25 Things to Do in Vermont in Fall
August 11, 2022

Looking for fun things to do in Vermont in fall? Here are ideas to help you make the most of Vermont fall foliage season.

From scenic fall drives and gorgeous hikes to autumn festivals and outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Vermont’s fall foliage season.

Enjoy Vermont Fall Foliage Season by Bike

Enjoy Fall in Vermont from a Quiet Dirt Road

When it comes to finding things to do in Vermont in fall, finding a dirt road to walk, bike or drive should be at the top of your list. Vermont has more dirt roads than paved roads—8,593 miles to be exact—giving you plenty of options for exploration.

Pedal One of Vermont’s Rail Trails

Vermont is home to many rail trails, the most famous being the Island Line Trail along Lake Champlain (and its must-ride Bike Ferry). Other rail trails worth riding include the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which is New England’s longest rail trail, the Delaware-Hudson Rail Trail in southwestern Vermont, and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail in the northwest corner of Vermont.

Bike the Stowe Recreation Path

The Stowe Recreation Path meanders along the West Branch River and features pedestrian bridges, swimming holes, park benches, picnic tables, and scenic views of Mount Mansfield. Stop by Idletyme Brewing along the path for lunch and some tasty brews. (Route 100, Stowe; 800-GO-Stowe; gostowe.com)

Vermont Fall Fairs, Art, Mazes and Orchards

Find Your Way Through a Corn Maze in Danville

The largest maze in New England is located at a fifth generation family farm in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The maze is open through Oct. 10, 2022.  (1404 Wheelock Road, Danville; 802–748-1399; vermontcornmaze.com)

Go Apple Picking at Shelburne Orchards

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Orchards feels like a throwback to another time. Pick you own apples, sip some hot cider, and enjoy a cider donut or two for a perfect Vermont fall day. (216 Orchard Road, Shelburne; 802-985-2753; shelburneorchards.com)

Celebrate the Start of Vermont Foliage Season at The Peru Fair

The Peru Fair, back for the first time since 2019, is a one-day street fall foliage festival that includes everything from a pig roast to bluegrass music to craft beer in one of Vermont’s most idyllic villages. (Main Street, Peru; perufair.org) 

See Giant Works of Art Outside in Enosburg

Located in Enosburg on a former dairy farm, Cold Hollow Sculpture Park features about 70 of David Stromeyer’s sculptures built with steel, concrete, stone, and other materials. Visitors can explore the park for free now through Oct. 10, 2022 to see Stromeyer’s impressive collection that spans five decades. Cold Hollow is an ideal location to see Vermont’s fall foliage colors. (4280 Boston Post Road, Enosburg; coldhollowsculpturepark.com)

Find a Small-Town Vermont Fall Festival

Vermont foliage festivals are a good bet if you’re looking for things to do in Vermont in fall. Some small-town favorites include the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, the Newfane Heritage Festival, and Harvest Festival in Underhill, and the Bristol Harvest Festival.

Reflect at the Path of Life Garden in Windsor

The 14-acre scenic Path of Life Garden, set along the Connecticut River in Windsor, features 18 works of art, including sculptures, a granite Buddha, and a maze lined with 800 hemlock trees. During Vermont’s fall foliage season, it’s a stunning display. (36 Park Road, Windsor; 802-674-9933; pathoflifegarden.com)

Vermont Fall Foliage Season in the Mountains

Hike around Lake Willoughby in Westmore

Hiking above this iconic lake is a must in the fall. The two mountains on either side of the lake—Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah—offer trails with superb views, especially during Vermont fall foliage season. You can also find  plenty of shorter trails in Willoughby State Forest. (Route 5A, Westmore)

Ride the Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort

The gondola at Stowe is a quick and easy way to explore Vermont’s highest peak. Once you’re up there, hike up to the chin of Mount Mansfield or take a more leisurely walk along the ski trails to see gorgeous Vermont fall views. (Route 108, Stowe; stowe.com)

Explore the Moosalamoo Region

The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area is a 16,000-acre paradise between Ripton, Goshen, and Lake Dunmore. This beautiful area includes more than 70 miles of well-maintained trails that are perfect for fall hiking and biking in Vermont. (moosalamoo.org)

