18 Magical Things to Do in Vermont in Fall Besides Foliage!

I’ve visited Vermont multiple times during the fall season, and every single time, I fall more in love with this state. While Vermont is great in every season, there’s just something special about autumn!

The crisp air, the fiery leaves, the maple-flavored everything… it just hits different. There’s a reason this is my favorite time of year to visit Vermont.

Of course, Vermont is a big state, and there are so many iconic things to do that you’ll want to pack into your fall itinerary, like eating apple cider donuts, frolicking through the leaves, and photographing every single covered bridge you see.

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks in Vermont, below is my list of must-do fall activities that I think should be added to your itinerary! We conquered most of these on our 5 Day New England road trip, but I already want to go back for more.

I’ve also included a detailed map with every single place mentioned to make trip planning a breeze! Most activities in this post are around Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock, but you can find a lot of similar activities throughout the state.

Fall Things to Do in Vermont Map

To help you plan your trip and visualize where everything is, I created a custom map with all of the stops mentioned in this post — from cider mills and apple orchards to mountain drives and breweries.

It’s especially helpful if you’re piecing together a road trip or trying to decide which town to base yourself in! The map includes driving directions from Burlington to Stowe to Woodstock, which is my recommended route for 3 perfect days in Vermont!

I recommend saving it to your phone or Google Maps before your trip so you can easily access it offline. Cell service can be spotty in parts of Vermont.

1. Stroll Through a Historic Vermont Village

One of my favorite parts about exploring Vermont in the fall is wandering through small towns that make you feel like you’re in an episode of Gilmore Girls. Think old white churches, brick general stores, crunchy leaves on the sidewalks, and locals actually saying hi as you pass.

While you might be tempted to jam pack your schedule with festivals, farms, and foliage, I highly recommend leaving some time in your itinerary to just wander and enjoy.

Of course, there are small towns all over Vermont to explore, but the two most popular ones are Woodstock and Stowe.

After visiting Woodstock a million times for work, I have absolutely fallen in love with this little town, and I promise you will too! If you can, I highly recommend staying overnight in Woodstock so you can experience its charm to the fullest.

My favorite things to do in Woodstock are just walking around town, exploring the shops, and admiring the Halloween decorations.

And don’t miss a visit to the famous Woodstock Inn! Even if you’re not staying there, you can walk around the grounds, grab a drink from the bar, and maybe have dinner at Richardson’s Tavern!

➡️ Read Next: For more information on where to stay and things to do, make sure to check out my full guide to Visiting Woodstock in the Fall! 🍁

Stowe is another classic Vermont town that you have to visit in the fall!

Just over an hour north of Woodstock, Stowe is a much larger and more popular town, thanks to its large ski resort. But it’s still got an adorable and walkable downtown area with plenty of spots to eat, drink, and shop.

Between the covered pedestrian bridge along the river and the towering white church, it’s easy to see why this town is a fall must-visit.

And if you’re looking for even more off-the-beaten-path destinations, Vermont has plenty! My recommendation is just to drive and see what you find., but if you want some specific ones, check out South Royalton (where the Gilmore Girls intro was filmed and the best burgers in Vermont are) or Manchester!

➡️ Read Next: Check out my full guide comparing Woodstock vs Stowe in the fall for more details on these two towns!

2. Visit the Von Trapp Family Beer Hall

As mentioned above, I loved exploring Stowe, but my favorite part was right outside it at the von Trapp Family Lodge and Bierhall.

Located up in the hills above Stowe, this resort was opened by the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music!

Yes – that von Trapp family. After leaving Austria prior to World War II, they ended up settling in Vermont and opening a resort because it felt so similar to home.

Nowadays, this resort also includes an authentic Austrian beer hall where you can eat and drink like you’re in Europe! Think Vienna lagers, warm pretzels, and the best Bratwurst you’ll get outside of Austria!

You can sit inside in the cozy, rustic interior or outside in the garden with mountain views. Either way, the experience is even better in the fall with the golden leaves and has to be on your bucket list for Vermont! This was hands-down my husband’s favorite part of our trip.

3. Drive Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway

Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow mountain pass that connects Stowe to Jeffersonville via Route 108. It winds through steep cliffs, dense woods, and sharp turns, and it’s only open seasonally! The road closes when the snow hits, so fall is really your last chance to drive it before winter.

We actually stayed on the other side of the pass while we were in Stowe, so we ended up driving this route multiple times. It was a bit past peak when we went, so most of the leaves had already fallen, but it was still so cool to see!

The bare trees and fog made it feel a little eerie (Spooky Hollow vibes) and the drive itself is super unique. It’s full of tight turns and rock walls right next to the car with the woods all around you.

It was a little sketchy driving this with our giant camper van, but we survived! If you can visit here during peak foliage season, even better!

4. Ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride

The Stowe Gondola Skyride takes you up to the top of Mount Mansfield — Vermont’s tallest mountain — in a fully enclosed gondola!

