Thinking about planning a trip to Vermont in the Fall to see the foliage? After so many trips to the Green Mountain state, we’ve compiled everything you need to know before you go! This is a magical time of year that draws in travelers from far and wide to see the leaves change. Here’s our top 9 tips to know about the Vermont Fall foliage and all about our own experiences.
9 Essential Tips to See the Vermont Fall Foliage
1. Book Accommodations in Advance
If you didn’t know, this is the most popular time of year to visit Vermont! The changing of the leaves draws in people not just from other states, but all around the world.
For this reason, you’ll want to book your accommodations as soon as you know your dates. Luckily, Vermont has a wide range of hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts to choose from.
Many travelers choose to stay in the city of Burlington and make day trips to the small towns around the state. However, know that some of the best places to stay are actually in these small villages. This way you can fully take in the local atmosphere and small town Vermont life.
We understand it can be difficult to plan ahead, as the leaves change can vary from year to year. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this part of visiting Vermont in Fall.
If you book last minute, you can expect the best accommodations to be sold out and others to be outrageously expensive. Below are some of our favorite spots to check out and book ahead of time before your visit.
- Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe Vermont
- Woodstock Inn & Resort -Woodstock, Vermont
- Swift House Inn – Middlebury, Vermont
- Vikings Villages Resort – Guilford, Vermont
- Hotel Vermont Burlington Burlington, Vermont
2. See Vermont Fall Foliage With A Car
While there are buses and trains available in some areas, you won’t be able to truly see Vermont in the Fall without a vehicle.
If you’re not traveling with your own car, you can easily fly into Burlington or one of the larger cities like Boston (find the cheapest prices here). From there, it’s easy to pick up rental car and get out into the countryside.
Check out our full guides to renting a car in Boston, New York City, and Portland Maine before your trip.
We always use this website to find rental cars in the United States. It allows you to compare the best rates and companies to find a deal that works for you.
There are many different itineraries to choose from when planning your trip. We recommend anywhere from 3 days to an entire week for your Vermont Fall vacation!
3. Stay in the Small Towns
As we mentioned, the most fun way to see Vermont in Fall is by staying in one of the local towns. Although it is small, Vermont is a very rural destination.
This means there are endless little villages sprinkled around the state to visit on your road trip. Some of our favorites include Woodstock, Stowe, and Middlebury. Yet, there’s no reason to limit yourself to just one!
A great way to see Vermont in the Fall would be to stay 1-2 nights in different towns over the course of a week. This way you can fully embrace the local life, eat at some amazing restaurants, and get out into nature.
4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
We hope you didn’t come to Vermont in Fall to sit indoors! Aside from just gazing up at the colorful trees, there are so many great hiking and walking trails.
They range from short strolls through Shelburne Farms to epic hikes to Vermont’s tallest peak of Mount Mansfield. We also loved getting out on the bike paths like this one in Burlington which goes around Lake Champlain.
When looking for hikes routes, we always head to AllTrails which is super easy to use for information. Even so, simply driving around on the backroads is a great way to see the Fall foliage in Vermont!
5. Start Popular Vermont Fall Drives Early
There are so many great routes and road trips to check out on your trip to Vermont. However, be aware that many of the scenic routes aren’t much of a secret anymore!
If you’re visiting during the months of September and October, be prepared to see other vehicles out on the roads with you. One way to combat this is to get out as early as possible before other travelers start their own journey’s.
We recommend starting your drive as early as possible, especially on the weekends during Fall in Vermont. This means you should get up with the sun, grab some breakfast, and head right out the door!
The iconic Smugglers Notch drive has been so crowded during the peak Vermont Fall Foliage season that traffic jams can last for hours! Now, this isn’t to deter you from taking the drive.
You should just know what you’re in for driving here on sunny afternoon day during autumn. Visit Vermont put together a list of some of the most popular routes for Fall foliage.
6. Pack for All Weather
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may not be used to the crazy New England weather. Jake actually grew up in northern Vermont, so he’s no stranger to the long winters and cold days.
Even during the Fall season, it’s common for the temperatures to drop down low and for rain (and even snow) to appear. Be sure to pack for any scenario and bring your hats, gloves, and warm jackets.
It also may be a good idea to go for an SUV or something with all-wheel drive if you’re not used to driving in New England. The roads can sometimes be slippery up in the mountains with inclement weather.
7. Check the Vermont Fall Foliage Map
Yes! There’s a handy map to help you on your Vermont Fall foliage trip.
Check out this live interactive website to stay up to date on the best conditions and foliage sightings. It works off of reports from people on the ground to show you where the colors of the leaves are truly popping.
As it states, the colors usually start in the north and then move their way down south. Yet, it all depends on the weather and when the seasons change over during Vermont in the Fall.
8. Vermont Fall Festivities
With the switching of the seasons in Vermont comes so many fun celebrations and activities! Across the state you’ll find all kinds of events to enjoy during the beautiful Fall.
We’ve been to so many harvest festivals, state fairs, concerts, and farmers markets that pop up after summer ends. These can be a great place to try local treats, drink some craft beer, and soak in the outdoor life.
Some of our favorites are actually held at the many ski resorts around Vermont in the Fall. Be sure to check out the official calendar of events before your own visit.
9. Try Local Fall Treats
Last but not least, one of the best parts about visiting Vermont in the Fall is tasting all the local specialties. Vermont is known worldwide for its maple syrup, and there is plenty of it to try around the state!
We recommend going to a local farm like this one where you can buy it directly from a sugarmaker. Vermont is also home to amazing dairy products like milk, cheese, and of course… Ice Cream! This is our all-time favorite maple creemee place if you have a chance to go.
Additionally, you’ll want to find all the delicious cider and cider donuts from local farms and storefronts. There’s no shortage of great food and drinks to try while your checking out the fall foliage in Vermont!
Here’s 9 delicious desserts and drinks to try in New England before you go.
Is it Worth Visiting Vermont in the Fall?
Absolutely! Despite the crowds that come with the autumn season, it’s so worth visiting Vermont during this magical time of year.
Hopefully, these tips will help you plan your own trip to have the best time possible. Also, consider going to Vermont during the other three seasons if you have the opportunity.
Spring and Summer have their own charm, with so many lakes and ponds to swim and kayak in. While in Winter, the Green Mountain state has some of the best skiing in the United States!
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own tips for visiting Vermont in Fall? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake