The best Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary shows you the top places to see the state’s legendary autumnal colours.
A 460-mile Vermont fall foliage road trip guides you through “The Green Mountain State” during its most famous season. You’ll visit quaint cities, historic towns, breathtaking national forests, stunning natural landscapes, and unique attractions, while taking in iconic fall foliage that is perhaps more vibrant and colourful than anywhere else in the United States.
Read on for help planning the best fall foliage road trip through Vermont.
The Best Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take & What Is The Best Route?
The best Vermont fall foliage road trip covers 460 miles (740 kilometres) and takes 10 hours and 15 minutes to drive. The best route begins and ends in Burlington, Vermont; home to the state’s only major airport.
Begin by heading south on US Route 7 and driving 122 miles to Bennington, Vermont. Go east on Vermont Route 9, then turn right to go south on Vermont Route 8. You’ll now join Vermont Route 100 in Heartwellville, Vermont, and follow it 210 miles to its northern terminus in Newport, Vermont.
Known as “Vermont’s Main Street” and “Skier’s Highway”, Vermont Route 100 is a legendary route that is especially popular with those seeking the best fall foliage and ski resorts. So much so, in fact, that many even take a dedicated Vermont Route 100 road trip, which is why we’ve incorporated one into our route.
From Newport, join I-91 and drive south to Exit 25. Continue south on Vermont Route 16, then turn left to join Vermont Route 122 at its origin. Follow it to Wheelock, Vermont, then turn right to take Peak Road south. Continue following it after it becomes Burroughs Road and Wheelock Road, until you reach the Great Vermont Corn Maze. Turn left onto Tampico Road and follow it south to North Danville, Vermont.
You will now make a succession of quick turns: right onto Stanton Road, left onto N Danville Road, then right onto Jameison Road, which you’ll follow south. Turn right onto US Highway 2 and take this to Montpellier, Vermont, where you will join I-89 and follow it back to Burlington.
Best Time For A Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip
The best time for a Vermont fall foliage road trip is between mid-September and mid-October. While Autumn encompasses mid-September to early December, this early window is when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant, making it an ideal time to visit to see the legendary colours in all their glory.
Anyone making the drive towards the end of this window will also start to see signs of New England’s legendary Halloween season taking shape. Early November is also when some of the best places to ski in Vermont begin opening. These facts are worth remembering for anyone able to take a slightly longer road trip through Vermont.
Best Places To Stay In Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Located on the eastern shore of the picturesque Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont's largest city, offers a lively atmosphere that blends outdoor activities with a laid-back New England vibe. Visitors can wander through the bustling Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-friendly zone full of unique shops, cafés, eateries, and street performers, relax in scenic waterfront parks, or enjoy walking and cycling paths and lake cruises.
The city has a variety of craft breweries, a vibrant arts and music culture, and is home to the University of Vermont, contributing to its youthful spirit. Throughout the seasons, guests can partake in summer festivals and farmers' markets, appreciate the stunning fall foliage, enjoy Christmas extravaganzas, and take advantage of quick access to skiing and hiking in the nearby Green Mountains, making Burlington an ideal starting point for any Vermont road trip itinerary.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Burlington, Vermont – Green Mountain Suites Hotel
Green Mountain Suites Hotel provides a cosy, all-suite experience perfect for short getaways and extended stays in South Burlington, just a short drive from downtown Burlington and Burlington International Airport. The hotel features spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, complete with separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens featuring full-sized appliances, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, workstations, and comfortable beds.
Guests can kick off their morning with a free hot breakfast, relax in the indoor pool, hot tub, or fitness centre, and take advantage of the outdoor courtyard and its barbecue grills and fire pit. With complimentary parking and convenient access to Lake Champlain, Church Street Marketplace, and the Green Mountains, the hotel serves as an excellent starting point for a Vermont fall foliage road trip that feels just like home.
Montpelier, Vermont
Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, has a small population of around 8,000, making it the United States’ least-populated state capital. Despite its size, it is an essential destination on a Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary. The city features notable attractions, such as the Vermont State House and the Vermont History Museum, which enrich the experience of exploring one of New England’s 6 states.
Easily one of the best places to stay in Vermont, Montpelier has a distinctive industrial sector that causes the daytime population to nearly triple, due to incoming commuters.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Montpelier, we recommend checking out our guide to the best things to see in Montpelier, Vermont.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Montpelier, Vermont – The Inn at Montpelier
The Inn at Montpelier has a delightful combination of historic allure and modern convenience, located right in the heart of the city. The rooms are adorned with vintage decor, showcasing antique furnishings and timeless features. Every accommodation comes equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi is accessible property-wide.
