Vermont in October: Where to Go, What to Do, and When to Visit
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There’s a reason people plan entire trips around Vermont in October.
Autumn is an ideal time for a Vermont road trip or weekend getaway. One that includes crunchy leaves, warm sweaters, hot apple cider, and all those tall-steepled churches that New England wears so well.
Today, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in Vermont in October when the colors are at their peak.
Our family is so lucky to call this beautiful place home, and every fall, I make it my mission to drop everything and explore more of this tiny state.
There is just nothing like Vermont in October!
This guide explores quintessential Vermont fall foliage activities that visitors won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect guide for first-time visitors with 2-5 days to explore. I’m including some casual hikes and lots of time outdoors (as is my way).
Table of Contents
Quick Guide: October in Vermont
hort on time? Here’s how to plan a fall trip to Vermont without overthinking it.
Best time to visit:
- Early October: Higher elevations (Stowe, Northeast Kingdom, Green Mountains)
- Mid-October: Peak color across most of the state (best overall timing)
- Late October: Southern Vermont, the Champlain Valley (Burlington), lower elevations (plus fewer crowds)
Where to base yourself:
- Stowe/Waterbury: Classic Vermont scenery, easy access to mountains and hiking
- Burlington: Lake views, great food, walkable downtown
- Southern Vermont (Manchester/Bennington): Quieter, scenic back roads, great for a relaxed road trip
How many days do you need?
- 2–3 days: Pick one region and explore deeply
- 4–5 days: Combine Stowe + Burlington or Southern Vermont + a scenic drive to Woodstock
Book early (seriously):
October is peak season. Lodging and restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends. If you have specific places in mind, reserve them as early as possible.
Getting around:
You’ll need a car. The best experiences happen on Vermont’s back roads, where GPS sometimes takes a back seat to curiosity.
Don’t stress peak foliage too much:
Timing isn’t exact. If you’re a little early, head to a higher elevation. A little late? Head south. You’ll still find incredible color somewhere.
When is Peak Foliage in Vermont?
Peak foliage in Vermont doesn’t happen all at once; it rolls across the state like a slow-moving wave.
Color usually arrives first in the higher elevations and northern regions, then works its way south into the valleys. That’s why you’ll hear different “peak” predictions depending on where you’re headed.
In general, early October is best for the mountains (think Stowe, the Northeast Kingdom, and the spine of the Green Mountains), while mid-October tends to bring peak color to the rest of the state. In late October, southern Vermont and lower elevations are still putting on a beautiful show, just with a more muted (and less crowded) vibe.
Foliage timing changes every year. Temperature, rainfall, and even a windy storm can speed things up or knock leaves down early. There’s no perfect formula.
In my opinion, it’s better to be a bit early for the season because you can always go up in elevation to experience more Vermont fall foliage.
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. Vermont in October is beautiful, no matter where you are; you just might have to be flexible on where you go each day.
Where to See the Best Fall Foliage in Vermont?
There are so many beautiful back roads in the state, and I guess my first suggestion would be to get off the highways and get lost on the back roads. Download all maps on your GPS of choice, and be sure to grab a Delorme Gazetteer for Vermont and New Hampshire in case you lose cell service.
You will see fall colors throughout Vermont in October, but the spine of the Green Mountains (through the center of the state from north to south), along with all the back roads that crisscross through them, will give you the best opportunities for leaf-peeping (and fall photography).
A Perfect 5-Day Vermont October Itinerary
The fall foliage season is the most popular time to visit Vermont, but it’s a mixed blessing for travelers.
On the one hand, Vermont foliage is incredibly beautiful, and every town and village wants you to visit.
There are fall festivals, sidewalk sales, and special events all over the state to celebrate autumn in Vermont, and to celebrate you, the traveler who is coming to spend money at local Vermont businesses.
On the other hand, visiting Vermont in October means more traffic on back roads, not to mention a harder time booking rooms and making dinner reservations.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Here’s a 5-day fall foliage itinerary that gives you a little taste of what Vermont has to offer.
Day 1 & 2: Stowe and Waterbury (Classic Fall in Vermont)
If it’s your first time visiting Vermont in October, start in Stowe. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s also iconic. If you start this part of your trip on a weekday, you can minimize traffic frustrations while still getting that classic fall experience: mountain views, scenic drives, and classic Vermont food (maple syrup, cheese, and ice cream).
Explore Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield got its name because, when viewed from the valley, it resembles the profile of a giant, sleeping face.
Reaching 4,394 feet at the chin, this is one of only two places in Vermont where you’ll find an arctic-alpine tundra ecosystem, complete with a plethora of tiny, rare plants that can only be found in such high, windswept climates as this — unless, of course, you want to travel to the far reaches of our continent’s northern borders.
More than 40,000 visitors flock to the top of Mount Mansfield each year, and that’s because you can drive to the top on the auto toll road from Stowe Mountain Resort.
The toll road will only bring you to Mount Mansfield’s nose, but you can hike from the nose to the chin on part of the Long Trail. The chin is the actual high point of the mountain, and while the hike is easier than trekking all the way up on foot, it is still a moderate trek of about 2 miles.
Another option, also available at Stowe Mountain Resort, is to ride the dog-friendly gondola SkyRide. This brings you to the shoulder of Mount Mansfield, where you can access a restaurant, plus hiking trails that lead higher up on the mountain.
Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch
From Mount Mansfield, take a drive through Smugglers Notch, a narrow, winding road with dramatic cliffs and some of the best foliage views in the state.
It’s a twisty, turny road with beautiful autumn views. There are trails and picnic areas throughout. Stop at Bingham Falls (across from Smuggler’s Notch State Park) and Barnes Camp Visitor Center to check out the views from the boardwalk.
Back in town, spend some time wandering Stowe Village, then head to nearby Waterbury for a well-earned treat. Cold Hollow Cider Mill is a must for fresh cider and warm donuts, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is just down the road.
If you have extra time, consider a shorter hike like Stowe Pinnacle for big views without the full-day commitment, or just slow down and enjoy the back roads—this is one of those places where the drive is the destination.
Stowe and Waterbury Highlights to Add to Your Itinerary
Stowe Pinnacle Trail is 3.7 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. While this is a steep hike, it’s much shorter than the 6.6 miles up to the top of Mt. Mansfield, and the views are just as spectacular!
The Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum: Dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the rich history of skiing and riding in Vermont, this small museum is housed in the old town meeting house in Stowe.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Not far from Stowe, in the town of Waterbury, you’ll find the best cider donuts, plus hard and soft cider in a gorgeous setting. You can take a tour and learn how both types of cider are made. Do not miss your chance to indulge.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory: And while we’re on the topic of indulging, be sure to tour the famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory and dig into some free samples. Be sure to visit the Flavor Graveyard, where you can pay homage to your long-lost ice-cream loves.
Read Next: 18 Delightful Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
Day 3: Burlington and Lake Champlain
Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is about 45 minutes west of Stowe and another must-visit stop on your fall foliage road trip through Vermont. If you’re flying into BTV, you can explore Burlington on day 1 and Stowe/Waterbury on day 2/4.
Ride the Burlington Bike Path, also called the Burlington Greenway, for beautiful lake and mountain views and incredible sunsets. The paved trail hugs the water for most of its eight miles, connecting riders to several lovely parks and beaches. Start at the south end of Oakledge Park and work your way to North Beach or the mouth of the Winooski River.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can easily rent one from Local Motion, which is located right on the bike path on the Burlington Waterfront. They rent traditional bikes, tandem bikes, electric bikes, and kids’ bikes.
The Burlington Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 9 to 1. With over 90 vendors and awesome live entertainment, this hoppin’ market is consistently rated as one of the best farmers’ markets in the country. The market is located at 345 Pine Street in the South End.
Get out on Vermont’s biggest lake with a sunset or dinner cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Cruises depart several times a day from the Burlington Boathouse at the bottom of College Street. Still one of our favorite ways to get out on the water, drink a beer, and watch the sunset.
If you have kids, be sure to check out the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Get up close and personal with some of Lake Champlain’s coolest critters, learn about the forces that shaped this beautiful landscape, and check out the awesome traveling exhibits.
Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Burlington this Summer
Day 4: Woodstock and Quechee (Storybook Vermont)
If you’re craving that quintessential New England experience, covered bridges, white clapboard homes, and a village green that looks straight out of a painting, Woodstock is a must. Like Stowe, Woodstock gets busy in the fall, but it’s popular for a reason, and I still recommend visiting.
Start your day wandering through Woodstock Village. Park once and explore on foot; stroll across the Middle Covered Bridge, pop into a few local shops, and take your time soaking it all in.
Just outside the village, Billings Farm & Museum offers a glimpse into Vermont’s agricultural roots, with historic barns, friendly farm animals, and some of the best local cheese you’ll find anywhere. Across the road, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park combines wooded trails with a fascinating look at the history of land conservation in America.
In the afternoon, head to nearby Quechee for a completely different perspective. Quechee Gorge, often called Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” is an easy stop for sweeping views, or you can hike down to the river for a quieter experience.
If you have time, don’t miss a stop at Simon Pearce Restaurant for a meal overlooking the Ottauquechee River; it’s one of the most scenic dining spots in the state.
Day 5: Southern Vermont (Bennington County)
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Vermont, Bennington County is bookended by the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, with rolling farmland, quiet villages, and some of the most underrated fall scenery in the state.
Start with a walk through Old Bennington, where historic homes, the Old First Church, and the towering Bennington Battle Monument tell the story of Vermont’s early days.
From there, hit the back roads. Southern Vermont is made for leaf-peeping drives, whether you follow the Route 7A/Route 100 loop through Manchester and Arlington or take a shorter loop through North Bennington and Shaftsbury.
Woodford State Park is tucked away in the mountains and sees very few visitors. A quiet lake surrounded by lush forest is the main attraction, but you’ll also find hiking trails and a quiet campground within the park. On really quiet evenings, we’ve seen moose and otters, and we hear the fishing is pretty good, too.
Lye Brook Falls. An easy 2.3-mile hike on a beautiful forested trail will take you to a lovely waterfall in the Green Mountains. The trail is dog and kid-friendly, and the woods are especially spectacular during fall foliage.
Lye Brook Falls is a single cascade plummeting more than 125’ into a rocky streambed. It’s not deep enough to swim at the falls, but there’s a nice swimming hole on the dirt road that leads to the Lye Brook Falls Trailhead.
Where to Stay in Vermont in October
There is no shortage of hotels, motels, inns, and vacation rentals throughout the state. Reserve several months in advance for the best selection. Here are our top picks.
Stowe
- Tälta Lodge Bluebird: This beautiful property is our new favorite place to stay in Stowe. Located on The Mountain Road (Route 108) with the river flowing behind the property, you can easily access the Stowe Recreation Path and Smuggler’s Notch. Rooms come with an outdoor seating area, and there is an indoor pool and sauna. In 2023, they added a few beautiful cabins out back.
- The Trapp Family Lodge: The Trapp Family, fictionalized in The Sound of Music, fled Austria during World War II and landed in this beautiful Vermont town. The lodge that you can visit today isn’t the original Trapp Family Lodge, but it’s still a beautiful and historic landmark, with hiking and mountain-biking trails, and lovely accommodations. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for your Vermont vacation.
- Grey Fox Inn: This lovely inn is within walking distance of Stowe Village’s shopping and restaurants. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a sauna. You can access the Stowe Recreation Path from the property, and the views aren’t bad either. Book a room, suite, or condo for your fall foliage vacation.
Burlington
Hotel Vermont, while on the pricey side, gets five stars for its location. This boutique hotel is a stone’s throw from Lake Champlain and close to all of the best downtown shopping and dining. So far, this is our favorite downtown hotel. You will need to reserve a room far in advance during the fall foliage season.
One-Bedroom Downtown Apartment: This one-bedroom apartment has room for three guests and is just steps from Church Street and within walking distance of Lake Champlain.
Finally, I have to share one quirky gem with you. The Starlight Inn in Colchester is a movie-themed motel located right next to the iconic Sunset Drive-In Theater. I’ve been catching flicks at the Sunset Drive-Inn since I could walk, and Starlight Inn guests receive complimentary tickets for one car and all its occupants.
Bennington County
Bennington County has two shires, Manchester in the north and Bennington in the south. It’s about a half-hour drive between the two, so you don’t necessarily want to be hopping between them constantly during your visit. There are lots of lodging choices in both towns.
In Bennington, Four Chimneys Inn is an iconic New England Inn that will perfectly complement your Vermont fall vacation. Each room is beautifully decorated, breakfast is beyond incredible, and you can walk to historic attractions in Old Bennington.
If you want to hang your hat in Manchester, check out the sprawling Kimpton Taconic Hotel, which is dog-friendly and within walking distance of shopping, dining, and hiking trails in Manchester Village.
Only Have 2–3 Days? Do This Instead
If you’ve got a long weekend to spend leaf-peeping in Vermont, don’t try to explore the whole state. Pick a region, and dig a little deeper.
- Stowe + Waterbury: best for classic foliage and mountains, early to mid-October.
- Burlington + Lake Champlain: walkability, lake views, and great food.
- Bennington County with a day trip to Woodstock: back roads, small towns, covered bridges.
Planning that epic Vermont vacation? Be sure to check out our sister site, Vermont Explored, featuring all Vermont all the time! We’d be honored if you would check it out!
Follow us on social media for more inspiration for visiting Vermont in October!
Hi there! Thank you for this in depth guide! My mother and I visited Vermont back in 2003 and have been trying to find a place that we happens upon. It was an outdoor shopping area with a second floor, surrounded by mountains with a man made pond. We have very few pics from that time and of course none of them show any signs. Seeing as how you know Vermont so well, I was hoping you may have some insight!
Best,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
Can you narrow it down to a region of Vermont?