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I love visiting Vermont in the fall! From sipping fresh Vermont apple cider to indulging in iconic maple cream pies, there’s no better place for a cozy autumn getaway.

If you’re planning a Vermont fall foliage trip, here’s everything I recommend for the ultimate leaf-peeping adventure in the Green Mountain State.

11 Best Fall Activities in Vermont

Here are my favorite fall activities in Vermont!

1. Shop At MC Maple

There’s nothing like authentic Vermont maple syrup, and one of my favorite places to get it is the small MC Maple stand in Montgomery Center, VT.

This self-serve shack offers some of the best maple syrup in the state.

Just drive down the scenic dirt road, and be sure to bring cash.

After picking out your maple syrup, there’s a small box where you can drop your payment.

2. Drive Smugglers’ Notch

This is one of the most scenic drives in Vermont in the fall—and also one of the busiest.

The road through Smugglers’ Notch State Park winds through a narrow, tree-lined pass with vibrant foliage.

The hiking trails off the road offer everything from easy strolls to more challenging treks, like the popular Sterling Pond Trail.

We drove it from Stowe and back, enjoying the colorful leaves and people-watching along the way.

Just be careful while driving—there are lots of tourists around during the fall.

3. Try Maple Gin

After the winding drive, reward yourself with some spirits at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery.

They have a few tasting rooms, but we visited their main location in Jeffersonville.

We sampled a flight of four tastings and fell in love with the Maple Gin, which we brought home.

Its smooth, subtly sweet flavor with a hint of maple was unlike anything we’d tried before, making it the perfect souvenir from Vermont.

4. Enjoy a Maple Creemee (Or 10)

One of the best places to enjoy Vermont’s famous Maple Creemee, a soft-serve ice cream made with pure maple syrup, is Palmer Lane Maple.

We opted for a twist—one with maple and butterscotch, the other with chocolate.

The creamy texture and rich maple flavor made each bite a true taste of Vermont.

From colorful pumpkins to hay bales, the atmosphere felt like the perfect autumn escape.

5. Sip Wine at Boyden Valley Winery

I love sipping wine on a crisp fall day, and Boyden Valley Winery was the perfect spot.

After a tasting, we decided on the Big Barn Red, which paired beautifully with their charcuterie board and homemade bread.

The outdoor patio offered great views, and we also snagged some bourbon-barreled maple syrup to bring home.

Because, let’s be honest, Vermont is the place to stock up!

6. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Cold Hollow Cider Mill may be touristy, but it’s a must-stop. Expect to wait for parking and in line, but it’s worth it.

We tried their apple cider donuts, fresh apple cider, and of course, another Maple Creemee—it is fall in Vermont, after all!

The creemee, made with pure maple syrup, is a local favorite and a perfect fall treat.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill has been around since the ’70s, starting off as a small cider-making spot in Waterbury, Vermont.

Today, you can stroll through the store and shop while grabbing all of the delicious goods I did!

7. Take a Foodie Tour in Burlington

Burlington, Vermont’s little city, is full of charm and perfect for a fall day trip or an overnight stay.

A stroll down the famous Church Street in autumn feels magical, with colorful leaves, crisp air, and plenty of great food spots along the way.

My favorite way to explore is by eating my way through the city, from dumplings to farm-to-table dishes.

You should read my Burlington Food Guide: Where Locals Eat—Dumplings, & More

8. Sip Spooky Cocktails at BKK in the Alley

Our favorite was BKK (Bangkok) in the alley, where we sipped on handcrafted cocktails surrounded by spooky Halloween decor—the perfect end to a fall day.

The mixologist went above and beyond, clearly taking pride in every drink they made, adding a personal touch to each cocktail.

Read my full guide here: Best Cocktail Bar In Burlington, VT: BKK In The Alley!

9. Taste The Maple Syrup At Silloway Maple

When I visited Silloway Maple, I was in for a real treat! Tasting their maple syrup was such a highlight of my trip.

They use sap from their own sugar maples, so you know it’s super fresh.

