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, adorable towns, breathtaking national forests, and stunning natural landscapes, and engage in unique attractions like apple picking, 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 is a 460-mile (740-kilometre) loop that takes about 10 hours and 15 minutes of driving and starts and ends in Burlington, Vermont. This is a convenient start and end point, as it is home to Vermont's busiest airport, Burlington International Airport (although it only receives around 3% of the daily passengers that New England's busiest airport, Boston Logan International Airport, does.
It’s designed for adventurous travelers who prefer an independent Vermont fall road trip, with the freedom to follow a scenic route through mountain ranges, small towns, and some of the best spots in the Green Mountain State for colorful fall foliage.
Begin by heading south on US Route 7 and driving 122 miles to Bennington, Vermont. The stretch between Stowe and Manchester is particularly popular for the quaint towns and brightly coloured forests you pass along the way. Taking the 7A from Manchester to Pownal is also popular, although longer, as it passes through valleys and offers mountain vistas. You will also need to loop back to Bennington if you take this detour.
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, near the Canadian border, some 300 miles from its namesake on New England's southern border in Rhode Island.
Known as “Vermont's Main Street” and “Skier's Highway”, Vermont Route 100 is a section of the legendary Green Mountain Byway designated scenic route famed for seeing colorful leaves, quaint towns, ski town stops, and gorgeous fall foliage during peak foliage season, often in late September through early October. That makes it one of the best drives not just for a Vermont fall foliage road trip, but for anyone planning a wider New England fall foliage escape through the Northeastern United States.
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, where you can drop off your rental car and head home.
Best Time For A Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Fall Colors
The best time for a Vermont fall foliage road trip is the 6-8 weeks following mid-September. While autumn stretches from mid-September to early December, this window usually lines up with peak foliage season, as peak foliage in Vermont typically runs from late September to mid-October, making it the best time to see the state's colorful leaves at their brightest, especially in early October.
Northern Vermont usually reaches its best color first, with southern areas following a bit later.
Foliage trackers are a useful way to monitor current leaf conditions before you go.
Anyone making the drive towards the end of this window will also start to see signs of New England's crisp air and 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. Book accommodations well in advance, since autumn is Vermont's busiest tourism season.
Vermont's Best Covered Bridges
Vermont has more than 100 iconic covered bridges to explore, many of which you'll see on this trip. The general consensus is that the absolute best are:
- Taftsville Covered Bridge
- Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
- Gold Brook Covered Bridge
- Arlington Covered Bridge
Best Places To Stay In Vermont On A New England Fall Road Trip
Burlington, Vermont
Located on the eastern shore of the picturesque Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont's largest city. It 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.
A short way south, you also have Shelburne Vineyards, where you can enjoy the fall foliage with wine flights and cheese platters.
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.
After a relaxing night, 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 (although it runs along the border of upstate New York).
Despite being far smaller than the other (White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire), you can still spend far more than a day exploring all it has to offer. Receiving much lower footfall than its neighbour also 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 serving delicious food, 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 in Southern Vermont, at the other end of the Molly Stark Byway to Brattleboro, Wilmington is a charming, tiny town 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.
Woodstock, Vermont
Those willing to make a small detour will find Woodstock, a village straight out of a Hallmark movie voted the prettiest little town in America. Celebrated for its historic architecture, covered bridges, and classic New England appeal, Woodstock is nestled in the Green Mountains.
Downtown Woodstock is brimming with local shops, art galleries, cafés, and great restaurants, all within walking distance and set against the backdrop of well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century structures surrounding the village green. Notable landmarks include Middle Covered Bridge, situated just outside the town center, which is a favored location for photography, and the historic Woodstock Inn.
Visitors can discover Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm that highlights Vermont’s agricultural history, or take a trip to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, home to a historic mansion, gardens, carriage roads, and forest trails.
Woodstock is particularly captivating during the fall when the nearby Green Mountains are adorned with brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow foliage. Sugarbush Farm offers leaf peepers lovely views of the surrounding fall colors.
In the winter months, the region offers skiing, snowshoeing, and various outdoor pursuits.
A little further on, you also have Quechee Gorge. Affectionately called "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon", Quechee displays dramatic canyon vistas backed by hardwoods that are stunning in the fall.
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. Warren is also part of the Mad River Byway, which follows Routes 100 and 100B through picturesque valleys.
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. The best part is, free samples are included with the tour.
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. It’s also about 40 minutes from Burlington, Vermont, so it’s an easy addition to this itinerary.
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. Stowe is also one of Vermont’s most popular places for fall foliage viewing, with stunning fall foliage views around town and in the surrounding small towns.
Smugglers' Notch is a narrow mountain pass in Vermont, and Smugglers Notch Road is a popular scenic drive with dramatic mountain views and stunning foliage, best driven in daylight with a smaller vehicle.
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. You can stop at The Alchemist brewery for its famous Heady Topper beer, or head to Idletyme Brewery; they serve beer flights and you can grab lunch at the same time.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a favored destination in the area for those looking to enjoy an authentic New England cider mill experience. Here, visitors can savor fresh hot apple cider, cider doughnuts, regional delicacies like maple syrup and maple candies, and other sweet treats and products crafted in Vermont. Nestled amidst picturesque countryside, the mill is especially attractive in the fall, when the nearby hills and orchards burst into a display of vibrant autumn colors.
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.
Those willing to make the drive will also find Dog Mountain nearby, a unique sanctuary dedicated to dogs and dog lovers.
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 for when you visit Vermont yourself. While many travelers spend 6–9 days on a Vermont road trip, this version can also be shortened or adapted. This includes when to go, how long it takes, which route to use, where to stay, and what to see along the way.
International travellers should note that there are no direct flights from Boston Logan airport to Burlington, so it is best to connect in New York City. Those who have to come from Boston could begin by following "The Long Trail", a 272-mile route from Massachusetts to Canada that passes through Vermont.
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. Pack layers for Vermont’s changing fall weather, including a warm jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a waterproof and windproof shell. For slippery trails in fall, bring hiking boots, and a good quality camera is well worth packing for foliage photos.
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 New Hampshire fall foliage road trip
The ultimate Maine fall foliage road trip itinerary
The best East Coast fall road trip itinerary
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