You've done all the touristy things, as well as all the local things... Or so you thought! Here are 12 of the best things to do in Vermont that will give you a great experience even after you thought you've exhausted all the possibilities in the Green Mountain State. Enjoy these hidden gems in Vermont!
Elizabeth Copper Mine sure is beautiful, but we wouldn't recommend swimming in it. If you're looking for the lesser-known things to do in Vermont, you've got to see this place to believe it!
Hubbard Park is one of many Vermont hidden gems. Located in Vermont's State Capital of Montpelier, the park features a wonderful tower that gives you fantastic views.
One library and opera house, two countries. Check out this interesting building in Vermont that was purposefully built on the dividing line between the USA and Canada.
In Hardwick, Vermont, you can sleep under the stars in a tiny treehouse that is beyond perfection.
What are your favorite offbeat attractions in Vermont? Are there any other of the best things to do in Vermont we left off the list? Let us know below in the comments section.
If you think you've done everything in VT, have you conquered our longer list of things to do in Vermont? While you're checking these things off your list, be sure to show your Vermont pride!
If you'd like to do something special with your family that includes seeing the fall foliage in Vermont, take a horseback ride at Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville. As the only stable in Vermont that's open year-round, all you need is a reservation and a love of horses. Since Lajoie Stables offers rides for all levels, everyone in your family can join in the fun and soak up the splendor of the fall foliage in Vermont.
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Since Lajoie Stables is 45 minutes from Burlington and 10 minutes from Smugglers' Notch, it's a popular destination for a day trip.
The stables are open year-round. In addition to horseback riding in the fall, you can take a sleigh ride in the winter or enjoy the fresh air and green scenery in the spring and summer.
The stables boast the most spectacular backdrop for fall photos in Vermont. Aside from the Green Mountains, you'll be near Black Creek.
Children of all ages will have a blast bonding with their new four-legged friends while experiencing nature and the fall foliage.
Get ready to have fun checking out the breathtaking landscapes from a different vantage point, (than you would if you were hiking), as you ride the trail on your horse.
At the end of the ride, be sure to thank and hug your horse for hanging out with you during the day.
But the fun doesn't stop with goodbye. Stop and visit with Chippy and Vegas, two adorable miniature horses, who enjoy pets before snapping photos of the stables' free-range chickens. If you'd like to buy farm-fresh eggs, make your way to the front office.
Have you gone horseback riding in Vermont to see the fall foliage at Lajoie Stables? Let us know in the comments. Up for more leaf-peeping adventures? Take the less than five-mile drive from Lajoie Stables to Brewster River Gorge.
Where & When To See Fall Foliage In Vermont
We all know how busy Vermont, one of the top spots in the United States to go leaf-peeping, gets during the fall foliage, especially during its peak. That makes planning our autumn adventures ahead of time essential. When the leaves change colors in Vermont varies, but if you want to catch the fall foliage at its peak, plan to visit between late September and early October. Here are the best times to visit Vermont’s fall foliage in 2024.
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Finding the best fall foliage in Vermont is as easy as walking outside. However, if you’re up for an autumn adventure, spend a day at one of Vermont’s 52 state parks; set off on a hike on one of the dozens of trails that wind through Green Mountain National Forest, or take a scenic drive along a winding country road.
Know Before You Go
Open seven days a week year-round, Lajoie Stables welcomes both new and experienced horseback riders. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the stables at 802-644-5347. You can also call for the latest prices.
Whether you need to fuel up before or after your ride, you won’t find a more adorable – or delicious – spot than the Burger Barn in Jeffersonville. This tiny roadside shack grills some of the best burgers in Vermont. The menu features nearly three dozen burgers, from classic hamburgers and cheeseburgers to taco burgers and garlic burgers. Pair your burger with fries, onion rings, fried dill pickles, or fried mushrooms for a hearty meal.
With all the leaf-peeping fun that awaits in Jeffersonville, turn that day trip into a weekend getaway by booking a local Airbnb. Surround yourself with the colors of fall when you check into the one-bedroom, one-bathroom bunkhouse. Tucked on 200 acres and flanked by trees, the barn offers nearly three dozen amenities, but it’s the property that will leave you in awe. Stroll along meandering paths past apple orchards, fields, and a landscape painted in shades of red, orange, and gold.
There are plenty of things to do in Vermont in the fall, in fact, I think it might be one of the best places in the country to visit this autumn. When it comes to Vermont in the fall, I can’t think of a season that is represented so well. The forests are ablaze with color and the heat of the summer slowly fades away giving us this most wonderful season. So grab a pumpkin-spiced latte and get ready to find some of the "best fall activities near me" as I take you on this journey through the mountains of Vermont in autumn.
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Vermont Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Vermont For Fall Foliage
The best places to visit in Vermont in the fall all center around finding the best places to see the beautiful colored leaves. The Green Mountain State is known far and wide for some of the best fall foliage in the country, so it shouldn’t be hard to find some amazing places for some leaf peeping. You will most likely want to plan your trip for around the first two weeks of October to see the peak of the season, and then head to any of these breathtaking spots.