Ride the Single Chairlift at Mad River Glen

Take Mad River Glen’s famous “Single” chairlift up to the summit of Stark Mountain on weekends between late September and mid-October and see beautiful fall foliage along the way. (Route 17, Fayston; 802-496-3551; madriverglen.com)

Take a Vermont Fall Hike to Sunset Ledge

This 2.2-mile round-trip trail is a good hike for young kids and can be accessed by heading south on the Long Trail from the top of Lincoln Gap Road between the towns of Warren and Lincoln. The payoff is the spectacular fall foliage view of the Lake Champlain Valley and Adirondacks. (Lincoln Gap Road is between Warren and Lincoln)

Explore Vermont Small Towns and State Parks

Visit Peacham and See Classic Autumn Beauty

Located on the southern side of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Peacham is said to be the most photographed town in New England. During fall foliage season, it’s especially scenic. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why. Stop by the newly reopened Peacham Cafe for coffee, breakfast, lunch or a snack.  (Bayley Hazen Road; peacham.net)

Visit a Classic Village in Vermont This Fall

Small towns like Dorset, Weston, Warren, Grafton, East Burke, Ripton, and Newfane are extra special in the fall.  With their country stores, church steeples, and dirt roads, they each have their own story. Make sure you get off the beaten path and explore these beautiful communities during Vermont’s fall foliage season.

Hike on Lesser-Known Vermont State Lands

If you’re looking for quiet places to hike on those glorious fall weekends, try lesser-known Vermont state forests, parks and natural areas, including Holbrook State Park in Sheffield, Amity Pond Natural Area in Pomfret, and Okemo State Forest in Mount Holly.

Camp at a Vermont State Park

Several Vermont State Parks are open until October, and early fall camping is an option at places like Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore, Brighton State Park in Island Pond, Coolidge State Park in Plymouth, and Elmore State Park. (vtstateparks-visit.com)

Vermont Scenic Fall Drives

See the 100-Mile View on Route 9

Between Brattleboro and Wilmington on Route 9 is the famous 100-Mile View on Hogback Mountain. Make sure you stop at this popular Vermont scenic overlook to see beautiful Vermont fall views as far as New Hampshire and Massachusetts. (Route 9, Marlboro)

Drive up Equinox Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a 5.2-mile toll road that takes you to the 3,848-foot summit of Mount Equinox. Built in the 1940s, Skyline Drive is the longest, privately-owned paved road in the United States. During Vermont foliage season, the views are magnificent. Skyline Drive is open until Oct. 31, 2022. (Route 7A, Sunderland; equinoxmountain.com)

Travel Vermont’s Notch and Gap Roads

Some of Vermont’s most scenic mountain roads are closed to car traffic once the snow flies. Fall in Vermont is an ideal time to explore Kelley Stand Road in East Arlington, Route 108—the Notch—in Stowe, Hazen’s Notch between Montgomery Center and Lowell, and Lincoln Gap Road between Warren and Lincoln.

Pull over at Moss Glen Falls on Route 100

Taking a scenic drive up Route 100? Make sure you stop at this 30-foot waterfall on the western edge of Route 100 in the Granville Gulf Reservation, a six-mile, winding stretch of untouched wilderness. (Route 100, Granville)

Experience Vermont Fall at Lakes and a Gorge

Cruise on Lake Champlain

See Vermont’s fall foliage season from an entirely different perspective by taking a cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen on Lake Champlain. Daily cruises are offered until mid-October.  (Burlington Waterfront; 802-862-8300; soea.com)

Paddle Grout Pond Near Stratton Mountain

Grout Pond near Stratton Mountain is a 1,600-acre recreational area in the Green Mountain National Forest that is picture-perfect for paddling in the fall. (Forest Road 262 off Kelly Stand Road; fs.usda.gov)

Gaze at Quechee Gorge for the Ultimate Vermont Fall View

Quechee Gorge is a staggering 165-foot-deep chasm that was sculpted by glacial activity some 13,000 years ago.  In fall foliage season, the gorge is nothing short of spectacular. (Route 4; Quechee)

What’s on your list for things to do in Vermont in fall?