3 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont

Vermont is one of the dreamiest states to visit if you want to catch all the colors of fall. With fall right around the corner, here’s your guide to the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont.

Vermont is one of the most popular states for leaf peeping in the country.  For this reason, it’s important to plan your trip early!  Hotels, Airbnbs, and even rental cars are often booked months in advance.

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Best Time to Visit

Fall in New England is a dream.  The vibrant colors, the cold weather, and the fall activities make the month of October memorable.  The dates for peak colors change a bit from year to year, but peak foliage usually occurs within the first two weeks of October.  This foliage tracker will help you determine the best time to visit this year.

Stowe, Vermont

You can easily spend an entire day exploring Stowe, Vermont.   Downtown Stowe is often very crowded during the fall season.  We recommend parking in the paid parking area near Salon Salon. We found it easier to pay for a few hours of parking here and walk around Stowe to avoid the heavy crowds.  Here you can take in the views of Stowe Community Church, a popular photo spot.  Black Cap Coffee is a cozy place to stop and enjoy some lattes before heading towards Sunset Rock Trail.  This leaf covered trails is a bit hidden, but it  begins at the end of Sunset Street and is about 1.6 miles roundtrip.  We didn’t hike to the viewpoint, but the walk through the colorful forest was so pretty!

Read More: Guide to Fall in New England

Smuggler’s Notch State Park

Located in Stowe, Vermont, Smuggler’s Notch is a popular place to see a display of fall colors. Smuggler’s Notch State Park is a narrow pass through the Green Mountains. PSA:  All restrooms will be closed during the fall; they open during ski season.  We learned that the hard way.

The drive through the park is beautiful!  Stop in one of the many parking areas to take in the bright orange hues around you.  Don’t miss Bingham Falls, an easy out and back half mile hike to a stunning waterfall.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont is truly picture perfect.  Spend some time walking around the quaint downtown area and be sure not to miss the Woodstock Middle Covered Bridge.  This covered bridge provides a walkway over the Ottaquechee River and is a popular photo spot.  Walk past the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort and see their fall decor.  You’ll find this beautiful inn on our list of best places to stay down below.

After exploring downtown Woodstock for a bit, head to Sleepy Hollow Farms about 10 minutes away.  If you’ve ever seen pictures of Vermont in the fall, you’ve more than likely seen a shot of this farm.  In the past few years, it has become a popular tourist destination, especially in the fall.  We visited close to sunset, and it was extremely crowded which seems to be typical during peak foliage no matter what time you visit. You can park alongside Cloudland Road with everyone else, but walk past the crowds of people and take a photo further down the road.  There is a gate blocking the winding driveway to the farm with lots of “No Trespassing” signs posted.  It is a private residence, so please remember to be respectful when visiting and adhere to the posted signage.

Best Places to Stay

Stowe, Vermont

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s cozy and charming, here are some of the best in Stowe.

Green Mountain Inn  

Located in Stowe Village, this stunning inn has a wide array of amenities including a pool, jacuzzi, and an on-site restaurant.

Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge

Just a mile from Stowe Village, this newer property has on-site activities for guests that include s’mores parties, hiking, arts and crafts and more.  This is a perfect stay for couples and families.

Talta Lodge

For the adventurer, Talta Lodge is the perfect hub for exploring.  This lodge has a variety of rooms and new cottages coming this fall.

Woodstock, Vermont

The town of Woodstock has some of the most charming places to stay.  Check out some of the best inns below.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

This luxury resort can’t be missed when visiting Woodstock, Vermont.

506 on the River Inn

This farmhouse style inn has river views, a pool and jacuzzi, complimentary breakfast, and game rooms for guests to enjoy during their stay.

We hope you found this post on the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont helpful in planning your trip!

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