7 Fall Foliage Spots in Vermont That Make Locals Come Back Every Year

Vermont’s blend of mountains, valleys, and historic villages makes it an enduring destination for autumn travelers. Rather than seeking novelty, many locals prefer to revisit the same reliable spots each year, places where the combination of accessible scenery and seasonal activities like hiking, farm visits, and scenic drives offer a familiar sense of place.

The following guide features seven locations across Vermont where the annual transformation of leaves creates a backdrop that draws residents and visitors alike, providing both visual interest and opportunities to experience the state’s culture and landscape.

1. Mad River Valley

Some prefer the hush of early mornings, when mist rises over the Mad River Valley’s rolling terrain. Locals often find themselves wandering through Waitsfield or Warren, pausing at a covered bridge as golden leaves drift onto the water.

Artisan food stops like the Mad River Taste Place offer a welcome break on a crisp afternoon. The valley’s hiking trails, ranging from gentle riverside walks to moderate ascents, provide a variety of ways to take in the contrasting colors across the hills.

Come October, the valley hosts harvest events and markets, bringing together local farmers and residents. This blend of scenic mountain vistas, community traditions, and easy access is what makes the Mad River Valley a place that many Vermonters return to each autumn season.

2. Smugglers’ Notch

Winding between Stowe and Jeffersonville, Smugglers’ Notch is more than a shortcut through the mountains. Stories of 19th-century bootleggers lend a bit of lore to the jagged road that now draws leaf peepers and hikers.

The Long Trail crosses here, and its side trails, including routes to Bingham Falls and Elephant’s Head, prove popular during the fall. Each route offers a different vantage point, from cliffside views to forested paths alive with color.

Locals often recommend visiting midweek to avoid heavier traffic and to savor the sounds of wind in the maples. The experience of moving slowly through this dramatic pass, surrounded by vertical rock walls and vivid foliage, is a primary reason people keep returning.

3. Stowe

Stowe’s reputation is built on its blend of outdoor adventure and New England charm, but for many Vermonters, autumn is when the town feels most at home. The historic village, clustered with independent shops and old inns, sits beneath the watchful presence of Mount Mansfield.

During foliage season, the Gondola SkyRide offers visitors a way to rise above the treetops for panoramic views. Trails at all difficulty levels lead out from town, allowing both seasoned hikers and casual walkers to experience the landscape.

Local events, such as craft fairs and farmers markets, draw neighbors together. Returning each year, locals appreciate the gradual transformation of familiar surroundings as the bright foliage accents the contours of mountain and village alike.

4. Woodstock

Few towns capture Vermont’s quintessential image like Woodstock. The town green, bordered by historic buildings and a white-steepled church, offers a central gathering place amid the shifting palette of fall.

Mount Tom rises behind the village, its hiking trails providing both quiet forest walks and sweeping views over the pattern of fields and forests. Locals favor the climb for the perspective it gives on both town and countryside.

In October, the atmosphere feels especially communal, with events drawing participants from across Windsor County. The combination of architectural heritage and natural beauty keeps Woodstock on the annual list for many residents looking to reconnect with Vermont’s traditions.

5. Quechee State Park

Standing atop the bridge at Quechee Gorge, visitors see the Ottauquechee River carving its way 165 feet below. This natural formation, often called Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon, becomes a focal point for photographers and hikers each autumn.

Trails along the rim and down to the river provide multiple perspectives, exposing layers of foliage and stone. The park’s facilities make it accessible for families and those seeking a day outdoors without strenuous hiking.

Seasonal markets and nearby Vermont crafts add to the appeal for locals. For many, the yearly ritual is to combine a walk along the gorge with a stop at local shops, capturing both the natural and cultural elements of the region.

6. Burlington

Lake Champlain’s shoreline in Burlington offers a different autumn experience, blending urban amenities with natural scenery. The Burlington Greenway provides miles of lakeside walking and biking, where city residents observe the seasonal changes reflected in the water.

The city’s compact downtown, highlighted by the open-air Church Street Marketplace, allows for easy exploration of shops and eateries. Local events, such as harvest festivals and art walks, foster a strong sense of community participation each fall.

For those who live nearby, returning each autumn is about appreciating the interplay of city life and outdoor beauty. The combination of lakeside views, accessible green spaces, and a lively calendar of seasonal events makes Burlington a consistent favorite.

7. Grafton

Tucked away in southern Vermont, Grafton is a place where tradition and landscape intertwine. Restored historic buildings line the road, and the slower pace invites visitors and locals alike to appreciate the details of the changing season.

The Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center offers a network of trails through 2,000 acres of woodlands. These paths are frequented by hikers, cyclists, and wildlife watchers, each finding a different rhythm among the autumn colors.

A stop at the Nature Museum or a walk through the village gardens adds a quieter dimension to a fall visit. For many, it is the sense of continuity, of returning to the same winding road year after year, that makes Grafton special among Vermont’s foliage destinations.