For a few weeks each autumn, Vermont turns into one of the most beautiful places in the country. The maples, birches and beeches ignite in red, orange and gold, and the narrow valley roads fill with leaf-peepers. With a little planning, you can enjoy peak color without sitting in traffic behind everyone else.
When to Go
Foliage moves from north to south and from high elevation to low. In a typical year, the Northeast Kingdom in the far north peaks in late September to early October, while the southern valleys peak in mid-October. Color is driven by weather, so check a foliage tracker before committing to dates. Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends.
Where to Drive
Vermont’s beauty is in its back roads. A few favorites:
- Route 100 runs the spine of the Green Mountains and is the classic foliage drive, passing ski towns, general stores and covered bridges.
- The Smugglers’ Notch road (Route 108) threads a dramatic mountain pass near Stowe — closed in winter, spectacular in fall.
- Quechee and Woodstock in the east offer postcard villages, a famous gorge and walkable downtowns.
What to Do Besides Drive
Pull over and get out. Visit a working dairy or a cheesemaker, pick apples at an orchard, and stop at a roadside stand for cider doughnuts. Many farms run fall festivals with pumpkins and hayrides. Hikers can climb Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, for panoramic color from above.
Where to Stay
Book early — foliage season is the busiest time of year, and the best inns fill months ahead. Consider basing yourself in a small town like Stowe, Woodstock or Montpelier (the smallest state capital in the country) and taking day drives from there.
Practical Tips
- Start early. Morning light is best for photos and roads are quietest.
- Carry cash. Small farm stands and country stores may not take cards.
- Drive courteously. Use pull-offs rather than stopping in the road for photos.
- Dress in layers. Crisp mornings give way to mild afternoons.
Vermont in autumn is a sensory experience as much as a visual one — woodsmoke, cold air and fresh cider. Slow down, take the long way, and let the season set the pace.