Each year, at the time when summer starts to fade and a chill begins to roll in through the valleys, I return to Vermont. The first time I went driving through the Green Mountains, just outside Stowe, it took my breath away when the hills lit up… amber, crimson, gold. I stopped at a small maple farm and enjoyed a cup of warm cider while standing beneath trees burning with colour. Vermont fall foliage is certainly something you should see at least once in your life after that.
Vermont is one of the best states in the United States to see fall foliage and will become a veritable painting by late September 21, 2022. The sugar maples, birches, and oaks burst into a breathtaking display that draws leaf peepers, hikers, photographers, and road-trippers from around the world. So, whether you’re looking to relax at an inn or take an off-the-beaten-path drive, there will be something quite special waiting for you around every corner.
During fall in Vermont, visitors are inclined to pause time within the confines of charming small towns, while also enjoying breathtaking views from impressive overlooks. However, to see the peak foliage, planning is required, along with the timing and place. In this guide, I will show you when and where to travel to experience peak fall foliage, how to track the foliage, and apex foliage viewing.
Table of Contents
Why Vermont Fall Is So Famous
Vermont fall foliage draws travelers from around the world for good reason. On a yearly basis, from the late September to the middle of October, fall colors surge to their peaks in Vermont. Those increasingly stunning colours are due to the state’s many forests having a lot of maples that thrive under the cool autumn weather.
But, it isn’t just the leaves that make Vermont in October so iconic. It’s like being inside a storybook, with it all being cinematic. Towns such as Woodstock and Stowe boast the classic American charm—covered bridges, white steeple churches, and locals flinging roadside stands that sell fresh apple cider donuts. The delicious smell of mulled cider and woodsmoke lingers in the air; farm markets are overflowing with pumpkins and squash, as well as Vermont maple syrup.
A trip to Vermont in autumn is as much about the senses as it is about leaf peeping. Drives like Route 100 make perfect scenic byways thanks to the natural slow speed of these hills. Join the Community harvest festivals, hayrides and craft fairs to get a taste of local life. The light feels more softer, more golden, more nostalgic.
Basically, Fall In Vermont Is More Than A Destination, It’s Tradition. The colourful hills of Vermont welcomes visitors every year to unwind, capture foliage photographs, and sip hot cider by a fireplace or a hike up a trail decorated with leaves.
When Do the Leaves Change in Vermont?
If you’re wondering when do the leaves change in Vermont, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most searched questions each fall. Luckily, the Green Mountain State follows a fairly reliable pattern based on elevation and latitude, with the fall foliage season stretching from mid-September to mid-October.
🗓️ Typical Vermont Foliage Timeline by Region:
| Region | Elevation | Typical Foliage Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Kingdom | High elevation | 🍂 Mid to late September |
| Stowe & Central Vermont | Mid elevation | 🍁 Late September to early October |
| Southern Vermont (Manchester, Brattleboro) | Lower elevation | 🌾 Mid to late October |
Quick Foliage Planning Tips:
- The places like Jay Peak or Island Pond are among the first to turn in northern Vermont.
- Vermont Central , Stowe, Woodstock and Killington begins to shine by early October.
- By mid-October, Southern Vermont was looking pretty colourful at the end of the season.
- Check the Vermont Foliage Tracker for weekly updates and local reports.
Why the Timing Varies:
- Elevation changes create “waves” of color moving southward.
- Cooler nights + sunny days = brighter reds and oranges.
- Rain or early frost can shorten the season.
Best Time to Visit Vermont for Fall Colors
The best time to visit Vermont for fall colors is from late September to mid-October. This period offers the most vibrant vermont fall and vermont autumn foliage.
Why visit during this time?
- The vivid colors of Vermont leaves peak in early October.
- As the nights cool off and the days warm up, it makes for perfect weather to explore this region.
- Experience the magic of fall at a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and festival in VT!
- Leaf Watcher: Use a reliable vermont leaf watcher to find out when the leaves change in Vermont and plan your visit accordingly.
Where to see foliage in Vermont?
