When it comes to experiencing the magic of autumn, Vermont stands out as the ultimate fall destination in the U.S. With rolling hills blanketed in fiery red, orange, and golden leaves, scenic byways lined with covered bridges, and small towns full of cozy charm, Vermont offers the quintessential New England fall experience.
From mid-September through mid-October, the Green Mountain State transforms into a vibrant canvas of fall foliage. Visitors can enjoy everything from leaf peeping road trips and harvest festivals to hiking scenic trails, sipping local cider, and exploring historic towns that feel frozen in time.
And while Vermont may be the heart of New England’s fall color show, don’t miss the chance to explore Seasonal Fall Foliage Routes Beyond New England—a guide to incredible autumn destinations across the U.S. that rival Vermont in beauty and charm.
Whether you’re chasing Instagram-worthy views or craving a peaceful escape into nature, Vermont has something for everyone in the fall. And best of all, many of its lesser-known small towns offer a more relaxed, authentic, and affordable alternative to the typical tourist trail.
So if you’re dreaming of crisp air, country roads, pumpkin patches, and stunning landscapes, Vermont is calling.
When to Visit Vermont for Peak Fall Foliage
Timing is everything when planning a fall trip to Vermont. The state’s famous foliage follows a natural progression, starting in the northern and higher-elevation regions and moving southward. To catch the best of Vermont’s vibrant autumn colors, plan your trip between mid-September and mid-October.
📅 Peak Foliage by Region:
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Northern Vermont (Stowe, Jay Peak, Northeast Kingdom): Mid to Late September
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Central Vermont (Woodstock, Waitsfield, Grafton): Late September to Early October
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Southern Vermont (Manchester, Bennington, Brattleboro): Early to Mid-October
For the most accurate planning, check the official Vermont Foliage Report, which is updated weekly during the season. It provides real-time updates on leaf color across the state, perfect for last-minute travelers and serious leaf peepers alike.
✅ Pro Travel Tips:
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Book accommodations early – small-town inns and B&Bs fill up fast during foliage season.
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Weekdays are quieter, making it easier to avoid crowds and get better photos.
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Plan scenic drives along Route 100 or Smugglers’ Notch for some of the best fall color in the country.
While Vermont’s natural beauty is stunning statewide, it’s the small towns that truly capture the spirit of fall. Picture quaint main streets, historic inns, maple-lined backroads, and farmers markets overflowing with seasonal produce. These towns offer more than just scenery—they offer a slice of classic New England life.
In this guide, we’re taking you through seven of the most charming small towns in Vermont to visit during the fall foliage season. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, leaf-peeping trails, local craft fairs, or just a quiet weekend getaway with warm cider and mountain views, these destinations deliver the perfect autumn experience.
Each town offers its own unique blend of:
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Fall activities (like hiking, festivals, and markets)
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Iconic views (from covered bridges to mountain vistas)
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Local charm (artisanal shops, cider mills, cozy inns)
These aren’t just tourist towns—they’re hidden gems and local favorites. From the mountainous beauty of Stowe to the storybook feel of Woodstock, get ready to discover Vermont’s most unforgettable fall escapes.
🍂 1. Stowe: Fall Colors & Mountain Views
Often called the “Fall Foliage Capital of Vermont,” Stowe is the ultimate destination for those seeking iconic autumn views. Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this charming town is famous for its vibrant landscapes, quaint village center, and outdoor adventures that shine brightest during foliage season.
🏘️ Explore Stowe’s Historic Downtown
Stowe’s walkable downtown is the definition of New England charm. Stroll past classic steepled churches, browse local art galleries, or sip a hot cider at a cozy café. Don’t miss the Stowe Cider tasting room or a craft brew at The Alchemist—home of the famous Heady Topper IPA.
The village is also lined with locally owned shops, making it a great place to grab Vermont-made gifts, flannel shirts, and artisan maple products.
🏞️ Hike or Ride to the Top of Mount Mansfield
For panoramic views of the changing leaves, take a hike up Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. If hiking isn’t your thing, opt for the Stowe Gondola SkyRide—a scenic ride to the summit that delivers incredible vistas without breaking a sweat.
From the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the vibrant valleys and foliage-covered hills, a must-see in early to mid-October.
