The Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Vermont in the Fall

Autumn in Vermont is extraordinary, but you have do it right. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top thirteen things to do in Vermont in the fall.

Everyone should experience Vermont in the fall at least once in their lifetime to witness the awe-inspiring colors of the leaves, sample the delicious food, and see all the great things our state has to offer.  There are so many fun things to do in Vermont in the Autumn, whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, some family-friendly fun, or need to relax and recharge, we’ve got just the activity for you. So grab your boots, a couple of sweaters, and be sure to bring your appetite; your Vermont vacation awaits!

The Best Places to Visit in Vermont in the Fall

Photo Credit: Whistling Man Schooner Company

Experience our namesake firsthand, while you enjoy a sunset cruise around Lake Champlain with the Whistling Man Schooner Company.  Grab a couple of chocolate bars and a bottle of wine to enjoy aboard the ship while your crew tells tales of our legendary lake.  Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for Champ, the elusive lake monster!

Visit the Lake Champlain Chocolates Flagship Store to enjoy family-friendly activities and learn all about chocolate! Come and see Vermont's largest chocolate sculpture exhibit, watch a video that shows how the magic happens, put your taste buds to the test with a to-go tasting kit, or enjoy the outside StoryWalk®. Delight your inner child as your peruse a candy store full of handcrafted chocolates, Five Star Bars®, organic chocolate turkeys and factory seconds! Before you leave, make sure to get a cup of soul-soothing, fair trade hot chocolate!

Photo Credit: Go Vermont

3. Hike up Camel’s Hump (Huntington, VT)

Looking for 360⁰ of the brilliant fall foliage? Grab your hiking shoes and head for one of the best hiking trails in the Green Mountains — Camel’s Hump. The 6-mile round trip hike offers some intriguing rocky sections and lots of altitude to climb, but it is well worth it. At the end of your day, refuel with a delicious meal at Prohibition Pig, oh and don’t forget to try some of their outstanding craft brews.

Photo Credit: @Benslens

4.  Get paddling (Waterbury, VT)

Travel to the heart of Vermont for a visit to the Waterbury Center state park. Walk the nature trails or rent a kayak and spend the day exploring the beautiful Waterbury Reservoir. Afterwards, be sure to check out the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and try one of their legendary apple cider donuts. Then stop by the Lake Champlain Chocolates' Waterbury store to get some souvenir chocolate gift boxes to bring home.

Photo Credit: The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Treat yourself to a day the spa at the Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe.  Enjoy the sweet peace and tranquility of a luxurious cider scrub or unwind with a hot stone massage. After a day of pampering, be sure to take a drive up the toll road to Vermont’s highest peak. The stunning view from atop Mount Mansfield will take your breath away.

Photo Credit: @pat_minotaur

6.  Shop like a Local (Waitsfield, VT)

Take a drive down scenic Route 100 to the heart of the Mad River Valley to one of the largest farmers’ markets in the state - the Waitsfield Farmers Market.  Listen to live entertainment while you shop for fresh flowers, delectable eats, and handcrafted goodies. While you are in the area, be sure to take a scenic ride up the singles chair at Mad River Glen and then indulge in an over-the-top ice cream from Canteen Creemee Company.

Photo Credit: The Great Vermont Corn Maze

Test your skills at the Great Vermont Corn Maze. This 24-acre corn maze is the largest, most complex one in Vermont. Plan to arrive early, as the maze takes around 3 hours to complete.  Afterwards, take a journey to the night sky at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium.

Photo Credit: Arbor Trek

Want to experience the rush of flying through the trees? Join Arbor Trek for one of their award-winning zip line canopy tours. Enjoy stunning views of the area while you zip from tree to tree, and then test your strength and agility in their treetop obstacle course.  If that doesn’t tire you out, head on over to Smugg’s to bounce around at their indoor family fun center or play a round of disc golf.

Photo Credit: @VermontCorey

9.  Ride some berms (East Burke, VT)

Grab your bikes and hit the Kingdom Trails. Whether you prefer to take it easy on the Cupcake trail or want to test your skills on the Troll Stroll, it’s guaranteed to be a day of fun. When you are ready to wind down for the day, make your way to Hill Farmstead Brewery for some of the world’s best beer!

Photo Credit: Vermont Cheese Coucil

Fresh air, fall foliage, and fromage…what more could you need for a perfect Vermont getaway?   Indulge your love of cheese with a trip along the Vermont Cheese Trail. From Boucher Family Farm in Highgate to Maple Brook Farm in Bennington, there are over 45 cheesemakers to visit.  While you’re at it, make sure you check out fellow certified B corporation® Cabot Creamery!

Photo Credit: Vermont Teddy Bear

No trip to Vermont would be complete without a venture to Vermont Teddy Bear. Take a tour of their brightly-colored factory and then make a new teddy bear friend of your own. Afterward, make your way over to Shelburne Orchards for some good old fashioned fall fun and apple picking!

Photo Credit: Church Street Marketplace

Indulge in a little retail therapy at the Church Street Marketplace.  With countless local boutiques and shops, it’s the perfect place to grab a couple more sweaters, a scarf, or a pair of boots. Update your fall fashion as you shop at the local boutiques. Enjoy dinner al fresco at one of the many restaurants. Grab some homemade ice cream or handcrafted chocolates for dessert at the Lake Champlain Chocolates' Church Street store. Then, if you’re in for an extra thrill, join Queen City Ghostwalk for a haunted history tour that uncovers the spooky ghost stories of our hometown.

Photo Credit: @mwr_

13.  Visit the longest covered bridge in the world (Windsor, VT)

Along the Connecticut River, between Windsor, Vermont and Cornish, New Hampshire, you’ll find the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge.  At 449.5 feet-long, it’s the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. Once you are done marveling at this feat of engineering, visit the glassblowing studio at Simon Pearce and enjoy lunch at their restaurant overlooking the Ottauquechee.

There you have it — an abundance of entertaining things to do in Vermont in the fall. The only question is, which adventure will you choose? Let us know how you enjoy your Vermont vacation. Share a photo and tag it #fallinVT.  Oh, and be sure to check out below for some helpful tips for your trip.

Expert Tips for making the most of your Vermont Fall Vacation:

1. Plan your trip during the last two week of September or first two weeks of October for the best chances of seeing peak fall foliage.
2. Dress in layers, Vermont weather can be unpredictable.
3. Be safe and pull over to get that perfect Fall foliage shot.
4. Make the most of your trip by planning ahead; we wouldn’t want you to miss out!
5. Avoid the crowds, plan a mid-week vacation.
6. Help keep Vermont green — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost!