Route 100 Vermont Fall: Ultimate Autumn Adventure

When fall arrives in New England, there’s no better place to be than Vermont — and no better road to drive than Route 100. Known as Vermont’s Main Street, this 216-mile stretch winds through the heart of the Green Mountains, offering one of the most iconic and immersive fall foliage drives in the entire country.

Unlike high-speed highways or touristy detours, Route 100 is all about the journey. It’s a road where every mile brings a new view: crimson sugar maples, golden birch groves, misty hilltops, and quiet villages that look like something out of a storybook. This is where you’ll find Vermont at its purest — small-town charm, untouched nature, and a slower pace that lets you soak in every fiery leaf and mountain breeze.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Instagram shot, exploring historic covered bridges, or just chasing color on a spontaneous road trip, Route 100 delivers that quintessential New England autumn experience. No filters, no fluff — just real beauty around every bend.

It’s not just a drive. It’s a fall tradition, a visual feast, and a bucket list must for any foliage lover.

When to Visit: Timing Your Trip for Peak Color

Timing is everything when it comes to experiencing Vermont’s fall foliage, and Route 100 rewards those who plan ahead — or get a little lucky.

The sweet spot for peak foliage typically lands between October 1st and October 15th, but it varies slightly depending on weather conditions and elevation. Because Route 100 runs from the northern border near Canada all the way down to Massachusetts, you’ll see different stages of color along the way. That’s part of the magic.

If you start in the north (Jay Peak, Newport, or Stowe), expect the leaves to hit peak earlier — usually the first week of October. As you move south toward towns like Ludlow, Weston, and Wilmington, colors tend to peak a week or so later.

Pro Tips for Catching the Best Color:

• Check the Vermont Fall Foliage Report before you go. It’s updated weekly with color conditions across the state.

• Be flexible. Weather can shift the schedule slightly, so giving yourself a 3–5 day window boosts your chances of seeing peak color.

• Drive north to south if possible — it aligns with the natural flow of foliage change.

If you really want the full experience, consider spending a few nights in different regions. That way, you’re not just driving through fall — you’re living it.

Starting in the North: Jay Peak to Westfield General Stores

Your Route 100 fall adventure kicks off strong in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where the leaves turn early and the landscapes feel untouched. Starting in the north gives you front-row seats to some of the boldest, brightest foliage in the state.

Jay Peak: High Elevation, High Impact

First stop: Jay Peak Resort. This ski mountain becomes a foliage-lover’s paradise come October. The aerial tramway ride to the summit is a must — offering panoramic views that stretch from the Green Mountains to Canada on a clear day. Up here, you’re above the treetops, gazing out at a patchwork quilt of oranges, reds, and golds.

Hiking trails near the base are great if you want to get your boots dirty and take in the sights more slowly. The cool mountain air, rustling leaves, and quiet trails make for a peaceful start to your trip.

Troy & Westfield: Old Vermont Charm

Heading south, the drive becomes more rural, winding through Troy and Westfield — two small towns that punch well above their weight in personality.

What makes them special? The general stores.

Step into the Westfield General Store and you’re instantly transported. Weathered wood floors, shelves stocked with local jams, maple syrup, and Vermont cheeses — it’s part country store, part time machine. These spots aren’t tourist traps. They’re where locals gather, where travelers feel welcome, and where the Vermont small-town spirit is alive and well.

Grab a cup of hot cider or a maple candy, and take a moment to slow down. This stretch of Route 100 isn’t about rushing to the next hotspot. It’s about enjoying the quiet corners that make Vermont unforgettable.

Stowe: Vermont’s Quintessential Fall Town

If Route 100 had a crown jewel, Stowe would be it.

Tucked between the Green Mountains and Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), Stowe blends postcard-perfect scenery with small-town charm and just the right amount of buzz. It’s the kind of place that feels like fall, from the scent of woodsmoke in the air to the crunch of leaves underfoot.

What Makes Stowe a Must-Stop in Autumn?

Let’s start with the visuals: the iconic white-steepled Stowe Community Church stands proudly against a backdrop of red maples and golden birch trees. You’ll want to pull over just to take it in — and maybe snap that classic Vermont fall photo.

Then there’s Smugglers’ Notch, a narrow, winding mountain pass just minutes from town. Driving or hiking through this gorge during peak foliage season is a jaw-dropping experience. Massive boulders line the road, and the cliffs light up in full fall color. Hike the nearby trails or just roll the windows down and take your time.

Stowe Highlights for Leaf Peepers:

• Stowe Recreation Path – A 5.5-mile trail for biking or walking, with views of open meadows, riverbanks, and forests exploding with color.\n- Shops & Cafés in the Village – Locally-owned boutiques, cozy cafés, and galleries give you a reason to linger longer.\n- Local Brews & Bites – Try a Vermont craft beer at The Alchemist or grab a farm-to-table meal at Plate or Butler’s Pantry.

And if you’re into outdoor adventure? Stowe delivers year-round — but in fall, it’s on another level.

Whether you’re staying for an afternoon or a few nights, Stowe is where Vermont’s fall magic feels most alive.

Haunting Beauty: Emily’s Covered Bridge

Just a mile south of Stowe, off Route 100, there’s a quiet wooden bridge that looks like something out of a classic New England postcard — until you hear the stories.

Locally known as Emily’s Bridge, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge is one of Vermont’s most photographed (and most haunted) spots. Built in 1844, it’s beautiful in the fall: framed by trees in fiery shades of orange and crimson, with a soft creek flowing underneath. But it’s also steeped in chilling lore.

The Legend of Emily

As the story goes, a young woman named Emily died here under tragic circumstances. Some say she was jilted at the altar and took her own life on the bridge. Others claim it was an accident. What’s left is the stuff of legend — and countless paranormal reports.

Visitors have claimed to hear footsteps with no one around, feel cold drafts, or even find mysterious scratch marks on their cars after parking on the bridge. While skeptics may scoff, the energy here definitely shifts — especially around twilight or on foggy October evenings.

Local ghost tour guides, like those from Stowe Lantern Tours, include this bridge in their Halloween season walks. Whether you believe in spirits or not, it adds a fascinating, eerie twist to your Route 100 journey.

How to Get There:

• From Stowe Village, head south on Route 100 for about 1 mile.\n- Turn left onto Gold Brook Road.\n- The bridge is about 1.8 miles in, nestled in a wooded corner that feels tucked away from time.

It’s a perfect spot to stop, snap a few photos, and reflect — or maybe just keep your engine running, just in case.

Farm Flavors: Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Ben & Jerry’s

As you continue south on Route 100, your next stretch of fall magic is all about flavor — and few places serve it up better than Waterbury, a hub for Vermont-made goodness.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Cider, Donuts, and Pure Vermont Vibes

Welcome to one of the most beloved stops on Route 100. The Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a working cider press, country store, bakery, and fall hangout rolled into one. As soon as you step out of the car, you’ll catch the warm, sweet scent of apples and cinnamon in the air.

Here’s what not to miss:

• Hot apple cider — fresh-pressed and perfect on a chilly October day.\n- Cider donuts — made daily, still warm, and dusted in cinnamon sugar.\n- Maple syrup, cheeses, and local treats — ideal for stocking up or gifting.\n- The viewing window — watch fresh apples get ground, pressed, and turned into liquid gold.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, sip slowly, and maybe grab a second donut.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour: Ice Cream Meets Activism

Just down the road, you’ll find a true Vermont icon: the Ben & Jerry’s Flagship Factory. Born in a renovated gas station in Burlington, this now-global ice cream brand still embraces its quirky, small-town roots.

Take the guided factory tour to learn how they make your favorite flavors, from mixing to freezing to pint-packing. It’s fun, educational, and sprinkled with the brand’s signature humor.

Then hit the Scoop Shop to taste what you’ve been craving. While you can get Cherry Garcia or Phish Food at the grocery store, the Waterbury Scoop Shop often features exclusive flavors you won’t find anywhere else — including seasonal hits like:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake\n- Maple Blondie\n- Apple-y Ever After

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a camera, don’t skip the Flavor Graveyard — a whimsical tribute to retired pints with tongue-in-cheek tombstones.

Moretown’s Hidden Gems: Covered Bridges & Waterfalls

Not every jaw-dropping view on Route 100 comes with a big sign or a crowded parking lot — and that’s exactly why Moretown is such a standout. Tucked away in central Vermont, this area offers some of the most underrated foliage spots on the drive.