🚗 Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch Pass
One of the most beautiful fall drives in Vermont is the winding road through Smugglers’ Notch, just north of the village. Towering rock walls and a canopy of fiery maples surround the narrow pass, offering a jaw-dropping leaf peeping experience.
Make sure to pull over at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and covered bridges like Brookdale Bridge for the perfect fall photo op.
🌟 Why Visit Stowe in the Fall?
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Best for: Hiking, scenic drives, breweries, photography
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Peak foliage: Late September to early October
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Don’t miss: Stowe Gondola SkyRide, Smugglers’ Notch, downtown cider tastings
🍁 2. Woodstock: Classic New England Charm
If you’re searching for the quintessential New England village, Woodstock, Vermont checks every box. Cobblestone streets, a historic town green, colonial architecture, and a scenic covered bridge create a storybook setting, especially when framed by golden maple leaves in the fall.
Often named one of the prettiest small towns in America, Woodstock combines natural beauty, local heritage, and small-town hospitality, making it a must-visit during foliage season.
🏡 Stroll the Historic Village Green
The heart of Woodstock is its 19th-century village green, surrounded by charming inns, boutiques, and cafes. This is the perfect place to take in the fall colors, snap postcard-perfect photos, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
During October, the village comes alive with fall harvest decorations, pumpkin displays, and seasonal festivals. If you’re visiting during Columbus Day weekend, don’t miss the Harvest Celebration—a local favorite filled with food, crafts, and family-friendly fun.
🚜 Visit Billings Farm & Museum
Just a short walk from downtown, the Billings Farm & Museum offers a glimpse into Vermont’s agricultural roots. You can tour the 1890 Farm Manager’s House, meet heritage-breed farm animals, and participate in seasonal events like “Fall at the Farm.”
This is one of the best places to learn about sustainable farming and Vermont’s rural traditions, all surrounded by autumn scenery.
🌲 Explore Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
If you’re up for a scenic hike, this nearby national park offers peaceful woodland trails, old carriage roads, and sweeping views of the village. The annual Forest Festival, typically held in late September, is an excellent time to visit.
🍎 Why Visit Woodstock in the Fall?
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Best for: Photography, local culture, harvest festivals, family-friendly activities
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Peak foliage: Late September to early October
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Don’t miss: Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Middle Covered Bridge
🛍️ 3. Manchester: Shopping Meets Scenic Beauty
Tucked away in the southern Green Mountains, Manchester is where boutique shopping meets breathtaking fall landscapes. Known for its upscale outlets, farm-to-table food, and scenic backroads, Manchester offers the perfect balance of luxury and outdoor adventure during the fall season.
It’s a top pick for travelers who want to blend leaf peeping, hiking, and a little retail therapy—all wrapped in stunning autumn colors.
🛒 Shop the Manchester Designer Outlets
Manchester is famous for its Designer Outlets, where charming brick storefronts house brands like Ralph Lauren, Theory, and Kate Spade. You’ll also find local boutiques selling Vermont-made goods, art, and home decor.
Shopping here feels like strolling through a small village rather than a mall—and with the backdrop of fall foliage, it’s uniquely beautiful.
🏞️ Drive the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
For panoramic views that rival any drone shot, take a drive up the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive—the longest privately owned paved toll road in the U.S. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Taconic and Green Mountains blanketed in autumn hues.
Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy the quiet, crowd-free summit with 360° views!
🌊 Hike to Lye Brook Falls
If you’re looking for a scenic hike, the Lye Brook Falls Trail is a moderate 4.6-mile roundtrip journey that leads to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls. The trail is especially stunning in the fall, with colorful leaves lining the path.
🧡 Why Visit Manchester in the Fall?
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Best for: Shopping, scenic drives, luxury stays, leaf peeping hikes
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Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
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Don’t miss: Skyline Drive, Lye Brook Falls, brunch at The Silver Fork
🕰️ 4. Grafton: A Step Back in Time
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience Vermont’s fall foliage in a slower, more nostalgic way, Grafton is your hidden gem. This tiny town in southern Vermont feels like it’s been frozen in time, with historic buildings, white-steepled churches, and leaf-lined streets that come alive with color in autumn.
Grafton is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful fall getaway, rich in history and surrounded by nature.
🏡 Wander the Idyllic Main Street
Grafton’s Main Street is the kind of place where you leave your car behind and just wander. Classic New England architecture, lovingly preserved inns, and antique shops line the street. As the leaves turn, the entire village feels like a living postcard.
Stop by The Grafton Inn, one of the oldest operating inns in America, for a bite or a warm drink in the cozy tavern.
🧀 Visit the Grafton Village Cheese Company
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Grafton is home to the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can sample locally made, award-winning cheeses. The on-site shop also features Vermont-made jams, maple syrup, and charcuterie—perfect for building your own fall picnic.
🎉 Attend the Grafton Village Cheese Festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit in early October, the annual Grafton Village Cheese Festival is a must. It celebrates Vermont’s dairy heritage with food tastings, live music, artisan vendors, and, of course, lots of cheese.
🍂 Why Visit Grafton in the Fall?
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Best for: History buffs, quiet getaways, cheese lovers, photographers
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Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
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Don’t miss: Grafton Inn, Cheese Company, covered bridge photo ops
🏞️ 5. Bennington: History & Hikes
Tucked in the southwestern corner of Vermont, Bennington offers a perfect mix of Revolutionary War history, breathtaking fall landscapes, and outdoor adventure. It’s one of Vermont’s oldest towns, and during autumn, its rolling hills and historic landmarks become even more captivating.
Whether you’re a history lover, a hiker, or a leaf peeper, Bennington delivers a well-rounded fall experience without the tourist crowds.
🗽 Visit the Bennington Battle Monument
Standing tall at 306 feet, the Bennington Battle Monument is the tallest man-made structure in Vermont and commemorates a critical Revolutionary War victory. Climb to the top (or take the elevator) for sweeping views of the Berkshires, Taconic Mountains, and the surrounding fall foliage.
It’s a perfect spot for panoramic leaf peeping photos, especially around early October.
🥾 Hike the Appalachian Trail
Bennington is a major trail town along the Appalachian Trail, and the nearby Harmon Hill section offers a manageable hike with stunning autumn views. The trail takes you through quiet forests and opens up to a ridge overlooking the colorful valley below.
Looking for something easier? Try the Mile Around Woods, a scenic loop trail perfect for a morning walk among glowing leaves.
🖼️ Explore Art, Antiques & Local Eats
Downtown Bennington is full of charm, with galleries, independent bookstores, coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Don’t miss the Bennington Museum, home to the largest public collection of works by Grandma Moses, a beloved American folk artist.
🍁 Why Visit Bennington in the Fall?
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Best for: History, hiking, panoramic views, culture
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Peak foliage: Early to mid-October
Don’t miss: Battle Monument, Harmon Hill hike, Bennington Museum
🖼️ 6. Shelburne: Culture on the Lake
Just south of Burlington, Shelburne offers a unique blend of Vermont fall beauty and cultural richness. Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain, this picturesque town is a lesser-known gem for those seeking a scenic autumn escape filled with art, history, and lakeside charm.
It’s the ideal destination for travelers who want foliage with a side of museums, gardens, and local flavor.
🖼️ Explore the Iconic Shelburne Museum
Covering 45 acres, the Shelburne Museum is one of the most unique cultural attractions in New England. With over 30 relocated historic buildings—including a steamboat, barns, and a lighthouse—this open-air museum showcases American folk art, quilts, carriages, and more.
Wandering the museum grounds in the fall, surrounded by vibrant foliage, is an experience unlike any other. It’s perfect for photographers, families, and art lovers alike.
🍂 Stroll Through Shelburne Farms
This 1,400-acre working farm and nonprofit education center is set on a sprawling estate with lake views, walking trails, and gorgeous fall colors. Take a tour of the historic barn, enjoy farm-fresh cheeses, and walk along trails with views of the Adirondacks across the lake.
It’s an amazing place to connect with nature, learn about sustainable agriculture, and take in Vermont’s autumn beauty.
🚤 Enjoy Lake Champlain Views
Shelburne’s lakefront location means you’ll get a side of waterfront serenity with your foliage. Pack a picnic and head to Shelburne Bay Park, where you can enjoy tranquil lake views surrounded by blazing red and orange trees.
🍎 Why Visit Shelburne in the Fall?
