Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Attractions and Activities in Vermont

There's nothing quite like fall in Vermont; in fact, I think it might be one of the best places in the country to visit this autumn. The forests are ablaze with color, and the summer heat 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 attractions in New England as I take you on this journey through the Green Mountain State.

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 around late September to mid-October to see the season's peak colors.

1. The Green Mountains

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 leaf peeping on two feet, there are many hiking trails where you can see an enchanting forest brimming with autumn colors and crunchy leaves.

2. Quechee Gorge - Quechee

The first time we drove over the bridge for the Quechee Gorge, we made a note to come back when we had time to explore the area more. These kinds of finds always excite me on road trips, which is why I will always try to enjoy the journey along the way. When we returned, 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. Plus, the forest itself is gorgeous. The only thing that makes this place better is to have it ablaze with red, orange, and yellow.

3. Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is the largest lake in New England and is mainly considered a summer recreation spot, but it shouldn’t be discounted in the fall. We were blown away by the sheer size when we visited the area. There are many places to sit down and enjoy the view, but my favorite spot was at Chimney Point. The bridge leading 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.

4. Woodstock

This is my absolute favorite area in all of Vermont—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.

Best Pumpkin Patches in Vermont

When the leaves start to change, so does the decor. 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.

5. Burtt’s Apple Orchard - Cabot

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.

6. Sam Mazza’s - Colchester

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 hayride, 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. This year, the pumpkin fun begins on the weekend of September 20th, with a touch-a-truck event and hayrides out to the pumpkin patch. The famous three-mile corn maze is open between Labor Day and Halloween.

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.

7. Newfane Heritage Festival - Newfane

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 handiwork 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. This year's event is scheduled for October 11th and 12th, 2025.

8. Harvest Celebration at Billings Farm - Woodstock

I first visited the Billings Farm in 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 some of the most gorgeous cows I have ever seen. This is the setting for the Harvest Celebration, one of the state's most educational and fun festivals. This two-day event, scheduled for October 4th and 5th, 2025, 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.

9. Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival - Stowe

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 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. Save the date for this year's event, scheduled for September 28th, 2025.

10. Peru Fair - Peru

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 for Saturday, September 27th, 2025, and head to the wonderful Peru Fair.

Free and Cheap Vermont Fall Activities

No matter your budget, there are plenty of Vermont fall activities to enjoy without breaking the bank.

11. Covered Bridges

When we first arrived in Vermont, I didn’t 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 picturesque and fascinating. Many of them span rivers and streams, often framed by picturesque waterfalls. Doing a covered bridge road trip is something I would highly recommend, and with over 100 in this small state, you have many options to choose from.

12. Pick Your Own Apples

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.

13. Visit A Farm

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 much 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: Sugarbush Farms.

14. Take A Hike

With the crisp air, beautiful colors of the trees, and so much land to explore, hiking has never 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. Head into the most magical forests this fall and explore the best hiking trails in Vermont.

As you can see, there are many 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.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.