The Northfield 5 Covered Bridges

Just a short detour off Route 100 on Route 100B, you’ll discover the Northfield 5 — a unique collection of five historic covered bridges clustered close together. These aren’t just picturesque; they’re pieces of Vermont’s heritage, each built in the 1800s and lovingly maintained.

The best part? You can drive through some of them, walk beside others, and take photos with zero crowds. During peak foliage, the contrast of white-washed timber against fiery leaves is stunning.

It’s also a perfect route for casual cyclists or walkers who want a slower pace and local feel.

Slaughterhouse Falls

The name may be a little intense, but Slaughterhouse Falls is nothing short of peaceful. Located along the Mad River, this small but striking waterfall flows over natural rock ledges surrounded by blazing autumn colors.

You won’t find a big trailhead or visitor center here — and that’s the point. It’s one of those “locals-only” spots that rewards those who explore just a little off-course.

Bring a blanket, a cider donut, and take a moment here. It’s Vermont at its quietest, and somehow, most beautiful.

Historic Sites: From Calvin Coolidge to Weston

Route 100 isn’t just about leaf-peeping — it’s also a journey through Vermont’s past, with roadside stops that connect the state’s natural beauty to its rich history.

Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site – Plymouth Notch

Tucked in the tiny village of Plymouth Notch, this spot is more than a historical footnote — it’s where President Calvin Coolidge was born, raised, and unexpectedly sworn in as the 30th President of the United States.

What makes this site so unique is its authenticity. It’s not just a house museum — it’s an entire preserved 19th-century village, including:

• Coolidge’s childhood home\n- The church where his father swore him in by lamplight\n- The general store his family operated\n- A functioning cheese factory still making award-winning cheddar

In the fall, the entire village is wrapped in warm autumn colors, adding to its timeless feel. It’s quiet, immersive, and surprisingly moving.

Weston & The Vermont Country Store

Further south, you’ll reach Weston, one of the most charming small towns on Route 100. The star here is the Vermont Country Store, an institution that’s part retail paradise, part nostalgia trip.

Walk through its creaky floors and you’ll find:

• Classic candies and childhood treats\n- Flannel pajamas, wool blankets, and other Vermont essentials\n- Handcrafted soaps, maple everything, and tons of locally made goods

Outside the store, Weston feels like a movie set — a classic New England village green, old churches, a waterfall, and shops that invite you to wander.

Why These Stops Matter

These towns remind you that Vermont’s history isn’t something you visit — it’s something you step into. And in autumn, with the foliage lighting up the backroads, the past feels even more alive.

Outdoor Escapes: Hiking, Gondola Rides, and Scenic Overlooks

If you’re the type who can’t just sit in the car watching the leaves — this section is for you. Route 100 offers plenty of chances to stretch your legs, breathe in that fresh mountain air, and get above the treetops.

Whether you want a mellow stroll or a heart-pumping climb, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting just off the road.

Must-Do Hikes Along Route 100

• Stowe Pinnacle Trail
  A local favorite that rewards you with sweeping views of the Green Mountains and the village of Stowe below. It’s about 3.7 miles round trip, moderately challenging, and absolutely worth it during peak foliage.

• Bald Mountain Trail (Near Pittsford)
  A bit off the radar, this quiet trail offers solitude and summit views that rival the more famous hikes — but with fewer people and more peace.

• West River Rail Trail
  For something flat and family-friendly, this scenic path runs along the river and through foliage-draped woods. Great for biking, running, or just a slow, thoughtful walk.

Scenic Gondola Rides

Sometimes the best views don’t require hiking boots — just a ticket and a little elevation.

• Killington Skyride
  Ride the K-1 Express Gondola up to Killington Peak, where you’ll find panoramic views stretching across five states on a clear day.

• Stratton Mountain Gondola
  A peaceful 10-minute ride to the summit, offering breathtaking photo ops and short walking trails up top. Pack a picnic or just soak it all in.

