20 Things to Do in Vermont this Fall
August 28, 2026

Looking for fun things to do in Vermont this fall? Here are 20 ideas to help you make the most of fall foliage season.

Find Yourself on a Forest Service Road

Forest Service roads in Vermont can be found across the Green Mountain National Forest, from Searsburg and Sunderland to Goshen and Granville.

The national forest encompasses more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont, forming the largest contiguous public land area in Vermont. (Here are some Forest Service road suggestions on HappyVermont.com).

Climb a Vermont Fire Tower

Being on a mountain summit is always rewarding, and climbing a fire tower at the top can can be even better.

You can climb fire towers on several Vermont peaks, including Burke Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Okemo Mountain, Elmore Mountain, Gile Mountain in Norwich, and Mount Olga State Park in Wilmington. Some fire towers you need to hike to, while others are lift served (like Okemo) or accessible by a mountain road (like Burke). (Related story: A Fascination with Fire Towers)

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.

You can explore the park for free now through Oct. 12 to see Stromeyer’s impressive collection that spans five decades. (4280 Boston Post Road, Enosburg; coldhollowsculpturepark.com)

Make 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 seven days a week.

Make a point to arrive no later than 1 p.m. to give yourself plenty of time.  (1404 Wheelock Road, Danville; 802–748-1399; vermontcornmaze.com)

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.

These spots include Holbrook State Park in Sheffield, Amity Pond Natural Area in Pomfret, and Okemo State Forest in Mount Holly.

Travel Vermont’s Notch and Gap Roads

Some of Vermont’s most scenic mountain roads are closed to vehicular traffic once the snow flies.

But these roads are ideal to explore in fall. Try Kelley Stand Road in East Arlington, Route 108/the Notch near Stowe, Hazen’s Notch between Montgomery Center and Lowell, and Lincoln Gap Road between Warren and Lincoln.

Go Apple Picking at Shelburne Orchards

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Orchards feels like a throwback to another time.

Pick your own apples, sip some hot cider, and enjoy a cider donut or two. (216 Orchard Road, Shelburne; 802-985-2753; shelburneorchards.com)

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. (Route 5A, Westmore)

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. (moosalamoo.org)

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 soak up the views. (Route 108, Stowe; stowe.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)

Stroll through Peacham

Located on the southern edge of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Peacham is said to be the most photographed town in New England. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why. (Bayley Hazen Road; peacham.net)

Soak up 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 scenic overlook to see gorgeous fall views. (Route 9, Marlboro)

Ride the Single Chairlift Up 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 foliage along the way. (Route 17, Fayston; 802-496-3551; madriverglen.com)

Cruise on Lake Champlain

See the autumn landscape 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)

Drive up Equinox Skyline Drive in Sunderland

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. (Route 7A, Sunderland; equinoxmountain.com)

Pull Over at Moss Glen Falls

If you’re traveling on Route 100, make sure you stop at Moss Glen Falls, a 30-foot waterfall in the Granville Gulf Reservation, a six-mile, winding stretch of untouched wilderness. (Route 100, Granville)

Visit a Tiny Vermont Village

Small towns like Dorset, Warren, Guilford, East Burke, Craftsbury, and Newfane are extra special in the fall.  With their country stores, church steeples, and dirt roads, they each have their own story.

Find a Small-Town Festival

Any Vermont festival in the fall is a good bet. Some small town favorites are the Gilfeather Turnip Festival in Wardsboro, the Harvest Market Festival in Underhill, and the East Charlotte Tractor Parade.

Take a Moment to Reflect in the Path of Life Garden

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