a panoramic view of the changing foliage.
Admission to the VINS Nature Center is $19.50 for adults, $16.50 for kids, and includes access to the canopy walk and all other exhibits.
Slow Down and Enjoy The Small Town Feel of Woodstock
We will always seek out off-the-beaten-path adventures and little hidden gems in whatever destination we're exploring. But there's also something to be said for those popular, yet undeniably quintessential places on the map.
Woodstock is one of those places. A charming small Vermont town that just embodies New England.
A couple days of strolling through the streets, relaxing in the central Green with a butterbeer latte, or devouring pumpkin pancakes will fully charge your fall vibe batteries.
There are photo ops around every corner, but make sure you stop by Middle Covered Bridge for a classic shot, with the surrounding trees popping off and fallen leaves littering the road leading up to the bridge.
And head just outside town to Quechee for a short hike through the gorge. It's an easy 1.3 mile round trip and the flaming colors lining either side of the gorge make for another photogenic must do.
The Rockefeller name and a legacy of philanthropy is well known throughout America's northeast. Without their contributions some of our beloved National Parks, including Acadia and Shenandoah, wouldn't be what they are today.
That legacy continued on with Laurence Rockefeller and his wife Mary French Rockefeller. In 1992 they donated 555 acres of forestland just outside Woodstock to the NPS. It later became the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, a tribute to the people who owned and worked to conserve the land.
Here you can explore the gardens and historic estate grounds, hike 20+ miles of trails and carriage roads, or join a ranger-led program or seasonal event.
Where to Stay in Central Vermont
Mountain Meadows Lodge in Killington | A modern and newly renovated boutique hotel on a historic farm with views out onto Kent Pond.
The Woodstocker Inn | A rustic-chic adults only property with complimentary fresh breakfast.
Warren Lodge | A cozy and rustic lodge experience with modern amenities right in the heart of Mad River Valley.
The Best Fall Destinations in Northern Vermont
Make Stowe Village Your Home Base For a Weekend
Vermont's quintessential small town in the north is Stowe.
Peak fall foliage season means crowded sidewalks and congested roadways leading into and out of town, but we'd say that Stowe is a special place you still ought to experience, especially at this time of the year.
Aside from strolling the heart of Stowe village, visiting the quaint little shops, and sipping on your favorite warm drink, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Leave a morning or afternoon to make the 10 mile drive along the scenic and winding road through Smuggler's Notch. There are some great hiking opportunities right along the route and just outside of Stowe.
If you're visiting in late September you'll want to save time to enjoy the Oktoberfest celebrations at Trapp Family Lodge.
We're always drawn to the water, no matter the time of year, but there's something particularly soothing about taking a paddle on a calm autumn day.
Stop by Umiak Outfitters Outpost on the southern end of Waterbury Reservoir, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs for two hours of serenity on the water.
Ride the Vermont Railway from Burlington
The Vermont Rail System is a family operated business that's been preserving the nostalgia of train travel for over half a century.
Their rail cars date back to the 1930s, but most have been restored and updated with modern touches.
Whether you'd prefer to relax in a lounge car with a cocktail and live music, or savor a three course gourmet meal on the round trip from Burlington to Vergennes, there are scenic rides offered through the end of October.
Get Away From the Crowds in the Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom encompasses some of Vermont's most remote and undisturbed landscapes.
If you're looking for a part of the state to get away from crowds and truly experience raw nature, it's here, where the locals go for fall.
The changing leaves typically reach their peak in this upper corner around late September or early October, spilling down to fill the rest of the state, so plan to begin your journey here, or embrace a bit of slow travel and dedicate your full trip to 'the NEK.'
Three separate regions make up the NEK.
In the Eastern Trek you'll find a blend of outdoor recreation, arts, food, and history. Hop through the communities of St. Johnsbury, Burke, Lyndon, and Island Pond.
The Farm & Field region is marked by rolling hills, with a myriad of quiet back roads and roadside farm stands.
And the Mountain & Lake Getaway, at the most northern boundary of Vermont, is considered some of the most pristine land in New England.
The Northeast Kingdom Byway runs through the heart of the area, from Newport to St. Johnsbury, giving a sample of everything the NEK has to offer.
Where to Stay in Northern Vermont
Tälta Lodge in Stowe | Built with charming Scandinavian minimalism and adventure in mind. Gear storage and direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path.
The Village Inn in East Burke | A laid back property that makes a perfect home base for outdoor lovers exploring the NEK.
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