Quick Scenic Overlooks

Even if you’re tight on time or energy, don’t skip these easy-access views:

• Mountaintop Inn Overlook (Chittenden) – Lake views framed by fiery hillsides\n- Moss Glen Falls (Granville) – A roadside waterfall right off Route 100\n- Hogback Mountain (near Wilmington) – One of the best 100-mile views in southern Vermont

Pro Tip:

Many of these spots are dog-friendly and even more photogenic during golden hour. Bring water, layers, and a little time — fall moves fast, but you don’t have to.

Vermont Villages Worth the Stop: Weston and Ludlow

One of the best things about driving Route 100 in the fall? You’re never far from a quintessential Vermont village — places where time slows down, the locals wave, and every building looks like it belongs on a calendar.

Two standout stops? Weston and Ludlow. Both are small, walkable, and packed with charm.

Weston: Timeless and Tranquil

Weston is the kind of town that makes you want to move to Vermont on the spot.

At the heart of it is the Vermont Country Store, a living museum of New England retail. Step inside and you’ll find:

• Tin toys and vintage board games\n- Classic candies by the scoop\n- Flannel everything (shirts, sheets, robes — you name it)\n- Rows of locally made jams, syrups, and cheeses

Right outside the store, you’ll find a village green lined with white clapboard buildings, a bubbling brook, and friendly faces. It’s fall in a nutshell.

Don’t miss the Weston Playhouse, a historic theater with fall performances, and the Weston Village Store for more local goods.

Ludlow: Gateway to the Okemo Valley

Just south of Weston, Ludlow feels a bit more lively but still deeply rooted in Vermont tradition. It’s home to Okemo Mountain Resort, which buzzes with skiers in winter but offers amazing fall color and outdoor activities this time of year.

Things to do in Ludlow:

• Ride the Okemo Scenic Chairlift for sweeping foliage views\n- Stroll through town and browse antique shops and art galleries\n- Grab lunch at a cozy pub or wood-fired pizza joint

The Okemo Valley surrounding Ludlow is dotted with hidden trails, barns, and backroads that light up with color every October. It’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to base yourself if you want to slow the pace.

Fall Harvest Fun: Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, and More

Autumn in Vermont isn’t just about the leaves — it’s also about the harvest. Along Route 100, you’ll pass a string of family-run orchards, roadside farm stands, and fields full of pumpkins just waiting to be picked. It’s the kind of seasonal joy that makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Apple Picking: A Classic Vermont Ritual

Few things say “fall” like walking through an orchard with a bag in one hand and a crisp McIntosh in the other. One of the best places to stop is Burtt’s Apple Orchard, located a short drive from Route 100. It’s family-owned, dog-friendly, and bursting with apple varieties during peak season.

Many orchards offer more than just picking:

• Hot apple cider and fresh-baked pies\n- Wagon rides through the orchard\n- Farm shops with maple syrup, jams, and baked goods

You’ll find these farms all along the route — some marked by handmade signs and others with big red barns that catch your eye as you pass.

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Hayrides

Fall in Vermont is made for slow weekends, and what better way to spend one than exploring a local farm festival?

Look for:

• Pumpkin patches where you can pick your own\n- Corn mazes that twist through tall stalks with views of the mountains\n- Hayrides pulled by tractors or horses\n- Live music and cider tastings under tents strung with lights

These farms are perfect for families, but couples and solo travelers will love the laid-back, festive energy too.

Don’t Miss:

• Green Mountain Orchards (Putney) – Just off Route 100, with killer cider donuts and photo-worthy orchard views.\n- Wellwood Orchards (Springfield) – Offers pony rides, pumpkins, and a country store stocked with Vermont-made everything.\n- Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop (Bennington) – Great for gifts and pie to go.

These harvest stops are more than just filler between foliage — they’re the soul of Vermont in the fall. Simple, welcoming, and totally delicious.

Stay Cozy: Where to Sleep Along Route 100

After a full day of leaf peeping, cider sipping, and mountain wandering, there’s nothing better than checking into a cozy Vermont stay. Route 100 has no shortage of charming inns, stylish lodges, and scenic vacation rentals — from rustic retreats to upscale hideaways.

Inns, Lodges & Local Charm

If you’re looking for that quintessential Vermont feel, opt for one of the state’s many country inns or boutique lodges. Expect crackling fireplaces, soft flannel blankets, and a homemade breakfast waiting in the morning.

