The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Vermont

The most colorful places in Vermont are primarily destinations known for their striking fall foliage because, well, it's Vermont. While we've certainly included some leaf-peeping spots, we've also highlighted a couple of places with vibrant scenery year-round. So whether you're looking for photo-worthy backdrops or you just want to experience the best of the Green Mountain State, these spots don't miss a beat.

1. Quechee Gorge

Located within Quechee State Park, Quechee Gorge is the deepest gorge in Vermont, plunging 165 feet down to the Ottauquechee River. The gorge was carved over 10,000 years ago, when the Laurentide Ice Sheet moved across the region. Quechee Gorge is the most popular attraction in the park, drawing visitors from all over New England. Its treelined cliffs are stunning any time of year, but especially in the fall, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The U.S. Route 4 bridge offers incredible views of the gorge, and it can also be seen from trails on either side. Entrance to Quechee State Park costs $5 for ages 14 and older and $2 for children 4-13. Children under four enter at no charge.

2. Stowe

Stowe is like a painting in the fall; it's a quintessential New England town nestled in the Green Mountains, with a steepled church surrounded by vivid scenery. Fall colors typically peak between late September and early October, and the Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort offers jaw-dropping aerial views. The Stowe area is also home to one of the best scenic drives in Vermont, Smugglers' Notch Pass, which showcases the foliage in all its autumn glory.

3. Woodstock

Woodstock is an even more iconic autumn destination than Stowe. Foliage peaks around the same time, and visitors can hike or drive to the top of Mount Tom or take a chairlift ride at the Saskadena Six Ski Area to take in the views. You'll think you've stepped into a painting because the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

4. Brattleboro

Fall foliage is great, but what about year-round colorful places to visit in Vermont? Enter: Brattleboro. This charming town has an emerging public art scene, with numerous murals and graffiti adding pops of color to downtown.

5. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home (Manchester)

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, was once the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's eldest son, and his wife, Mary Harlan Lincoln. The Georgian Revival mansion is known for its lovely garden, which takes the form of a stained-glass window, filled with vibrant multicolored blooms. Hildene is open to the public year-round, and the entry fee is $25 for adults (17 and up), $8 for youth 6-16, and no charge for children five and under.

When to Visit the Most Colorful Places in Vermont

Vermont's fall foliage peaks early—typically between late September and mid-October—so plan your leaf-peeping trips accordingly. As for Brattleboro, the murals aren't going anywhere, so visit whenever you like! And Hildene's eclectic mix of flowers means the garden is always in bloom (except maybe in the winter).

What Makes Vermont So Colorful

I think we can sum up what makes Vermont so colorful in one word: fall. Vermont is known for some of the best fall foliage in the country, and a few factors make this possible. For one, the Green Mountain State is over 70% forest, turning the landscape into a sea of color during autumn. Many of the trees are sugar maples, which produce especially vivid red and orange hues. Finally, ideal weather patterns (sunny days and cool nights) enhance chlorophyll breakdown in the leaves, allowing for richer colors. If you want to experience the beauty firsthand, road trips in Vermont are a great way to enjoy autumn scenery.

Have you visited all of the most colorful places in Vermont? Are there any other spots you'd add to the list?

If you're feeling inspired to discover more opportunities to experience Vermont in color, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.