Vermont’s leaf peeping season offers many spots to visit, including Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch, and Green Mountain National Forest.
Quick tips:
- View local updates for when do leaves turn in Vermont, which varies by location.
- You can visit Vermont at early October to see fall foliage.
- For the best fall colours in Vermont go between the last week of September and mid-October.
Vermont Foliage Tracker & Weekly Updates
If you want to make the most of your trip and avoid missing peak colours, you must use a reliable Vermont fall foliage tracker. This tracker gives you real-time news and weekly forecasts for what you can find out based on state foresters as well as local volunteers’ reports. While I was there, I checked it daily, which helped me to time the scenic drives and hikes well to catch the perfect time to see fall in Vermont.
📍 Map Tip:
Interactive Vermont Fall Foliage Map will show you where the leaves are changing in Vermont. A more accurate panorama being able to zoom in on specific areas allows it to plan a route and travel early forecast to the days of peak color.
For current conditions and foliage reporting just visit Vermont.com. You can check out the detailed reports to ensure that your trip will be the one as per your expectation.
Bonus Tip: In case you are captivated by the fall charm of Vermont and you wish you could stay longer, see our 2025 Guide to Best Places to Live in Vermont for locals, retirees, and all who want to stay!
Top Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont
Vermont’s fall colors are something like a natural kaleidoscope, filling the hills and valleys with reds, yellows, and golds each autumn. These vibrant colours are caused by the activity of chlorophyll, the natural pigment in leaves that gives them their green colour. Read on to discover the best places for Fall Foliage In Vermont.
Manchester
- With its mix of scenic hiking trails, outlet shopping, and beautiful backroads, Manchester is a well-rounded destination for families and couples alike. It’s an ideal place to enjoy Vermont leaf color while indulging in some leisurely activities beyond the foliage.
Stowe
- Known for its classic Stowe Vermont fall foliage, this charming town boasts breathtaking mountain views and iconic covered bridges. During my stay at a cozy B&B, I enjoyed exploring the Smugglers’ Notch scenic drive, an absolute must for leaf peepers seeking vibrant Vermont fall leaves and panoramic vistas.
Woodstock
- This postcard-perfect village truly shines in Vermont autumn. Take leisurely walks along the quaint streets, visit Billings Farm & Museum to learn about local heritage, and don’t miss capturing a photo at Sleepy Hollow Farm surrounded by vivid fall colours in Vermont.
Northeast Kingdom
- A little more off the beaten path, the Northeast Kingdom is where you’ll find raw, untouched beauty. Burke Mountain and Lake Willoughby are prime spots for dazzling reflections of Vermont fall foliage, making it perfect for those who want a peaceful escape into nature’s vibrant palette.
Bonus Tip: To explore Montpelier in greater depth—its cultural gems, local eateries, and why it’s truly a capital city with a small-town soul—read our full guide: Discover Montpelier, Vermont: A Capital City with Small-Town Soul.
Best Driving Routes for Peak Vermont Fall Colors
If you want to experience the best time to see fall foliage in Vermont, hitting the road is one of the most scenic and memorable ways to explore. Vermont’s fall colors shine brightest along these iconic drives, perfect for leaf peeping and discovering charming towns along the way.
Top Vermont Fall Driving Routes:
- Route 100
Route 100 goes north-south through the heart of Vermont, the Skiers’ Highway. This route is well known for its endless fiery foliage view, covered bridges, and classic New England villages and more vermont fall colors. As you travel along, you’ll find inns and B&Bs, like in Stowe and Weston, that make an excellent overnight stop to enjoy full fall. - Green Mountain Byway
This byway goes from Waterbury to Stowe, and it is packed with great views and cute stops. During your visit, warm up with hot cider and maple treats at a local farmstand. Stowe has many hotels, from boutique to rustic, that travelers can choose from to discover the vermont leaf color. - Route 7
Running through western Vermont, Route 7 passes through historic towns such as Middlebury and Dorset. It’s an excellent route for combining vermont fall foliage tracker insights with antique shopping and local dining. Middlebury’s inns and Dorset’s quaint B&Bs offer great places to rest after a day of exploration.