Top Picks:

• Edson Hill (Stowe) – Elegant yet rustic, with modern rooms, forest views, and a top-notch restaurant.\n- Red Clover Inn (Mendon) – A peaceful escape with a woodsy vibe and just minutes from hiking trails.\n- Deer Brook Inn (Woodstock) – Cozy, classic, and full of Vermont hospitality.

These places fill up fast in fall, so book early if you want that ideal leaf-peeping base camp.

Vacation Rentals for Groups & Families

Traveling with family or friends? Vacation homes and cabins are a smart move. You’ll find plenty of rentals near Mount Snow, Okemo, and Killington that offer 3–5 bedrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits — perfect for chilly October evenings.

Some even include extras like:

• Hot tubs with mountain views\n- BBQ grills and picnic areas\n- Trail access right from the backyard

They’re ideal for travelers who want space, flexibility, and maybe a few Vermont beers around the fire after a day out.

Budget-Friendly Motels & Name Brands

Not into B&Bs or vacation rentals? Route 100 also offers reliable budget motels and national hotel chains in towns like Waterbury, Stowe, Ludlow, and Wilmington. Clean, comfortable, and close to all the action, they’re great for road trippers who just need a warm bed and a good shower.

Look For These Fall-Friendly Amenities:

• Fireplaces or wood stoves\n- Outdoor seating with foliage views\n- Complimentary cider or coffee\n- On-site farm-to-table dining

Whether you’re staying in a centuries-old farmhouse or a modern lodge tucked into the trees, Route 100 makes it easy to find a stay that matches the season.

Arts, Crafts & Local Flavor: Vermont’s Creative Heartbeat

Vermont’s beauty isn’t just in its mountains and maple trees — it’s also in its people. Along Route 100, creativity runs deep. From artisan studios to quirky museums and fall festivals, you’ll find locally made art, crafts, and culture around every bend.

This isn’t mass-produced or curated for tourists. It’s real, rooted, and full of soul.

The Vermont Country Store – Weston

Start in Weston, where the legendary Vermont Country Store doubles as a treasure trove of old-school charm. While best known for its flannel and fudge, it also stocks locally crafted pottery, handmade soaps, and traditional toys — the kind you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s retail nostalgia with a Vermont twist.

Peacham Fall Foliage Festival

Held during peak foliage season, this small-town event in Peacham is packed with charm. Expect:

• Local art displays and photography exhibits\n- Handmade quilts, pottery, and woodwork\n- Homemade pies, soups, and baked goods\n- Live music in the village church or green

Photographer Richard Brown often showcases his decades of work capturing Vermont’s rural life — a must-see if you appreciate visual storytelling.

Unique Stops for the Curious Traveler

• Museum of Everyday Life (Glover) – A surprisingly moving tribute to ordinary objects. Think toothbrushes, brooms, safety pins — reimagined as artifacts of daily existence. Strange, poetic, and totally Vermont.\n\n- Bread and Puppet Theater (Glover) – Equal parts art installation, political statement, and giant puppet museum. Wander through towering papier-mâché figures and folk art with bite.

Don’t Miss:

• Craftsbury Common – Home to galleries and artists’ studios set around a peaceful village green.\n- Wilmington’s galleries and antique shops – Perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind finds with a story to tell.

Whether it’s a handcrafted mug, a haunting black-and-white photo, or a puppet taller than your car — Vermont’s creativity leaves an impression.

By the time your tires leave Route 100, you’ll understand why this stretch of road is more than a scenic drive — it’s a living, breathing love letter to Vermont in the fall.

From mountaintop views and fog-draped valleys to cider-sweet pit stops and small-town backroads, every mile offers a new way to fall in love with the season. It’s not polished or performative. It’s real — just the way Vermont likes it.

You’ve wandered through covered bridges, tasted warm cider straight from the press, and chased that perfect foliage photo from Jay Peak to the Okemo Valley. You’ve walked historic streets, shared stories with shopkeepers, and maybe even met a ghost named Emily.

More than anything, you’ve slowed down. And in today’s world, that’s a gift.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned leaf peeper, Route 100 always has more to show you — a new color, a new trail, a new story.

Here’s your sign to come back. Next fall. The one after that. Or maybe, if you’re lucky, a little sooner.