Location: This mountain ranges through most of the state.
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Wow Factor: The Green Mountains offer some of the highest peaks in Vermont.
Need To Know: From small towns, scenic drives, and hikes, there is no bad way to see the leaves change.
I know this is a pretty broad statement, but it's tough to deny the beauty all throughout the Green Mountains. You might find yourself overlooking the mountains from a scenic drive far off or nestled into the mountains in a charming small town, but either way, these mountains have plenty of views. If you prefer to take your leave peeping on two feet, then there is a wide variety of hiking trails where you can see an enchanting forest sprinkling down autumn colors and crunchy leaves.
Need To Know: Make sure you park and walk down to the bottom of the gorge for some of the best views.
The first time we drove over the bridge for the Quechee Gorge, we made a note to make sure to come back when we had time to explore the area more. These kinds of finds always get me excited on road trips and the reason I will always try to enjoy the journey along the way. When we came back, we made sure to hike the trails and get down to the bottom of the gorge which has the best view of this massive natural wonder. The dam on the top part of the gorge offers a ferocious waterfall to view. Plus, the forest itself is gorgeous. The only thing that makes this place better is to have it washed with colors of red, orange, and yellow. Make this scenic area even better by coming in the fall.
Need To Know: Find a good spot by the shore and enjoy.
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Lake Champlain is the largest lake in New England and is mostly thought of as a summer recreation spot, but it shouldn’t be discounted in the fall. When we visited the area, we were blown away by the sheer size. There are so many places to just sit down and enjoy the view, but my favorite spot was at Chimney Point. The bridge leading over into New York was stunning and the distant mountains offered some fantastic fall foliage. It was a warm early fall day and we packed a picnic. This is one peaceful spot I would recommend on any leaf-peeping trip. However, you really can’t go wrong with scenic views of this lake.
Wow Factor: Home of the most photographed barn in New England.
Need To Know: The road leading to the famous farm is closed during peak season due to too much traffic.
This is my absolute favorite area in all of Vermont. From Quechee to Woodstock and everything in between, you can’t get a more quintessential spot in the fall than this. Every direction you turn, you will be greeted with fall foliage; it truly is a feast for the eyes. This charming little town is filled with dirt roads leading to picturesque farms and rolling hills. The town certainly won me over when we visited and after a local woman was kind enough to point out all the hidden gems in Woodstock, we felt like we got the royal treatment for a full Vermont fall experience.
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Best Pumpkin Patches In Vermont
When the leaves start to change so does the decor, so it will be that time of year again to find the best pumpkin patches in Vermont. Whether you are looking to decorate your front step with some plump orange gourds or seeking a good jack-o-lantern these spots will be the best of the best for pumpkins.
Wow Factor: More than just a pumpkin patch, get some apples, pears, and more.
Need To Know: Burtt’s Apple Orchard is basically your one-stop shop for everything fall.
When it comes to autumn two things I always crave are a freshly picked apple and a charming fall farm, you will find both at Burtt’s Apple Orchard and so much more. This can be your fall destination from picking pumpkins to taking a bite of a warm freshly baked cider donut. Kids can play on the playground, find their way through the corn maze, and partake in classic fall fun at Burtt’s Apple Orchard. So make like a jack-o-lantern and carve out some time for a day at this wonderful Vermont farm.
Wow Factor: A massive fall destination filled with events throughout the fall.
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Need To Know: Keep an eye on their schedule of events since they host many of them for the fall.
While the leaves are dying Sam Mazza’s comes alive during the fall! This is another one of those must-see places during the autumn months with plenty of scheduled events to keep you busy. Get lost in the massive corn maze, partake in the age-old tradition of a hay ride, or see some of the biggest pumpkins in Vermont. Browse through the fresh produce in the farmers market and pick your own perfect pumpkin for the season. There is no place in the Green Mountain State quite like Sam Mazza’s.
Wow Factor: The best variety of pumpkins in Vermont.
Need To Know: A humble and homey vibe New England farm.
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A humble and beautiful family farm is what Vermont’s autumn season is all about. At the Parker Family Farm, you will find some of the best pumpkins in the state on display to buy. Everything from warty to smooth, fat, or tall, you can find it here. Pick out some decorative fall decor, but don’t miss out on the sweets they produce as well. The fudge will lure you in with the smell alone. Take a bite of this rich and soft delicacy and you will be hooked. The Parker Family Farm is a quintessential stop for any Vermont fall trip.
Best Fall Festivals In Vermont
I think the fall is one of the best times to visit the Green Mountain State. There are quaint little farms, rolling hills of fiery colors, and some of the best fall festivals in Vermont come back again for their annual showing. Everything from artistic inspiration to throwing pumpkins is part of the great list of Vermont fall activities we can look forward to this year.
Wow Factor: A long-standing fall tradition for this small town in Vermont.
Need To Know: You will find art, baked goods, live entertainment, and more.
