Vermont’s fall foliage transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, attracting leaf-peepers from around the world to experience the stunning beauty of autumn in this picturesque New England state. From the charming town of Stowe to Burlington and Montpelier, there’s no shortage of places to visit and equally quaint nearby lodging to create an unforgettable fall foliage trip. Can’t stay? We’ll fill you in on some daytime-driving routes to take up north, learn everything in our Vermont fall foliage guide below!
When is peak fall foliage in Vermont?
Vermont’s foliage begins to turn at the end of September and last through the first two weeks of October. Situated so far north, the temperatures drop earlier which prompts the leaves to begin turning before Massachusetts.
This year’s fall foliage display is expected to boast a lot of color! By October 6, most parts of the state will near peak as demonstrated on this nifty Vermont foliage tracker!
The best window to visit for prime foliage this year is around October 7-12.
Where to go in Vermont for fall foliage?
The Northwestern part of the state receives the most praise for its foliage, with the most popular town being Stowe, Vermont. Four other equally fabulous options to visit:
- Montpelier
- Burlington
- East Burke
- Warren
Where to stay in Vermont for the fall foliage
Stay at the heart of the fall foliage and enjoy the tranquility of you own A-frame house with The Summit House—a newly remodeled cabin just minutes from downtown Stowe. Another favorite in Stowe is the Stowe Mountain Resort, popular for its ski lift, which doubles as a Gondola Skyride fall foliage tour in the warmer months.
Scenic fall foliage drives in Vermont
It’s got to be Route 100! Anywhere along the 146-mile scenic byway dubbed “Vermont’s Maine Street” winds through some of the best foliage towns. Other scenic Vermont drives to check out include the:
- Crossroad of Vermont byway: features the iconic 1969 Woodstock Bridge
- Connecticut River Byway: Vermont’s only national byway that encompasses the Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and the Connecticut River along its 410 miles
- Green Mountain Byway: take in views of the mountains and meadows colored various shades of auburn, orange red, and yellow
- Mad River Byway: Great foliage views plus great local shops line this picturesque route
Picturesque fall foliage train rides through Vermont
Vermont offers two of the most scenic fall foliage train rides through the Northeast. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express train route begins in Manhattan, travels through upstate New York and concludes in Burlington, Vermont—also stopping in Castleton, Rutland, Middlebury, and Ferrisburgh-Vergenne, Vermont. The trip from NYC to Vermont is just over 7 hours.
For something closer to home, “The Vermonter” offers a gorgeous excursion from Springfield in Western Massachusetts to White River Junction, Vermont. Amtrak’s The Vermonter stops through four Western Massachusetts towns and nine towns in Vermont.
Hidden treasures
The sequestered Warren Falls off Route 100 is a lovely fall foliage destination in Vermont away from crowds. Enjoy a pristine waterfall backdrop surrounded by colorful trees and hiking trails. The waterfall pools into an emerald green swimming hole.
Getting to Vermont
Vermont is essentially Canada, or at least where you’re trying to go for fall foliage, so it’s a bit of a longer route from Boston! That noted, the fastest transit is air travel.
By plane
Vermont and Logan share quite a few connections, primarily to Rutland and Burlington. Flights average $100 each way and take approximately 1-hour of air time.
By car or bus
Northern Vermont is about 200 miles from Boston, making for a trip just over 3 hours. Greyhound offers bus trips to Burlington, Rutland, Wallingford, and Ferrisburgh-Vergenne. Bus times range from four hours to over seven.
By train
There is no direct train from Boston to Vermont—although we wish there was! The fastest route would be traveling from Boston to Springfield and boarding Amtrak’s The Vermonter.