If seeing the changing color of leaves in New England has been on your bucket list, you should plan a visit to Vermont in the fall. You’ll think you’ve walked right onto the set of a Hallmark movie!

While there, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of fall foliage, charming small towns, and relaxing scenic drives. Not only that, you’ll find farm-to-table cuisine and an endless array of exciting outdoor activities. You’ll feel the spirit of New England and what makes Vermont such a special place to be in the fall! 

Before you start your adventure, let’s go over some essentials. 

Fall Weather in Vermont

Fall weather in Vermont can often be unpredictable. Expect the weather to range between the 30s and 60s (F°) with occasional rain.

Packing List for Vermont in the Fall

Here are some essentials to keep you warm, dry, and cozy!

• Umbrella (small enough to throw in a bag)
• Warm base layers 
• Long sleeve shirts
• Pants 
• Coat 
• Waterproof boots with nonslip, rubber soles
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Wool socks

Ladies, prepare for fall weather in Vermont with this detailed packing list created by a New England local.

When Is the Best Time to See Vermont’s Fall Foliage?

Many argue about the right time to see fall at its peak in Vermont. It’s safe to assume that Vermont’s colors will be their best from late September to mid/late October.

Now that you know the best time to take a trip to Vermont in the fall, it’s time to pack your bags, get in the car and get ready for a sweet ride!

RELATED: Best Small Towns in America to See Fall Foliage

How to Explore Vermont in the Fall

The options for fun and relaxation in Vermont are truly endless! To see where the journey takes you, here are a few ideas.

Fall Festival

Food, music, fun… what more could you ask for! Vermont has so many incredible fall festivals across the state, like Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest. 

Take a Scenic Drive

Is there anything better than turning up the music and going for a relaxing drive on an open stretch of beautiful road with colorful leaves all around? Even better if you have your dog, friend, or partner in crime with you! 

If you’re traveling through southern Vermont, you want to take advantage of the views on Rte 7A through the Shires of Vermont. If you’re further up north, check out the “Northeast Kingdom Loop,” which encompasses 150 miles of gorgeousness! You’ll drive through quaint little New England towns with charming shops, restaurants, and historic homes like St. Johnsbury. 

The bright colors of red, orange, and yellow all around make you feel like you’re in an enchanted forest. It’s even more beautiful when driving through a covered bridge.

Check out these scenic drives in Vermont for more gorgeous fall foliage drives through the state and for a detailed map of covered bridges. 

Horseback Riding

There’s something magical about getting on a horse and riding through the colorful woods. You’ll find a lot of stables throughout Vermont that offer private and group riding lessons and trail rides. How about a ride on the adorable Icelandic horses in Vermont?

Fall Train Ride

All aboard the Green Mountain Railroad! This train ride takes you through Burlington passed Vermont’s famed covered bridges. Sit back with a cup of hot apple cider, relax and enjoy the foliage you came to Vermont for! 

While you’re here, remember to make a stop at a sugar house for maple syrup which the state produces the most of in the country. They also have more covered bridges per capita than any other state.

Take a Fall Foliage Hike

Everywhere you go, there’s an opportunity to take a hike. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Lake Shaftsbury State Park (easy, one mi. loop)

The highlight of this hike is, of course, Lake Shaftsbury itself. Even better, you don’t have to walk too far to see the gorgeous Fall colors surrounding it. If you want a delicious treat afterward, drive a mile on Route 7A to The Chocolate Barn for some ice cream. 

• Stowe Pinnacle (moderate, 3.7 mi.)

For something a bit more intensive, this is an excellent hike with a set of stairs that lead you to a summit. It gets steeper as the hike goes on, so pace yourself.

• Sunset Ridge Trail on Mount Mansfield (difficult, 5.9 mi.)

This hike is challenging because the mountain is Vermont’s highest peak, which means beautiful 360-degree views of fall foliage! This is for the brave, experienced hikers.

Where to Eat in Vermont in the Fall

What makes us cozy in the fall? That’s right! Eating!! Nom nom nom. 

From apple cider donuts and hot cider to farm-to-table restaurants, establishments throughout Vermont have a few tricks up their sleeve to tempt your belly while you’re there.

Apple Cider Donuts & Apple Cider

What’s fall without stuffing our smiling faces and bellies with hot apple cider and some apple cider donuts made with apples from the farm? 

• Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury Center)
• Shelburne Orchards (Shelburne)
• Allen Holme Farms (South Hero)

Farm-To-Table Restaurants

These restaurants serve delicious farm-to-table fare with local ingredients, and some even let you dine on the farm! How’s that for farm-to-table? 

• Maple Wind Farm (Richmond)

How about a fried chicken dinner with all the works? Every October, this farm brings the south up north. There’s even live music, beer & an ice cream truck.

• Ardelia Farm & Co. (Irasburg)

In September, you can take a lovely nature walk with fields of flowers and animals before sitting down for a delicious, gourmet brunch.

• Cloudland Farm (Woodstock)

The folks here mean business! Here, they raise hens, turkeys, chickens, pigs, vegetables, herbs, you name it. Everything is cooked fresh from their farm, where you can dine and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

• Shelburne Winery (Shelburne)

Sip and nibble on some tasty wine, charcuterie, and cheese boards from local vendors. The winery makes its own wine.

Where to Stay in Vermont in the Fall

If a cozy fire in a historic home with a home-cooked breakfast and a clawfoot tub is calling your name, don’t miss an opportunity to stay at an authentic Vermont bed and breakfast or Inn. Just make sure to book well in advance as autumn is a peak season for New England. 

Northern Vermont

• Brass Lantern Inn (Stowe)

How about a 3-course complimentary breakfast in a cozy dining room? Yes, please!

That’s precisely what Brass Lantern Inn offers its guests. The area is perfect for leaf peeping, so you’ll want to stay here if you want to explore all Stowe has to offer!

• Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock)

For the ultimate, elegant getaway in Vermont in the fall, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to stay at this iconic resort in Woodstock. It’s New England’s idea of a palace, but colonial style. You’ll also find farm-to-table cuisine at the resort’s four different restaurants.

• The Village Inn (Woodstock)

For a more homey alternative, this quaint Inn is perfect. You’ll even be served a different breakfast every single day. Enjoy the bar, lounge in the living room or step out your door and enjoy the scenery around you.

Southern Vermont

• The Inn on Putney Road (Brattleboro)

This gem has a fireplace and a vintage billiard table. When you’re ready to return to your room, you can rest assured that you’ll stay warm and cozy in front of your own gas or electric fireplace. Then, wake up and enjoy a delicious 2-course breakfast.

• Castle Hill Resort & Spa (Proctorsville)

For a more glamorous affair, enjoy the full-service spa at Castle Hill, which is inside a historic carriage house. Then, enjoy a delectable French-inspired dinner in the hotel’s gorgeous dining room. Are you thinking of staying longer? The Castle Hill brand also offers seasonal condos with fully equipped kitchens for the week or the month, which comes with a membership to use the resort’s spa.

The Take-Away

Hopefully, you enjoyed this article and got some great ideas for things to do in Vermont in the Fall! Don’t forget to pack the right clothes and make hotel and restaurant reservations well in advance to secure your plans! 

More Articles From Our Woven Journey’s Network:

• 16 Gorgeous Fall Foliage Scenic Drives You Need to See
• Best Small Towns in America to See Fall Foliage

This blog was written by Geeves of Real Girl Review and published on Our Woven Journey.

Featured Image Credit: Canva