Where to See Foliage in Vermont: Best Fall Spots

The classic “Vermont fall” as imagined by most travelers — a crisp October day, a winding rural highway, and a kaleidoscope of colors on the maple trees — requires more thought when choosing where to visit than simply picking a location and hoping to find the maximum amount of color. Different areas of the state will experience their foliage peaks at varying times due to elevation, weather, and geographical location. Therefore, what you desire in terms of scenic views, a picturesque small town, a scenic driving route, a body of water, or an family-friendly activity will ultimately determine which destination would be the most suitable. Where to See Foliage in Vermont depends largely on these factors and the timing of your trip.

A couple of great examples of places to go for a rapid response are: – Stowe/Upper Green Mountains – Northeast Kingdom – Woodstock – Route 100 Corridor – Mad River Valley – Southern Vermont near Manchester Each location will provide you with a unique experience of viewing the Fall Colors of Vermont.

Where to view Fall Foliage in VT

1. The Stowe Area and Upper Green Mountains

Stowe is an excellent option for those who are looking for beautiful, natural views of mountains but don’t wish to lose out on experiencing a vibrant, active town in Vermont. There are many options available in this part of Vermont, such as wooded areas, rural roads, village views, and views of Mount Mansfield. Additionally, the Green Mountain Byway runs through this area, which can be beneficial for those who would rather travel by vehicle instead of spending all of their time walking.

This is a good option for couples as well as first-time visitors that would like to have access to the scenery, as well as a variety of dining options, shopping opportunities, and accommodations in close proximity.

2. Northeast Kingdom

If you are looking for a more peaceful and rural setting, then you may want to travel to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This area offers a wide variety of terrain that includes mountains, valleys, roads and lakes which will provide photographers with many options as they photograph. One of the most popular areas to visit in the Northeast Kingdom is Lake Willoughby because it allows photographers to capture both the mountains and the lake within one frame.

The Northeast Kingdom is another good option if you want to travel in a way that gives you more space and freedom than traveling by car usually provides.

3. Woodstock and the upper connecticut river valley

Autumn in Woodstock provides another view of the season; the town’s streets, historical structures, covered bridges, rural lands and surrounding mountains provide a variety of experiences for travelers looking for an alternative way to experience the beauty of autumn than just traveling on mountain roads.

A wider upper Connecticut River Valley offers a variety of rural settings and smaller towns, allowing you to experience both walking in villages and driving through rural areas during your two to three night stay.

4. Route 100 Corridor

Route 100 will interest anyone who wants to take a driving vacation to see the fall colors. Route 100 passes through many of Vermont’s mountain communities as well as being a scenic byway. Therefore, Route 100 provides a flexible way to create a driving vacation instead of relying on only one location to view the fall colors.

Because of this flexibility, it works well for both photographers and travelers who have some amount of control over their itinerary; they are able to alter their travel plans based on the change in color of the trees.

5. Mad River Valley

Between the high-altitude views of the mountains and the low-key, country atmosphere of Vermont, the Mad River Valley is an ideal location. Around Warren and Waitsfield there are many different types of roads that provide various levels of elevation change, views of farms, wooded hillsides, and opportunities for recreational pursuits.

For those interested in spending a weekend doing something active, this area allows you to combine your love of viewing autumn leaves with hiking, bicycling, or a beautiful road trip. This location is also a convenient point from which to explore other areas of the Green Mountains.

6. The southern part of Vermont, which is located near Manchester, VT.

In the southern part of Vermont you will find a traditional small town fall experience. This is especially true when it comes to the areas surrounding Manchester and the Shires. The Historic Route 7A travels through a region of mountains, farms, small towns, and the Batten Kill River.

This area may become an attractive option for tourists who wish to find color in areas that are located further south during the later part of the year, however; the exact time when this occurs will depend upon both the weather conditions and elevation.

7. Vermont foliage by region

In general, Vermont’s fall foliage does not peak throughout the state at the exact same time. State-wide, northern regions of the state and higher elevation areas typically experience the onset of fall colors first, while many lower-lying valley regions and much of the southern portion of the state will have their colors change later. As shown on the official foliage tracking map for the state of Vermont, the transition of fall color progresses from northern and higher elevation regions of the state towards other parts of the state. Where to See Foliage in Vermont can therefore vary depending on when you visit.

