There’s no bad time to visit Vermont, but foliage season is especially magical. As the temperatures begin to drop and the landscape shifts like a kaleidoscope of colors, the Green Mountain State becomes a top destination for travelers who want to experience foliage and cozy vibes. With its iconic landmarks and scenery, charming small towns, and wealth of seasonal activities, Vermont is the perfect place to experience the essence of fall. Whether you’re looking to enjoy scenic drives, participate in lively fall festivals, or indulge in classic autumn activities like apple picking and hiking, Vermont has something for everyone. Here’s why fall is the best time to visit.

Fall Foliage Showcase

There’s a good reason that Vermont’s foliage season is world-famous. The wide variety of indigenous tree types means that every year, from late September to mid-October, the state’s forests undergo a breathtaking transformation. In a flurried display of color, the landscape becomes a painter's palette of deep reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a scene that feels almost like a movie set.

Tourists who visit Vermont to see the leaves change color are called “leaf peepers”. If you want to see the magic of the leaves,, the best way to experience Vermont’s fall foliage is by embarking on a scenic drive through the state’s rural backroads and switchback mountain passes.

When and Where?

Foliage at the old barn at Vermont Bed and Breakfast at Russell Young Farm

This is a question we get asked often! It’s impossible to know in advance exactly when the foliage season will be prime, but we have a pretty good idea and some solid suggestions. Typically, the first frost happens around September 20th and brings with it the brighter colors of fall. The leaves will last until the rain and winds blow them down, so it’s usually best to visit before the second week of October, or Indigenous People’s (formerly Columbus) Day.

The best foliage typically happens in the north first, and works its way down to southern Vermont as the temperatures drop. For this reason, we suggest booking accommodations in Central Vermont, so you can adapt your plans depending on the foliage forecast. Oh, and we happen to know a great Bed & Breakfast in the area! (wink wink!)

Choose Your Route

The amazing thing is that your whole experience can be planned to enjoy the best views and foliage. Whether you’re driving from New York or Boston, or flying into Burlington, you can plan a scenic route to enjoy the views.

Popular routes like Route 100, which stretches from Massachusetts to the Canadian border, offer some of the best foliage views in the state. Along the way, you’ll pass quaint villages, covered bridges, and rolling hills covered in autumn leaves. Another must-see spot is the Green Mountain Byway, which takes you through the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, offering sweeping views of valleys and mountain ridges ablaze in fall colors.

We love helping guests to curate their favorite experiences while they are here for a weekend - or a season. Whether it’s cheese tasting, brewery tours and seeing the historic covered bridges that are iconic to Vermont, we are here to help you make the most of your time here.

For travelers who prefer a more active experience, Vermont’s foliage can also be enjoyed on foot. Hiking trails like the Sunset Ledges, Snake Mountain, Stowe Pinnacle or Mount Mansfield provide stunning panoramic views of the autumn landscape below. The crisp fall air and the crunch of leaves underfoot make for a perfect hiking experience, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of colorful forests stretching for miles.

Fall Festivals and Events

Fall in Vermont is also synonymous with lively festivals and events celebrating the season’s harvest, culture, and community. From craft fairs to pumpkin festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the autumn spirit.

One of the most popular events is the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, held every October in the charming town of Stowe. This festival brings together local artists and craftspeople, offering handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. Visitors can browse stalls, sample local foods, and enjoy live music, all while soaking in the vibrant fall scenery.

Another highlight of Vermont’s fall festival scene is the Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival in Stowe, where participants build contraptions to launch pumpkins through the air. This quirky and fun-filled event is perfect for families, and it captures the lighthearted spirit of Vermont’s fall traditions.

Or bring a cozy layer and be sure to catch a football game at Middlebury College or soccer at the University of Vermont. Check the line up and enjoy a great concert outdoors, with Higher Ground events. You’ll have a great time and be in good company!

Apple Picking, PUMPKIN Patches and Farm Fun

Pumpkin picking at Adam’s Apple Orchard and Farm Market, in Williston

No fall trip to Vermont would be complete without a visit to one of the state’s many orchards for apple picking and pumpkin picking. The crisp fall weather, the smell of ripe apples, and the joy of picking your own fruit make it an ideal autumn activity for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Vermont’s orchards, such as Yate’s Family Orchard, Shelburne Orchards and Champlain Orchards, offer a wide variety of apples. Many farms and orchards also provide additional activities, like hayrides, live music, corn mazes, and cider pressing demonstrations, making it a full day of fun. Be sure to take home a gallon of freshly pressed apple cider or a bag of warm cider donuts to savor the taste of Vermont long after your visit.

Many of Vermont’s farms open their doors for harvest festivals and family-friendly activities in the fall. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, and even farm-to-table dinners that celebrate the bounty of the season. Be sure to stop by the farmstands and little shops in the area. These experiences offer a unique way to connect with Vermont’s agricultural roots, support local businesses, and savor the flavors of fall.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails in Vermont. The cool, comfortable temperatures make hiking and outdoor adventures more enjoyable, and the fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop for any trek. With the Green Mountains nearby, some of the best hiking in Vermont is right in our backyard.

For a more accessible outdoor experience, we suggest the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, with its wheelchair accessible route through the scenic woods or the Mount Philo State Park, where you can take the trail or the road to the top and enjoy a great view.

For an unforgettable hiking experience, try the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The section of the trail that runs through Smugglers' Notch offers some of the best fall views in the state, with dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and sweeping vistas. For a more leisurely hike, the Moss Glen Falls Trail in Stowe is a short but scenic route that leads to a beautiful waterfall framed by fall colors.

In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy other outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, and even zip-lining through the treetops. Many of Vermont’s ski resorts, like Stowe, Sugarbush and Bolton Valley, offer fall foliage chairlift rides, giving visitors a bird’s-eye view of the vibrant landscape below. Or take a unique approach and ride the single chair at Mad River Glen - the only single chair in the country! Whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or from the air, Vermont’s fall landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Your Invitation

There’s no better time to visit Vermont than in the fall. The combination of stunning foliage, lively festivals, and classic autumn activities creates an unforgettable experience that appeals to travelers of all ages. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat in the countryside or an adventurous getaway filled with hiking and exploration, Vermont in the fall offers it all. So give us a call and pack your bags, grab a cozy sweater, and come experience the magic of fall in Vermont — you won’t be disappointed.

-Carin & Luke McCarthy

Adventures in Vermont: Why Fall is a Special Time to Visit