The Newfane Heritage Festival has been going strong for over 50 years. This small-town celebration is an event worth attending to see a charming community gather for this beloved event. Allow the smell of wafting baked goods to lure you in and then stay to see the creative handy work of many New England artists. With the promise of music and fun for two whole days, this is a gathering you won’t want to miss.
9. Harvest Celebration at Billings Farm - Woodstock
Wow Factor: A beautiful small town farm with tons of fun fall activities.
Need To Know: A festival that is equally a pretty farm and family fun.
When I first visited the Billings Farm it was during the fall. I couldn’t believe how pretty the farm looked framed by the rolling hills filled with fiery trees and autumn colors. The Jersey cows were honestly some of the most gorgeous cows I have ever seen. This is the setting for the Harvest Celebration and is one of the most educational and fun festivals in the state. This two-day event will have hayrides, demonstrations on pressing apples for cider, pumpkin bowling, and so much more. In between activities you can even take advantage of the trails on the property for a stunning fall hike.
Need To Know: Watch pumpkins get launched with trebuchets what more could you ever want?
Vermont is known for a few things like the colorful scenery in the fall, artistic expressions, and quaint small town living, but to me, the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival is the most “Vermont” thing you can do this fall. Teams show up and bring large medieval-style trebuchets to launch pumpkins at large distances. Nothing beats an afternoon of some wanton destruction and nothing quite brings joy like seeing everyone's favorite autumn decoration soar through the air before it gets smashed into a million pieces. There will be food trucks, tournaments, music, and maybe even a large robot! But at the end of the day, we just want to throw some pumpkins. So make your way to Stowe this fall for a crazy good time at the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival.
Wow Factor: Everything you could want for a small town fair.
Need To Know: There is a small fee for entry.
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The Peru Fair is the golden standard for small town fall festivals. This fair has been an annual treat for Vermonters for over 40 years, and the charm that started in the 70s echoes through time and can still be found to this day. You will find vendors showcasing their artistic and creative talents, delicious food, and live music to serenade you while you are surrounded by the good community of Peru. This is a one-day event so make sure to mark your calendars and head on out to the wonderful Peru Fair.
Free & Cheap Vermont Fall Activities
No matter your budget, there are plenty of Vermont fall activities to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Wow Factor: Historical bridges with a fall backdrop, sign me up!
Need To Know: There are more than 100 covered bridges in Vermont.
When we first arrived in Vermont, I didn’t really plan on seeking out covered bridges, but after talking to a local who told me all the spots around to find them, we took off on an adventure. I was so glad we did because these historical bridges were absolutely beautiful and fascinating. Many of them were placed near a dam so we got the benefit of seeing cascading water, the covered bridge, and stunning fall colors. Doing a covered bridge road trip is something I would highly recommend, and with over 100 in this small state, you have a lot of options to find.
Wow Factor: Many of the apple orchards have other activities and fun alongside unimaginable scenery.
Need To Know: Make sure to check your local apple orchard for a schedule of the different apples for when they grow best.
One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to head to an apple orchard and pick my own apples. Every year we make our pilgrimage to our local apple orchard for a sweet crispy treat of a freshly picked apple. Many of the apple orchards also offer fun things like a playground for kids, corn mazes, and activities, so find the closest one to you and bring home a bag full of ripe red and delicious apples. For a classic experience head to one of the oldest apple orchards in the state, Allenholm Farm.
Wow Factor: Nothing beats the look of a classic farm in the rolling hills of Vermont in the fall.
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Need To Know: You can buy anything but make sure you buy the maple syrup, seriously you can thank me later.
The second thing I need to do every fall is visit a farm. Vermont is a great place for farming and the humble agricultural lifestyle is still very alive and well in the countryside. So step away from the towns along dirt roads and experience the smells, tastes, and experiences you will only find on the farm. One of my favorite ones I went to had the best maple syrup and cheese curds, that place was Sugarbush Farms. I would highly recommend this cute little farm in Woodstock for any Vermont fall trip.
Wow Factor: Immerse yourself in enchanted forests and glorious autumn overlooks.
Need To Know: Make sure to have AllTrails+ handy on your phone before you take off into the woods.
With the crisp air, beautiful colors of the trees, and so much land to explore, hiking never has looked this good in Vermont. Fall is the perfect time of the year to get outside and enjoy everything from casual nature walks to challenging backpacking trips. Our friends over at AllTrails have the most helpful app for hikers that showcases facts about the trails and it is even helpful maps. Check it out before you head into the most magical forests this fall and the best hiking trails in Vermont.
As you can see, there are lots of fun things to do in Vermont in the fall! From small towns to farms in the countryside, you are bound to find autumnal bliss in the Green Mountain State. Have you ever been to Vermont in the fall? I can tell you firsthand that it is one of the best places to visit once the leaves start to change. If you fall in love and want to stay longer or are a resident who is looking for the perfect fall retreat check out this incredible treehouse Airbnb in Moretown.
You can also check out some suggestions I have for visiting Woodstock in the fall. This is one of those quintessential New England towns to visit in the fall.
