Vermont in autumn is a spectacle of nature that draws visitors worldwide. As the Green Mountain State transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and gold, it becomes the perfect backdrop for a memorable road trip.

From winding roads through vibrant forests to charming towns and historic covered bridges, Vermont offers a quintessential New England fall experience. Let’s explore 25 must-see stops on your Vermont fall road trip.

Bennington

Begin your journey in the southwestern corner of Vermont. Bennington charms visitors with its historic downtown and fall festivities.

Highlights:

Bennington Battle Monument: Climb to the top for panoramic foliage views.
Old First Church: This picturesque white church is surrounded by colorful trees in the fall.
Apple Barn and Country Bake Shop: Sample fresh apple cider and warm cider doughnuts.

Manchester

Head north to Manchester, a town that seamlessly blends nature and luxury.

Highlights:

Hildene: Tour the Lincoln family’s summer home, set against autumn colors.
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive: Take a scenic drive to the summit for breathtaking foliage views.
Manchester Designer Outlets: Enjoy some fall shopping in a beautiful setting.

Woodstock

Often called the prettiest small town in America, Woodstock shines brightest in autumn.

Highlights:

Billings Farm & Museum: Experience a working dairy farm and learn about Vermont’s rural heritage.
Middle Covered Bridge: This central town landmark is stunning when framed by fall foliage.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park: Hike through colorful forests and visit the mansion.

Quechee

Quechee offers natural wonders and local crafts just a short drive from Woodstock.

Highlights:

Quechee Gorge: Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” it’s spectacular in the fall.
Simon Pearce: Watch glassblowers at work and dine overlooking a waterfall.
VINS Nature Center: See birds of prey against autumn leaves.

Stowe

No Vermont fall road trip is complete without a visit to Stowe, the state’s fall foliage capital.

Highlights:

Gondola Skyride: Ascend Mount Mansfield for unparalleled views of the changing landscape.
Stowe Recreation Path: Bike or walk this 5.3-mile paved path through stunning scenery.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Watch cider being made and taste fresh apple products.

Burlington

Vermont’s largest city offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty.

Highlights:

Church Street Marketplace: Stroll this pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants.
Waterfront Park: Enjoy fall colors reflected in Lake Champlain.
Ethan Allen Homestead: Visit the revolutionary leader’s home surrounded by autumn foliage.

Shelburne

Just south of Burlington, Shelburne packs a lot of attractions into a small area.

Highlights:

Shelburne Farms: Tour this 1,400-acre working farm with stunning lake and mountain views.
Shelburne Museum: Explore 39 buildings with American folk art, all set in beautiful grounds.
Shelburne Orchards: Pick your apples and enjoy fresh cider.

Mad River Valley

This scenic area encompasses the charming towns of Warren and Waitsfield.

Highlights:

Covered Bridges: The area boasts several picturesque covered bridges perfect for fall photos.
Mad River Glen: Take a foliage chairlift ride for panoramic views.
Farmers Markets: Sample local produce and artisanal goods at charming markets.

Montpelier

Vermont’s capital city offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights:

Vermont State House: Tour the gold-domed Capitol building set against colorful foliage.
Hubbard Park: Climb the tower for 360-degree views of the fall landscape.
North Branch Nature Center: Hike trails through vibrant forests.

Northeast Kingdom

This remote corner of Vermont offers some of the state’s most dramatic fall scenery.

Highlights:

Lake Willoughby: Often compared to a Norwegian fjord, it’s stunning in autumn.
Kingdom Trails: Mountain bike through forests ablaze with fall colors.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum: Visit this historic library and art gallery.

Covered Bridges

Vermont boasts over 100 covered bridges, each offering a unique photo opportunity.

Highlights:

Pulp Mill Bridge (Middlebury)
Taftsville Covered Bridge (Woodstock)
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge (Windsor)

Scenic Route 100

Often called Vermont’s most scenic route, Route 100 runs the length of the state through the Green Mountains.

Highlights:

Weston: Visit the Vermont Country Store for nostalgic treats.
Killington: Take a gondola ride for spectacular mountain views.
Granville: Stop at Moss Glen Falls for a short hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Grafton

This perfectly preserved village looks like a scene from a postcard, especially in the fall.

