Vermont is known for its beautiful fall colors, attracting many visitors each autumn. Trees throughout the state change their leaves, creating vibrant landscapes that vary from bright reds to deep yellows.
This article highlights 13 common trees in Vermont that show distinct and colorful fall leaves, helping readers recognize and appreciate them during the season. Understanding these trees adds to the experience of exploring Vermont’s fall foliage.
1) Green Mountains peak foliage
The Green Mountains in Vermont show peak fall colors from late September to mid-October. Sugar maples, birch, and beech trees turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. This area offers some of the most consistent and striking autumn views in the state.
Visitors often plan trips to catch this intense color change in the Green Mountains. The area is key for leaf-peeping and scenic drives during the fall season.
More details on timing and locations can be found in this Vermont Fall Foliage Guide and Reports.
2) Stowe town leaf viewing
Stowe is known for its vibrant fall colors. Visitors can explore scenic drives and hiking trails to see a mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
The town’s small size makes it easy to find great spots for leaf viewing quickly. Many enjoy walking through downtown while taking in the colorful trees.
3) Smugglers’ Notch scenic drive
Smugglers’ Notch offers a winding, tree-lined road famous for fall colors. The narrow, steep Route 108 provides clear views of changing leaves. Drivers can stop at spots like Barnes Camp Boardwalk to enjoy the scenery and take short walks. This drive is a classic choice for Vermont foliage. For more details, see Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive.
4) Northeast Kingdom forests
The Northeast Kingdom is known for its dense forests filled with many kinds of trees. It has a large number of maple trees, which turn bright red and orange in the fall. Visitors can find quiet backroads to enjoy the natural colors without crowds. More details are available in the Northeast Kingdom Vermont Fall Foliage Guide.
5) Lake Champlain shoreline colors
The trees along the Lake Champlain shoreline show a mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves in fall. These colors come from maples, birches, and beeches common to the area. The calm lake water often reflects these hues, adding to the view’s appeal.
Visitors can explore by walking or biking the Island Line Rail Trail for close-up colors. This area offers a quieter alternative to busier spots. See more about this scenic route here.
6) Mount Mansfield vistas
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak. It offers wide views of vibrant fall leaves. Visitors can hike or take the gondola to see the colors from above. The ridge trail provides panoramic scenes of reds, yellows, and oranges covering the mountainsides.
For more details, see Mount Mansfield fall foliage options.
7) Middlebury orchards
Middlebury orchards offer a clear view of vibrant fall leaves. Visitors can pick apples while enjoying the changing colors around them. Happy Valley Orchard is a popular spot known for its heritage apple trees and scenic fall setting. It combines leaf-peeping with a traditional autumn activity.
More details are available at Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury.
8) Woodstock fall walks
Woodstock offers several easy fall walks that showcase colorful tree leaves. The river walk begins in the village and follows peaceful trails. Visitors can also stroll through Central and Elm Streets, enjoying cozy shops lined with bright autumn trees. These walks provide a quiet way to enjoy Vermont’s fall colors.
See more about Woodstock fall walks at comejoinmyjourney.com.
9) Camden Valley trails
The Camden Valley trails offer a quiet place to enjoy fall colors. Walkers and hikers see a mix of maple and birch trees turning bright shades of yellow and orange. The trails are easy to access and perfect for a peaceful autumn stroll.
10) Quechee Gorge overlook
Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s deepest gorge, carved by the Ottauquechee River. The overlook offers clear views of colorful fall leaves framing the river below. Visitors often stop here to enjoy the natural scenery and the crisp autumn air. It is a popular spot for seeing Vermont’s fall foliage.
Learn more about Quechee Gorge in Vermont here.
11) Burke Mountain hikes
Burke Mountain offers trails of varying difficulty, making it accessible for many hikers. The summit provides clear views of vibrant fall leaves and nearby mountains. Hikers can also climb the Burke Mountain Fire Tower for a broad panoramic view. More details can be found at Burke Mountain hiking guides.
12) Southern Vermont scenic byways
Southern Vermont offers several scenic byways known for beautiful fall colors. These drives pass through quiet towns and forested areas. They are perfect for people wanting to enjoy the autumn leaves at a calm pace. More details about these routes are available on Vermont’s official tourism sites.
13) Shelburne Farms foliage
Shelburne Farms offers a peaceful setting to see fall colors. It has a mix of maples, oaks, and birches that turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors can enjoy walks through the farm while taking in the autumn scenery. More details are available at Shelburne Farms’ fall foliage guide.