1. Northern Vermont: In addition to the early viewing times for autumn colors in the upper Green Mountains of Vermont, there are also earlier views of fall color in the Northeastern area of Vermont, known as “The Northeast Kingdom,” as well as other higher-elevation regions of Northern Vermont.
2. Central Vermont: In the central area, you will find a classic Green Mountain landscape. There are many options for stopping, walking or taking pictures along the way (such as Route 100).
3. Southern Vermont: Southern towns and valleys provide travelers an alternative location for late-season foliage viewing; this will allow them to view the changing leaves after the foliage in Northern VT has peaked.

Most Beautiful Foliage Spots by Travel Type

1. For Couples

If you are looking for an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall colors of New England while also enjoying leisurely walks, dining, and a relaxing night in a bed & breakfast, then consider choosing one of the following small towns: Woodstock, VT; Manchester, NH. If you would like to have more options available to you when it comes to activities and mountain views, then Stowe, VT may be a better fit for your needs.

2. For Families

If you want to see fall colors but don’t want to go on an extended hike, try looking for places that allow you to take in the views from a car. A small town in Vermont with a beautiful drive would be a great option for families since everyone will have a chance to appreciate the scenery and keep their schedule open.

3. For Photographers

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, specifically near Lake Willoughby, Route 100, and the Green Mountain range provides a wide variety of subject matter for photographers to capture; including layers of mountains, reflection on water bodies, architecture found within villages, bridges and rural roadways. Photographers may find that early morning or late afternoon provides desirable lighting, however as with all outdoor photography, lighting will depend upon the specific conditions present at the time.

4. For Scenic Road Trips

You can use both route 100 and the northeast kingdom byway as your initial point of departure. Vermont has many scenic byways that connect several communities and offer several viewing locations; therefore, you can choose to alter your path to find areas with more favorable traveling conditions. Where to See Foliage in Vermont is ultimately a matter of matching your route with current foliage conditions.

5. For First-Time Visitors

The Stowe area, the town of Woodstock, or a route 100 itinerary would be good starting points for an individual who is new to Vermont. Rather than attempt to travel through the whole state of Vermont, you may wish to establish a single “home” base and take day trips out of that base into the surrounding areas and other small towns.

What is the best time to visit Vermont to view foliage?

There are many different states’ foliage seasons. The timing of Vermont’s foliage season can vary from year to year; however, in general, the foliage season in Vermont begins in September and continues through October. The specific elevation and location of each area will also affect when the foliage season occurs.

For the 2026 season, the State’s September 30 foliage report stated that the Northeast Kingdom was at peak, and the Green Mountains and Foothills were near peak. This demonstrates the importance of determining current conditions prior to departing.

Cold, windy, wet weather as well as warm, sunny weather will determine when the leaves on trees will turn color and when they will drop. Refer to the most recent Vermont Foliage Report just prior to taking your vacation.

The Best Way to Plan Your Trip to Vermont for Fall Foliage.

Allow some flexibility in your travel schedule. Be sure to check what the leaves are doing before you leave home, give yourself more time for the scenic routes, and don’t try to see too many things in a single day. Many of the most popular places to stay can fill up very rapidly during peak times, therefore it may be wise to make reservations early.

Pack a variety of clothing options (layers) and wear comfortable shoes. This will apply even if you are primarily planning on driving. Mountain weather is unpredictable; you can expect to experience changes rapidly. You may find that taking a brief walk provides a more rewarding view than simply pulling off the road.

The most important thing to do when selecting a location to visit for fall colors is to select an entire area (or region) as opposed to looking for one specific “ideal” place. For example, if colors appear early in the northern part of your state, it may be possible to find similar colors in the southern part of your state. Also, if colors on mountain peaks are no longer at their best, you might find that colors are much better at lower elevations.

Ultimately, the best place to find foliage in Vermont will be based on how much time you have, and what type of traveling you do. If you are able to take the time to look around, use up-to-date foliage reports, and allow yourself to slow down as you travel throughout the state; then you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the fall colors in Vermont while not having to rush from one vantage point to another.