Where to Eat During Fall in Vermont
RephraseMoreUndoThe foliage in Vermont brings with it plenty of delicious seasonal food. During the best time to see fall foliage in Vermont, here are some of my favorite spots to enjoy authentic Vermont flavors.
- The restaurant at Simon Pearce in Quechee has views of a waterfall, which complements the fall foliage in Vermont.
- Prohibition Pig (Waterbury). Known for its farm-to-table BBQ and craft beers, this fall favorite is about delicious food and fine craft beer.
- The Gleanery in Putney creates dishes around locally sourced products Vermont’s harvest.
- If you need a fall treat, visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill at Waterbury Center for fresh apple cider and warm donuts.
What to Pack for Your Vermont Autumn Getaway
Packing smart makes all the difference on a fall trip to Vermont. Be prepared for chilly mornings and changing weather with these essentials.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Waterproof jacket for occasional fall showers.
- Boots for hiking or good shoes for pretty trails.
- Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone along with extra storage to capture the vibrant colors of Vermont this fall season.
- Binoculars to get closer views of foliage from overlooks.
Free and Budget-Friendly Leaf Peeping Spots in Vermont
Enjoy the Fall Colors of Vermont without Spending a Penny Check out these budget-friendly places.
- Mount Philo State Park (Charlotte) – This small entrance fee gets you amazing panoramic views of vermont fall foliage.
- Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook (Marlboro): A no-cost destination with stunning fall views.
- Basin Harbor Road in Vergennes is a scenic lakeside drive with lovely colors. Plus, there’s less traffic out this way.
- Head over to the UVM campus at Burlington, and stroll through the tree-lined walks with lovely leaf color and public art.
Leaf Peeping Etiquette Tips for Vermont Visitors
Remember to do this to keep Vermont’s beautiful fall foliage an accessible experience for all.
- Don’t stop for pictures on the road or private driveway.
- Respect private property boundaries—do not trespass.
- Park in the designated areas and shop or eat locally to support local businesses.
- Leave no trace. Make sure you take with you everything you brought.
Conclusion
Vermont in the fall truly captures the magic of autumn. Autumn in Vermont portrays landscape vistas of vibrant fall foliage, crisp fresh air, and charming small towns that appear to be a painting come to life. Vermont has something for every type of visitor, whether you’re tracking the vermont fall foliage to see the color at its peak, drinking fresh apple cider, or taking a seasonal getaway.
If you are photographer, family or a person who loves nature, then this place is just for you. Pack your coziest sweater, charge your camera, and watch for the best time for fall foliage in Vermont, for these breathtaking moments can pass quickly, and you certainly don’t want to miss out on any!
A great place to check for real-time updates and tips on when to see fall foliage, Vermont Fall Foliage Reports will help you plan your trip.
FAQs
1. When do the leaves change in Vermont?
The leaf color transformation starts in northern Vermont and mountainous areas during mid-September. The peak foliage season extends from late September through mid-October based on regional conditions and weather patterns.
2. What is the best time to visit Vermont for fall colors?
It is best to see Vermont fall foliage from the late last week of September to mid-October. I’ve noticed the brightest colors across the state are typically seen in early October.
3. Where are the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont?
You can’t go wrong with:
- Stowe – Classic New England charm and mountain views
- Woodstock – Covered bridges and historic farms
- The Northeast Kingdom – Remote and unspoiled beauty
- Manchester – Leafy roads and nearby hiking trails
Also, take scenic drives like Route 100, the Green Mountain Byway, and Route 7.
4. What should I pack for a Vermont autumn trip?
- Warm layers (mornings and evenings are chilly)
- Waterproof jacket and umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Camera or smartphone for those brilliant fall shots
- Binoculars (especially useful for scenic overlooks)
5. Is the Vermont foliage tracker accurate?
Absolutely. The Vermont foliage tracker offers weekly and real-time updates from local foresters and volunteers. During my trip, I used it and it helped us plan drives around the peak color zones.
