15 Best Things to Do in Vermont in the Fall
Scenic mountain drives, historic villages, maple syrup tastings, and cozy cider mills—autumn in Vermont is the main event.
This state knows how to do it right; here are the best things to do in Vermont in the fall.
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1. Drive the Scenic Route 100 for Fall Foliage
Route 100 stretches 216.6 miles through Vermont’s Green Mountains, making it the state’s longest highway.
You’ll cruise past historic covered bridges, charming New England villages, and maple trees showing off their brightest reds and golds.
The winding road leads through more than a dozen small towns where you can stop for photos and local treats.
Best For: Road trippers craving classic New England autumn colors and small-town charm.
2. Explore the Charming Town of Woodstock
Woodstock earns its reputation as one of Vermont’s most beautiful towns with its covered bridge, historic homes, and village green.
Boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and maple syrup tastings line the walkable streets.
The scenic drives along Route 4 and River Road showcase spectacular fall colors. Mount Tom has hiking trails with panoramic views of the colorful foliage wrapping around this quintessential New England village.
Best For: Couples looking for romantic fall scenery and foodies after authentic Vermont flavors.
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3. Hike the Trails at Camel’s Hump State Park
Camel’s Hump stands out as one of Vermont’s most recognizable peaks with its distinctive double-humped silhouette. The fall foliage views from the park create mountain vistas that stretch for miles.
Trails range from easy to difficult on both sides of the mountain. The Burrows Trail is the most popular route to the summit, winding through dense autumn forests.
Best For: Spectacular fall colors, challenging summit hikes, and panoramic Green Mountain views.
4. Visit Sugarbush Farm
Sugarbush Farm offers free samples of 15 different cheese varieties and four grades of pure Vermont maple syrup.
The four-generation Luce family farm spans 550 acres outside Woodstock. Watch cheese being hand-waxed and wrapped, and learn about the maple syrup-making process.
Best For: Families after an authentic Vermont farm visit with tasty samples and mountain views.
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5. Stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill sits perfectly on Route 100 on Waterbury-Stowe in a charming 19th-century dairy barn.
This legendary Vermont cider mill makes fresh apple cider donuts daily that locals swear by.
Watch bakers craft warm donuts while the sweet aroma fills the air. The working cider press operates daily, so you can see fresh apple cider being made on old-fashioned equipment.
Best For: Sampling Vermont’s famous cider donuts and sipping fresh-pressed apple cider in a cozy spot.
6. Tour Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury
Fall makes the perfect time to visit Ben & Jerry’s famous factory in Waterbury. You can watch ice cream production and pick up some quirky company history along the way.
The factory tour includes a fun seven-minute video about Ben & Jerry’s story. You’ll see massive 5,500-gallon mixing tanks and try to guess the top ten most popular flavors.
Don’t skip the Flavor Graveyard where retired flavors rest in peace. The gift shop is packed with everything from branded t-shirts to ice cream-scented lip balm.
Best For: Ice cream fans wanting behind-the-scenes factory fun and free samples.
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7. Stroll Through Stowe Village’s Fall Festivals
Stowe village throws some pretty great fall festivals to celebrate Vermont’s harvest and local culture. Craft fairs and seasonal food vendors fill the charming streets.
The outdoor sculpture exhibits add a little artistic flair to your stroll. Local artisans show off handmade goods while you sip fresh cider and snack on autumn treats.
Best For: Families enjoying local culture, seasonal bites, and a festive atmosphere during peak foliage.
8. Explore the Colorful Champlain Islands
The Champlain Islands offer world-renowned fall foliage just a short drive from Burlington. You’ll drive across scenic causeways to reach five historic towns, all surrounded by 200 miles of shoreline.
State parks dot the islands, including Alburgh Dunes with its sandy beaches. Grand Isle State Park really pops with early fall colors against the lake backdrop.
Best For: Scenic drives, state parks, lakeside relaxation, and easy fall foliage viewing.
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9. Visit the Vermont Country Store in Weston
The Vermont Country Store in Weston is packed with old-fashioned candy, vintage home goods, and quirky gifts—perfect for fall shopping.
Hard-to-find items like local cheese, small batch dips, and classic toys spark a bit of nostalgia.
A typical visit takes 1-2 hours to browse their collection. The store sits right on Route 100, so it’s an easy stop during your foliage tour.
Best For: Nostalgic shopping, unique Vermont gifts, and old-fashioned candy in a cozy fall setting.
10. Enjoy Apple Picking at Shelburne Orchards
Shelburne Orchards sprawls over 60 acres along Lake Champlain, serving up the classic fall adventure.
Over 30 apple varieties are ready for picking in September and October. The orchard also grows peaches, plums, sour cherries, and table grapes, if you want to mix it up.
Fresh cider donuts and apple cider are waiting at the farm store. Hayrides add a little extra fun while you wander the apple rows.
Best For: Fresh apples, cider donuts, and scenic lake views during peak fall.
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11. Take a Nature Walk at Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge offers breathtaking views from Vermont’s deepest canyon, stretching 165 feet down through blazing foliage.
Hiking trails showcase the gorge from different angles, so every step feels like a new photo op.
The 1.3-mile Quechee Gorge Trail leads down to the Ottauquechee River below. Walk along the rocky riverbank when water levels allow—a unique way to see the canyon framed by autumn color.
Best For: Stunning fall foliage views and easy hiking through Vermont’s deepest gorge.
12. Attend a Farmers’ Market in Burlington
The Burlington Farmers Market has been connecting locals with fresh Vermont produce since 1980.
Over 80 vendors sell everything from maple syrup to handmade crafts every Saturday from late spring through fall.
Fall brings the best of the harvest—pumpkins, apples, and seasonal vegetables, plus Vermont’s famous cheese and artisan goods.
The market runs from May through October, so you can catch it during your autumn trip.
Best For: Sampling local Vermont specialties and supporting community farmers while shopping outdoors.
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13. Mount Philo State Park
Vermont’s oldest state park delivers autumn magic from every angle. Stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains make the easy hike totally worth it.
The 237-acre park in Charlotte lets you drive up the narrow mountain road or take the hiking trails. Fall colors pop against the lake views below.
Best For: Easy mountain hikes with incredible fall foliage views over Lake Champlain Valley.
14. Local Art in Montpelier Galleries
Vermont’s tiny capital packs a huge artistic punch with galleries scattered throughout downtown.
The T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Centre showcases regional artists and preserves Central Vermont’s creative heritage.
From the Artisans Hand Craft Gallery to The Bryan Fine Art Gallery, you can wander between them all.
Best For: Art enthusiasts wanting to support local Vermont artists in a walkable downtown setting.
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15. Go Craft Beer Hopping in Brattleboro
Autumn in Brattleboro is practically made for brewery hopping. Vermont’s famous fall colors set the scene, and the town’s patios are just begging for you to settle in with a pint.
Whetstone Station brewery has a rooftop garden that looks out over the Connecticut River—hard to beat that view.
Snow Republic Brewing and Beer Naked Brewery both come through with outdoor seating, so you can watch the leaves do their thing while you work your way through some local pours.
Best For: Anyone who appreciates a good brew, mountain views, and the excuse to linger outside as long as possible.
