Vermont is well known for its beautiful fall season. Many visitors come to enjoy the cooler weather, colorful leaves, and peaceful countryside. The state offers a variety of activities that highlight the best of autumn.
The best things to do in Vermont in the fall blend nature, local culture, and relaxing experiences. From outdoor adventures to enjoying local food and drink, there is something for everyone during this time of year. This article covers thirteen top activities to explore in Vermont when the leaves start to change.
1) Visit Woodstock village for charming shops and fall colors
Woodstock village offers a mix of quaint shops and beautiful fall colors. Visitors enjoy walking its streets lined with boutique stores and local crafts.
The colorful leaves create a calm atmosphere. People often combine shopping with scenic strolls to see the vibrant foliage.
Woodstock is a typical New England town, perfect for a quiet fall visit. More details about activities in Woodstock can be found here.
2) Hike the Quechee Gorge for stunning foliage views
Visitors can hike the Quechee Gorge Trail, an easy 2.7-mile path offering clear views of the fall colors. The trail leads close to the river below the gorge.
The gorge’s cliffs rise nearly 165 feet, providing dramatic scenes of autumn leaves from above and below. The area is peaceful and popular for hiking and bird watching.
Fall is the best time to visit for bright foliage. The trail is open April to October and often busy during peak leaf season.
More details about this hike and nearby activities are available at this Quechee Gorge guide.
3) Drive the Green Mountain Byway for scenic vistas
The Green Mountain Byway is a 71-mile loop through Vermont’s mountains and small towns. It offers clear views of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, and passes through villages like Stowe and Waterbury.
Travelers see farmland, forests, and historic sites along the way. The route is known for its natural beauty year-round, especially in the fall.
This drive is part of the larger Route 100 corridor, a favored scenic route in New England. It combines mountain views with charming New England communities. Learn more about the Green Mountain Byway.
4) Explore Stowe and Mt. Mansfield colors
Stowe is well known for its vibrant fall foliage. Visitors enjoy walking through the town and seeing the colorful leaves on trees lining the streets.
Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak, offers stunning views of the fall colors from above. People can take the Gondola SkyRide to the summit for a clear look at the changing landscape.
Driving up the Auto Toll Road is another popular way to see the autumn scenery. It winds through forests that show a mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Hiking the trails on Mt. Mansfield gives visitors a chance to see the fall colors up close. The ridgeline paths offer scenic spots perfect for photos or resting.
For more ideas about fall in Stowe and Mt. Mansfield, visit best things to do in Stowe Vermont in Fall.
5) Tour a local maple syrup farm
Visitors can see how maple syrup is made by touring farms in Vermont. They learn about tapping trees and boiling sap into syrup.
Tours often include tastings of different syrup grades. Many farms are family-run and offer a hands-on experience.
The farms operate mainly in early spring, but some offer seasonal visits. Exploring a maple syrup farm gives insight into an important Vermont tradition.
Learn more about maple syrup farms by visiting Vermont maple syrup farms.
6) Bike the South Burlington bike paths
The South Burlington bike paths offer about 24 miles of connected trails for riders of all levels. These paths link neighborhoods, parks, and schools, making biking practical and enjoyable.
They also connect to nearby communities, expanding options for longer rides. The mostly flat terrain makes the paths easy to navigate. More details can be found on the South Burlington Recreation Path.
7) Attend the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival
The Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival is held in Stowe each fall. It features teams and individuals who build trebuchets to launch pumpkins for distance.
The event is family-friendly and supports local causes. It was named USA Today’s best fall festival in the nation, highlighting its popularity and uniqueness.
Visitors can watch pumpkin launching contests and enjoy the fun atmosphere. The festival also offers prize money for winners across different divisions. More details are available at Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival.
8) Wander the Shelburne Museum grounds
The Shelburne Museum covers 45 acres filled with historic buildings and gardens. Visitors can explore over 150 structures, including barns, a lighthouse, and vintage homes.
In fall, the museum grounds show colorful foliage and peaceful walking paths. It offers a mix of art, history, and nature.
The gardens feature seasonal plants like lilacs and daylilies. The setting by Lake Champlain adds to the calm atmosphere. More details are available at the Shelburne Museum website.
9) Take a boat ride on Lake Champlain
They can enjoy calm waters and see colorful fall leaves from the boat. Many tours offer chances to spot wildlife and learn about local history.
Options include sunset cruises and narrated tours. Booking a ride with companies like Spirit of Ethan Allen adds a relaxing touch to an autumn day.
10) Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
The Ben & Jerry’s factory is located in Waterbury, Vermont, offering visitors a chance to see how their ice cream is made.
Guests can watch a short film about the company’s history and peek into the production area.
The tour includes stops at large tanks used in making the ice cream base and chances to learn about popular flavors.
Visitors often enjoy tasting samples and exploring the on-site shop for unique treats.
The factory is set in a scenic area near the Green Mountains, adding to the experience.
More information about the tour can be found on the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour page.
11) Go apple picking at a local orchard
Apple picking is a popular fall activity in Vermont. Many orchards offer pick-your-own apples and fresh cider. Visitors can enjoy the crisp air and scenic views while harvesting fruit.
Farms like Shelburne Orchards near Burlington are well known. They also have treats like cider doughnuts. These orchards provide a simple, outdoor experience perfect for families or friends. More details can be found at the best apple orchards in Vermont.
12) Explore Smugglers’ Notch hiking trails
Smugglers’ Notch offers many hiking trails with various difficulty levels. Visitors can enjoy peaceful views of forests, cliffs, and alpine ponds.
Popular hikes include the Sterling Pond Trail, which is about 2.5 miles roundtrip and leads to a quiet mountain pond. The area provides well-marked paths for both casual walks and more challenging treks.
The scenic Mountain Road connects Stowe and Jeffersonville and gives access to trailheads and natural beauty throughout the notch. Smugglers’ Notch is a top spot for fall hiking in Vermont.
More details about the trails and directions can be found on the Smugglers Notch hiking guide.
13) Experience Harvest Festival events in Middlebury
Middlebury hosts lively harvest festivals every fall. These events celebrate local food, crafts, and community traditions.
Visitors can enjoy food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. The festivals highlight the area’s rich agricultural heritage.
Events often take place outdoors, showcasing the vibrant autumn colors. They provide a chance to connect with local culture and farmers.
Learn more about these gatherings and schedules at the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival in Middlebury.