FAQ

Q. What’s the best location to view fall color in Vermont?

There is no right place to stay when you travel. Each person has different needs, so what is right for one person may not be right for another. If you like to look at the mountains and would like to have things close by, then Stowe is a great option. If you are looking for a small town feel, then Woodstock would be a good selection. Finally, if you would prefer a quiet and more wild experience, then the Northeast Kingdom is a great option. Route 100 provides a scenic drive that will allow you to see many different views along the way.

Q. Fall foliage can be seen from late September until mid-October in Vermont.

Foliage timing will differ significantly each year, as well as by location in the state. Typically, northern parts of the state and those with higher elevations will begin to turn color sooner; conversely, southern portions of the state and lower-elevation locations may continue to show color long after others have finished. The State of Vermont produces an official foliage tracker that is generally considered the most reliable resource for up-to-date information on foliage prior to travel.

Q. Where is the most scenic area of Vermont in terms of fall colors?

The choice depends on the type of scenery that you enjoy. The Northeast Kingdom has mountains, lakes and rural roads; whereas, the Green Mountains have typical mountain views. In addition, the Southern part of Vermont has villages, farms and picturesque valleys. Instead of deciding which region is the “best”, select an area based on your schedule and travel plans.

If you are looking for places in Vermont that offer great views of fall foliage, but do not require hours of hiking, then there are many options. Some of the most accessible areas to view foliage include the Mad River Valley, the Lake Champlain region, and the southern part of the state. These regions have scenic drives, paved trails and walkways that will allow you to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. In addition to being easily accessible, these regions also tend to be less crowded than some other parts of the state during the height of the fall season. For example, if you visit the southern region of the state, such as Bennington County or Windham County, you may find that the roads are much less congested than they would be in the northern region of the state.

Scenic roads, and the many charming villages throughout Vermont, will provide an alternative to those who wish to do a minimum of hiking. Route 100 has several options to view the forests and mountains from your vehicle, and there are towns like Woodstock and Stowe that allow you to take in the beautiful colors of nature with short walks and sightseeing in the villages. Please be sure to find out what the current conditions are before you leave.

Q. What are the best towns in Vermont to visit during the fall to see the beautiful leaves change color?

The Mad River Valley, as well as Woodstock, Stowe, and Manchester have become very desirable areas for people looking for a community that offers both a scenic environment and a variety of things to do (dining, shopping, walking, accommodations). A more peaceful setting may be found in smaller communities within the Northeast Kingdom. Your choice of a town will depend upon what you desire from a community; whether you want convenience, mountain views, village atmosphere, or a rural road trip. Where to See Foliage in Vermont will depend on which of these experiences best matches your trip.

Q. Where do you recommend couples travel to experience the fall season and view the beautiful leaves of Vermont?

Couples who wish to experience the beauty of Vermont will find three great choices. Woodstock offers couples the opportunity to stay in a picturesque village, while also being close to the surrounding rural landscape. Manchester provides couples with views of the Green Mountains and a laid-back, southern Vermont experience. Finally, Stowe gives couples the chance to take in both the beauty of the mountains and the many outdoor recreation opportunities available there. In general, it is much better for couples to spend at least two nights in each location they visit rather than try to drive the entire state in a single day.

Q. Families looking for fall colors in Vermont can find them throughout the state.

Families may find that a community or area that provides for both foliage viewing and brief walks, open-air recreational opportunities, scenic travel routes, and other family-friendly recreational options would provide an optimal environment for them. Communities such as Stowe, Woodstock, and the Mad River Valley would provide such environments for families. These areas are designed to provide many opportunities to experience the seasons through various methods, with none of them being so strenuous as to require a daily hike.

Q. Which part of Vermont is better to see fall colors? Northern or Southern?

Both are not necessarily better. Higher elevations and northern Vermont generally experience color changes sooner than do lower elevations and southern Vermont. Therefore, your travel date will determine which option would be best for you. Staying up-to-date with current foliage reports and having flexibility with your itinerary can increase your chances of seeing the most vibrant colors on your specific trip.