Best Places To Go In Vermont On A Fall Foliage Road Trip
Rutland, Vermont
Situated between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, Rutland is a friendly Vermont city and a gateway to outdoor activities. This includes skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Visitors can take advantage of the revitalised downtown, which features local shops, restaurants, galleries, and public art, or they can enjoy scenic drives through the picturesque countryside.
In the fall, the area transforms with stunning autumn foliage, as the trees radiate rich hues of red, orange, gold, and amber, making Rutland a prime location for experiencing Vermont's renowned leaf-peeping season.
Manchester, Vermont
Located in the scenic Green Mountains of southern Vermont, Manchester is a delightful town famed for its stunning landscapes, historic significance, and outstanding shopping. Travellers can wander through stylish boutiques, designer outlet shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés, or explore attractions such as Hildene, the Lincoln family’s estate, and the hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
During the autumn season, Manchester transforms into one of the best places to go in Vermont for leaf peeping, as the landscape dazzles with vibrant hues of red, orange, gold, and scarlet, offering breathtaking drives and leisurely walks.
Green Mountain National Forest
Green Mountain National Forest is one of two national forests in New England. At almost 400,000 acres, it is distinctive for being located entirely within one state. Despite being far smaller than the other (New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest), receiving much lower footfall than its neighbour establishes it among the best places to visit in Vermont.
Regarded as one of New England’s most pristine areas, Green Mountain National Forest is famous for its hiking trails, wild areas, recreational amenities, and ski runs. It is an ideal spot for a road trip through Vermont for anyone wishing to experience the region’s scenic beauty or take on outdoor challenges.
Bennington, Vermont
Nestled in the picturesque southwestern part of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, Bennington is a town rich in history that harmonises its cultural heritage with stunning mountain scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities. Tourists can visit notable sites like the historic Bennington Battle Monument, enjoy the quaint downtown area’s shops, cafés, art galleries, and local eateries, and explore hiking trails in the nearby Green Mountains.
In the fall, Bennington attracts many visitors who come to admire the stunning transformation of the surrounding hills and valleys, which become a vibrant display of deep reds, scarlets, oranges, golds, and ambers.
Wilmington, Vermont
Located in the Deerfield Valley of southern Vermont, Wilmington is a charming village enveloped by forests, lakes, and the scenic Green Mountains. A favoured spot year-round, you can wander through a delightful downtown with a small-town allure, featuring unique shops, quaint cafés, art galleries, and historic architecture.
Nearby attractions such as Mount Snow, the Harriman Reservoir, and hiking, cycling, fishing, and boating options enhance the experience. In the fall, Wilmington dazzles with vibrant autumn foliage. The hills surrounding it transform into stunning hues of red, orange, yellow, and gold, offering some of the most breathtaking drives in Vermont.
Ludlow, Vermont
Found in southern Vermont’s picturesque Okemo Valley, Ludlow is a delightful mountain community famed for its association with Okemo Mountain Resort, making it a sought-after spot for outdoor enthusiasts all year. During the warmer months, visitors can partake in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, and kayaking. The inviting town centre features trademark New England hospitality, boutique shops, cosy cafés, and local dining options.
In the fall, the nearby Green Mountains showcase a stunning array of autumn colours. The vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and ambers offer captivating scenic drives and hiking trails, making it one of the best places to see in Vermont during Autumn.
Killington, Vermont
Killington is set in the centre of Vermont's Green Mountains. One of the state's top outdoor spots, it is celebrated for its exceptional skiing and diverse year-round mountain activities. Guests can explore picturesque hiking and mountain biking paths, excellent golf courses, waterfalls, and the Killington Adventure Center. Nearby villages feature charming inns, eateries, breweries, and vibrant après-ski options.
In the autumn, the mountains present a stunning panorama of fall colours, showcasing bright hues of red, orange, yellow, and gold that blanket the area and make it a prime location for leaf peeping in Vermont. The acclaimed Killington Resort is also one of the best ski resorts in Vermont, and the first to open each year. This makes Killington one of the best places to ski in Vermont, especially for anyone on a Vermont or Vermont Route 100 road trip in late Fall.
Warren, Vermont
Warren is a delightful Vermont mountain village in the Mad River Valley celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and quintessential New England charm. This town features the Sugarbush Resort and its excellent winter skiing, along with hiking, mountain biking, golf, and scenic chairlift excursions in the warmer seasons.
Visitors can explore picturesque country roads, charming covered bridges, local art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and unique independent shops. In autumn, Warren becomes one of Vermont's most stunning locations for leaf-peeping, with the nearby Green Mountains ablaze in vivid hues of red, orange, gold, and amber.
Mad River Valley
The Mad River Valley stands out as one of Vermont's most beautiful locations, showcasing an ideal combination of mountainous landscapes, outdoor activities, and quintessential New England allure. Encompassing the region surrounding the towns of Waitsfield and Warren, this valley is famous for its hiking trails, cycling routes, skiing opportunities at Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen, as well as its scenic rural roads, covered bridges, and a variety of local shops, cafés, and artisan enterprises.
In autumn, the valley is among the best things to see in Vermont, as it transforms into a magnificent leaf-peeping destination. The nearby Green Mountains explode into vibrant hues of crimson, scarlet, orange, gold, and amber, presenting stunning views at every turn.
Waterbury, Vermont
Set in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, Waterbury is a delightful, historic New England town settled around 1783. Named after the home of its founders, Waterbury, Connecticut, it is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and friendly small-town vibe. Tourists can explore local boutiques and cafés, enjoy Vermont's renowned craft beers and artisanal foods, and enjoy nearby hiking, biking, skiing, and scenic drives.
In the fall, Waterbury transforms into one of the state's top destinations. The surrounding hills, covered bridges, and natural wonders are painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and amber, offering remarkable autumn foliage.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Situated near Waterbury, the Ben & Jerry’s factory isn’t just one of the best things to see in Vermont; it is the state’s number one tourist attraction. The origin of one of the world’s most renowned ice cream brands, guests can take guided tours to observe the production process, sample delicacies, and even taste freshly crafted flavours before they hit the market.
Moreover, the factory features the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, a distinctive spot honouring retired flavours with commemorative headstones in a true graveyard setting. This spooky element makes it a perfect stop on a Vermont road trip itinerary anywhere near Halloween.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, located in northern Vermont, is often referred to as "The Ski Capital of the East." One of the best places to ski in Vermont, this charming town features the Stowe Mountain Resort and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, making it a perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Among Stowe's noteworthy attractions are the Trapp Family Lodge, an alpine-style establishment run by the Austrian Trapp family, the inspiration behind the film "The Sound of Music". There’s also the Stowe Recreation Path and Cady Hill Forest, both popular for outdoor activities and viewing the fall foliage.
It is also one of the best places to see in Vermont on a Vermont fall foliage road trip near Halloween. Gold Brook Bridge is a historic covered bridge also known as Emily's Bridge. Renowned as one of the most haunted locations in the country, you’ll see a unique blend of iconic New England architecture, surrounded by fall foliage, combined with eerie folklore and the chance to experience some paranormal activity.
Willoughby State Forest
Located in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Willoughby State Forest is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. It features rugged mountains, lush hardwood trees, stunning views of Lake Willoughby, and extensive hiking paths that lead to striking viewpoints such as Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. The pristine lake below offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing during the warmer seasons.
In the fall, the area becomes a vibrant spectacle of red, orange, and gold foliage, making it one of the best places to visit in Vermont for leaf enthusiasts and photographers.
Great Vermont Corn Maze
The Great Vermont Corn Maze spans an impressive 24-26 acres, making it the largest corn maze in New England. It offers a variety of paths and features, including bridges, and provides an extensive maze experience that can take around three hours to navigate. There is also a shorter, more straightforward version that lasts approximately 40 minutes, catering to visitors of all fitness levels and skills.
Additionally, during the first half of October, the venue hosts the Dead North Farmland Of Terror event, transforming the maze into a frightful attraction with special effects and professional actors, allowing guests to challenge both their courage and skills. This perfectly syncs up with the timing of a Vermont fall foliage road trip.
Final Thoughts On The Best Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary
As we conclude our ultimate Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary, you should now have all the information you need to drive it yourself. This includes when to go, how long it takes, which route to use, where to stay, and what to see along the way. All that’s left is to decide what to take with you and start budgeting and booking everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.
We also have a selection of other fall road trip guides you may enjoy. These include:
A 5-day New England fall road trip itinerary
The perfect New England fall road trip
The best East Coast fall road trip itinerary
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