Highlights:

Grafton Village Cheese Company: Sample award-winning cheeses.
Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: Hike or mountain bike through colorful forests.
The Old Tavern: Stay in this historic inn dating back to 1801.

Mount Snow

While known for winter skiing, Mount Snow offers excellent fall activities.

Highlights:

Bluebird Express: Ride the chairlift for stunning foliage views.
Oktoberfest: Enjoy this annual festival with German food, music, and beer.
Mount Snow Golf Club: Play a round surrounded by fall colors.

Smugglers’ Notch

This mountain pass offers some of Vermont’s most dramatic scenery.

Highlights:

Scenic Drive: Navigate the winding road through towering cliffs and colorful forests.
Bingham Falls: A short hike leads to this beautiful waterfall.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park: Camp or hike surrounded by fall foliage.

Vergennes

Vermont’s oldest city offers historic charm and beautiful natural surroundings.

Highlights:

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum: Learn about the area’s nautical history.
Button Bay State Park: Enjoy lakeside views framed by autumn colors.
Vergennes Opera House: Catch a performance in this restored 1897 theater.

Middlebury

Home to Middlebury College, this town blends academic atmosphere with rural charm.

Highlights:

Middlebury Falls: Watch the cascading water surrounded by fall foliage.
Morgan Horse Farm: Visit this historic farm dedicated to America’s first horse breed.
Otter Creek Brewing: Tour the brewery and taste seasonal fall brews.

Brandon

This small town packs a big punch when it comes to fall beauty and attractions.

Highlights:

Brandon Museum: Learn about the town’s history in a beautifully preserved Federal-style building.
Neshobe River Falls: A short walk leads to these picturesque falls.
Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace: Visit the childhood home of the famous statesman.

Wilmington

Nestled in southern Vermont, Wilmington offers quintessential New England charm.

Highlights:

Harriman Reservoir: Drive around this scenic lake for stunning fall views.
Molly Stark State Park: Climb the fire tower for panoramic foliage vistas.
Historic Downtown: Stroll the charming main street lined with shops and restaurants.

Weston

This picture-perfect village seems frozen in time, especially beautiful in autumn.

Highlights:

Vermont Country Store: Step back in time at this famous general store.
Weston Playhouse: Catch a performance at Vermont’s oldest professional theater company.
West River Trail: Hike or bike through colorful forests.

Scenic Route 7

Running north-south through western Vermont, Route 7 offers beautiful views and exciting stops.

Highlights:

Mount Equinox Skyline Drive (Manchester)
Norman Rockwell Exhibition (Arlington)
Robert Frost Stone House Museum (Shaftsbury)

Green Mountain National Forest

This vast forest offers countless opportunities for leaf-peeping and outdoor adventures.

Highlights:

Texas Falls Recreation Area: Short hike to a stunning waterfall.
Appalachian Trail: Hike a section of this famous long-distance trail.
Scenic drives: Several forest roads offer beautiful fall drives.

Cabot

Home to the famous Cabot Creamery, this town offers more than cheese.

Highlights:

Cabot Creamery Visitors Center: Tour the facility and sample award-winning cheeses.
Groton State Forest: Explore multiple state parks within this giant forest.
Joe’s Pond: Enjoy the fall colors reflected in this scenic lake.

Brattleboro

This southern Vermont town offers a vibrant arts scene and beautiful natural surroundings.

Highlights:

Brattleboro Museum & Art Center: Explore contemporary art in a former train station.
Retreat Trails: Hike through colorful forests with views of the Connecticut River.
Creamery Covered Bridge: One of the most photographed bridges in Vermont.

Arlington

This small town was once home to Norman Rockwell and inspired many of his paintings.

Highlights:

Norman Rockwell Exhibition: See where the famous artist lived and worked.
Battenkill Valley Creamery: Sample fresh dairy products from this award-winning farm.
Green Mountain Scenic Byway: Drive this beautiful road through the heart of fall foliage country.

As you wind through Vermont’s colorful landscape, take your time and savor the journey. Stop at roadside stands for fresh apples and maple syrup, chat with locals in small-town diners, and breathe in the crisp autumn air.

Vermont’s fall beauty isn’t just about the vibrant colors – it’s about the whole experience of rural New England life at its most charming. So pack your camera, bring a cozy sweater, and prepare for an unforgettable autumn adventure in the Green Mountain State.