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Best for: Art lovers, families, cultural experiences, lakeside views
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Peak foliage: Late September to early October
Don’t miss: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, Lake Champlain sunsets
🌄 7. Waitsfield: Hidden Gem of the Mad River Valley
Tucked between the Green Mountains in the heart of the Mad River Valley, Waitsfield is one of Vermont’s best-kept secrets—especially in the fall. Surrounded by colorful hills, scenic byways, and small farms, this town offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path foliage experience.
If you’re searching for quiet charm, farm-to-table food, and spectacular leaf peeping, Waitsfield delivers in a big way.
🧺 Visit the Waitsfield Farmers Market
Held every Saturday through early October, the Waitsfield Farmers Market is a local favorite and a great way to experience the town’s community spirit. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and handmade crafts to live music and hot cider—all in a stunning outdoor setting surrounded by foliage.
It’s one of the most authentic and vibrant fall markets in Vermont.
🌉 Snap Photos of Covered Bridges & Waterfalls
Waitsfield is home to some of Vermont’s most beautiful covered bridges, including the Great Eddy Covered Bridge—one of the oldest still in use. Nearby waterfalls like Warren Falls and scenic drives along Route 100 provide countless opportunities for photos and peaceful moments in nature.
Tip: Visit Bragg Hill Road for one of the best fall views in the valley.
🍽️ Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining & Local Brews
This area is a foodie’s paradise, with locally sourced restaurants like The Mad Taco, American Flatbread, and cozy cafés offering seasonal dishes and craft beers. Many places offer outdoor seating, perfect for dining with a view of the foliage.
🍂 Why Visit Waitsfield in the Fall?
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Best for: Local flavor, hidden gems, covered bridges, quiet retreats
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Peak foliage: Late September to early October
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Don’t miss: Farmers Market, Warren Falls, Great Eddy Covered Bridge
🧳 Top Tips for Planning Your Fall Getaway to Vermont
Planning a trip to Vermont in the fall is all about timing, flexibility, and soaking in the local experience. Here are a few essential tips to make your autumn adventure smooth, memorable, and photo-worthy:
📅 1. Time Your Visit Around Peak Foliage
Foliage timing varies by region. Northern towns like Stowe peak earlier (mid to late September), while southern towns like Manchester and Bennington shine in early to mid-October. Use Vermont’s official Fall Foliage Tracker to stay updated.
🛏️ 2. Book Accommodations Early
Small-town inns, cabins, and B&Bs fill up fast—sometimes months in advance. Book early, especially if you’re visiting during Columbus Day weekend, which is Vermont’s busiest fall travel period.
🚗 3. Plan Scenic Drives Along Route 100
Route 100 is often called Vermont’s most scenic highway, and for good reason. It passes through many of the towns listed above and offers nonstop fall color, covered bridges, and cozy roadside farm stands.
🧭 4. Embrace the Slow Pace
These towns are meant to be explored slowly. Stop for roadside cider donuts, chat with local shopkeepers, hike a new trail, or attend a festival you didn’t plan on. Let the season lead the way.
🍂 5. Pack for Layered Weather
Fall in Vermont can be chilly in the morning, warm by afternoon, and crisp again by evening. Pack layers, a good pair of hiking shoes, and of course—your camera.
❓ FAQ: Fall in Vermont Travel Questions Answered
🔸 What are the best small towns in Vermont to visit in the fall?
Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester, Grafton, Bennington, Shelburne, and Waitsfield all offer a mix of scenic beauty, history, and local charm, making them perfect fall destinations.
🔸 When is the best time to see fall foliage in Vermont?
Peak foliage typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October, varying by region. Northern Vermont peaks first, followed by central and then southern Vermont.
🔸 Are there fall festivals in these Vermont towns?
Yes! Events like the Harvest Celebration in Woodstock, Cheese Festival in Grafton, and the Waitsfield Farmers Market highlight local food, crafts, and autumn traditions.
🔸 What’s the best way to get around Vermont in the fall?
Driving is ideal. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore scenic byways, hidden trails, and lesser-known towns. Be prepared for some winding country roads and photo stops every 10 minutes!
🔸 What should I pack for a fall trip to Vermont?
Bring layers, a warm jacket, waterproof boots, a reusable water bottle, and a camera or smartphone with extra storage for foliage shots. Also, don’t forget a small daypack for hikes and markets.
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