I got to sample different grades of syrup, and let me tell you, each one had its own unique flavor.

I loved the light, sweet notes of their golden syrup, but the darker syrup packed a robust punch that I couldn’t get enough of!

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their famous maple creemee!

Let’s be honest—you can never have too many maple creemees in Vermont!

10. Visit the Golden Dog Farm

I saved the best for last, and honestly, this might be my favorite thing I’ve ever done in Vermont.

Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville offers the Golden Retriever Experience year-round, and while I did mine in the winter, I can only imagine how magical it is in the fall.

Picture this: vibrant foliage all around, crisp mountain air, and a pack of happy golden retrievers running toward you for playtime and cuddles.

The experience includes time with friendly dogs, plus the chance to sample the farm’s award-winning maple syrup and local goods.

You’ll toss tennis balls, take plenty of photos, and soak in the mountain scenery with tails wagging at your feet.

Read about my My Day with 10 Goldens at the Golden Dog Farm in Vermont!

11. Sip Wine at Shelburne Vineyard

Just a short drive from Burlington, Shelburne Vineyard is the perfect spot to soak up Vermont’s fall colors with a glass of wine in hand.

The rolling hills, golden leaves, and cozy tasting room make it an easy place to spend an afternoon.

Their wines are made from cold-climate grapes like Marquette, Louise Swenson, and La Crescent, giving you a true taste of Vermont.

I went for a tasting flight and loved the Marquette Reserve—it was rich, smooth, and perfect for the season.

In the fall, keep an eye out for special events that pair live music with great food.

Where To Visit In Vermont the Fall?

We drove the entire state, starting from Lake Willoughby in the east, heading to Jay Forest in the north, then down to Stowe and Waterbury, and finally over to Burlington.

The next day, we explored Woodstock before heading back to Maine.

Fall Foliage in Vermont Map

Foliage reports change daily, so I recommend checking Jeff Fall Foliage for updates.

When we visited the weekend of October 5th, the colors were a bit muted, and many trees in the north were already bare.

However, the middle of the state had just started turning.

I think Vermont truly shines a little after peak, with falling leaves and rustic colors giving you that perfect fall charm.

You can visit this website for an updated fall foliage map, too.

Where to Stay in Vermont in the Fall

When planning a fall getaway to Vermont, finding the right place to stay is key to fully enjoying all that the Green Mountain State has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for cozy inns or scenic mountain lodges, Vermont has plenty of options for a memorable stay.

Stowe

If you want to be close to Smugglers’ Notch and the famous scenic drives, Stowe is a great choice.

This charming town is known for its picturesque surroundings, vibrant fall colors, and plenty of boutique accommodations.

Stay at the Stowe Mountain Lodge for a luxurious experience, complete with mountain views, or opt for a quaint bed and breakfast like Green Mountain Inn for a cozier, more intimate vibe.

Burlington

For a mix of city and nature, Burlington offers the best of both worlds.

Stay downtown at the Hotel Vermont for a modern, eco-friendly experience that’s walking distance from Church Street’s shops and restaurants.

Woodstock

For a more tranquil, small-town vibe, Woodstock is a wonderful place to stay.

This town embodies classic New England charm with its covered bridges, boutique shops, and vibrant fall foliage.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers luxury and comfort, while smaller inns like The Jackson House Inn provide a more intimate and personalized experience.

Jay Peak

If you’re exploring the northern parts of Vermont, Jay Peak Resort is a great option.

It’s a ski resort, but in the fall, it transforms into a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning foliage.

The resort offers plenty of amenities, including dining and hiking trails, making it a perfect choice for a leaf-peeping trip.

Exploring New England

Want more guides for New England? Check them out here.

Here is Where to Find the Best Maple Creemee in Vermont!

Heading to New Hampshire? Here are The Best Spots For New Hampshire Fall Foliage!

For a great fall hike in Maine, check out Haystack Mountain: The Most Scenic Fall Hike In Maine.

Here are my picks for the A Local’s Guide To The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine.

You can also check out one of Maine’s Fall Festivals in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide!