Vermont is covered by nearly 70% forest, giving it the highest density of maple trees in the United States and making a Vermont autumn a true amazing experience. Between mid-September and mid-October are when the colors are the brightest with some of the Fall foliage starting to change colors as early as the start of September in the northern areas and higher elevations.
Smugglers Notch Pass
Summary: Smugglers Notch is a mountain pass in Lamoille County, Vermont. The notch separates Mount Mansfield, the highest peak of the Green Mountains, from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range. Most of the notch is in Mount Mansfield State Forest.
If you want to stretch your legs, hike up the Sterling Pond Trail at the top of the Notch. It’s a 2.3-mile out-and-back hike with pretty views of Sterling Pond at the top and a great place to take in Vermont’s fall foliage.
Address: Cambridge, Lamoille County, Vermont, U.S.
Road: Vermont Route 108s
The Kingdom Trails
Summary: The Kingdom Trails is a popular mountain bike destination in East Burke, Vermont and it also happens to be a spectacular place to see fall colors. Even if you’re not a mountain biker, the walking and hiking trails along Darling Hill offer incredible views out over the ridges and valleys.
Spend your day hiking or mountain biking the trails and then enjoy a drink and dinner on the patio at Juniper’s Restaurant in the Wildflower Inn. You may just catch one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen.
Address: 478 VT-114, East Burke, VT 05832
Shelburne Orchards
Summary: Tucked away in the rolling hills near the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is a fun way to spend an afternoon, especially when fall is in the air. Walk along Shelburne Farm’s extensive walking paths for stunning views of the lake, order a picnic lunch from their farm store and laze about on the lawns, or visit the goats, sheep, and cows in their farmyard.
For a unique Vermont fall experience, head to the nearby Shelburne Orchards where you can pick your own apples and snack on apple cider donuts.
Address: 216 Orchard Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Mount Mansfield
Summary: A Vermont’s fall colors tour wouldn’t be complete without a hike up Mount Mansfield. Standing tall at 4,395 feet, it’s Vermont’s highest peak, and a handful of trails lead up to the summit.
The 7.3-mile Mount Mansfield Loop Trail is a high-rated favorite hike that starts at Underhill State Park. It traverses the ridge and ‘chin’ along the top of Mount Mansfield for uninterrupted views of the Green Mountain State in all its fall glory.
Address:
Quechee State Park
Summary: Home to the breathtaking 165 ft-deep Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s deepest ravine that was carved over 13,000 years ago by glacial activity. Flanked on both sides with maple trees, the gorge offers incredible fall foliage views above the Ottauquechee River. Visitors can access the Gorge via the 2.7-mile Quechee Gorge Trail and there is a campground within the state park for overnight stays.
Address: 6800 Woodstock Rd, Hartford, VT 05047
Somerset Reservoir
Summary: The Somerset Reservoir is a large lake nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest of southern Vermont. It is a quiet and undeveloped place to explore and experience Vermont’s fall colors. Take your kayak or paddleboard out onto the water and watch for loons, ducks, moose, deer, or black bears or head out for a hike on one of the many nearby hiking trails.
Address: 2041 Somerset Rd, West Dover, VT 05356
Green River Reservoir State Park
Summary: Immerse yourself in some of Vermont’s best fall foliage at Green River Reservoir State Park in Northern, Vermont. There are a handful of remote tent campsites that are accessed by boat only, so if you’re looking for some quiet and solitude, this is your place. Reservations are required. You can read more about camping on the Green River Reservoir in this blog post.
If you’re only visiting for the day, the reservoir is perfect for kayaking, SUPing, swimming, or relaxing at one of the day-use picnic areas as you enjoy the fall colors surrounding you.
Address: 1394 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park, VT 05655