It’s part of the Stowe Mountain Resort and runs seasonally, offering sweeping views of the surrounding foliage during the fall. At the top, there’s a lodge where you can grab food or drinks, and trails if you want to walk around.

Unfortunately, we just missed it during our trip – it had closed a few days before we got to Stowe in mid-October. So if this is high on your list, make sure to check the schedule ahead of time.

It shuts down earlier than you’d think, especially if the weather turns or the resort is prepping for ski season. Still on my list for next time!

➡️ P.S. Read more about all the fun things to do in Stowe in my Fall Stowe Guide here!

5. Explore a Corn Maze at a Local Farm

Corn mazes are a fall staple in Vermont, and you’ll find them at farms all across the state!

One of the most famous is the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, which claims to be the largest and most challenging corn maze in all of New England.

It opens before the official fall season kicks off and typically costs around $25 for adults and $15 for kids. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the door, but it’s cheaper to buy your tickets online.

If you’re staying in or near Stowe, the Percy Corn Maze is another great option, especially if you want something a little more low-key and local.

We had hoped to visit Percy’s while we were in Stowe, but sadly, it had just closed for the season by the time we arrived toward the end of October.

Lesson learned: lots of fall activities shut down earlier than you’d think, so plan accordingly!

6. Go Apple Picking at a Vermont Orchard

Apple picking season in Vermont typically runs from early September through mid-to-late October, depending on the variety and the weather. It’s one of the most classic fall activities! What’s better than biting into a fresh-picked apple right from the tree?

One of the most popular spots for apple picking is Burt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot. This family-run orchard offers pick-your-own apples with over 40 varieties to choose from! They also have cider, donuts, and pumpkins – all the fall staples!

They’re generally open until November 1st, which is perfect if you’re visiting for foliage season.

If you’re closer to Burlington, Shelburne Orchards is another solid choice. They grow a wide variety of apples and also have cider donuts, hayrides, and other fall events throughout the season!

Want even more options? This list of Vermont orchards and cider producers covers locations all across the state, so you can find a spot that fits your route and travel dates.

7. Tour a Cider Mill (and Sample Cider Donuts)

Speaking of apples, we can’t forget about apple cider!! Fall in Vermont and fresh apple cider go hand in hand, and visiting a cider mill is a must-do activity!

Most spots offer both sweet and hard cider, plus the holy grail of fall snacks: cider donuts. You’ll find a variety of small farm stands, open-air markets, or cozy tasting rooms where you can sip, snack, and even watch cider being pressed.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury (right outside of Stowe) is one of the most well-known cider mills thanks to Instagram and definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting Stowe!

We visited here first thing in the morning and had breakfast at their cafe first which was so yummy! My husband still talks about the maple biscuit and maple coffee he had.

Across from the cafe is the actual cider mill, housed in a 19th-century farmhouse and historic dairy barn. Inside, you can view an authentic cider press in action and have a sip from the tasting tank. They also have a ton of Vermont-inspired products inside the store: everything from cider jelly to maple syrup to kitchen utensils!

And of course, a counter where you can try their famous apple cider donuts (they were just alright, in my opinion…).

Overall, Cold Hollow is definitely worth a stop if you’re in Stowe, even if it does feel a little gimmicky!!

8. Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Just down the road from Cold Hollow, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury is one of my favorite things to do in Vermont, regardless of the season!

It’s the original factory where the iconic ice cream brand got its start. You can even go on a factory tour that teaches you about the history of the company and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the production floor! And of course, there’s a free ice cream tasting at the end.

When we visited during peak foliage season, we didn’t buy tickets to the factory tour in advance and when we arrived, we found out it was completely sold out for several days! So, if it’s something you really want to do, make sure to buy tickets online ahead of time.

Luckily, I had done the tour in the past, but my husband missed out!

Even if you can’t get on a tour, it’s still worth stopping by the factory. You can grab a scoop from the scoop shop, browse the gift shop (great for quirky souvenirs), and check out the Flavor Graveyard — which might be one of my favorite little spots in all of Vermont.

It’s weird and wonderful, with headstones for retired flavors like Wavy Gravy and Vermonty Python.

9. Attend a Fall or Halloween Festival

Attending a fall festival is one of the best ways to celebrate the foliage season when visiting Vermont! And if you’re visiting later in October, one of the unexpected perks is getting to experience some really cute and festive Halloween events.

Fall colors may be fading, but towns go all-in on spooky season, and it’s such a fun way to experience local Vermont charm!

We actually stumbled upon a trunk-or-treat in South Royalton while grabbing lunch at Worthy Burger during our trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences. It felt like the whole town turned out — kids in costumes, decorated cars, contests – like something straight out of a Hallmark movie!

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, the Rutland Halloween Parade is an epic Vermont tradition. It’s been running for over 60 years and features floats, marching bands, costumes, and more. It typically happens the last Saturday of October, so it’s perfect if you’re visiting Vermont later in the month!

And if you’re in Woodstock, check out the Harvest Celebration at Billings Farm. They usually have pumpkin picking, wagon rides, crafts, and fall treats — great if you’re traveling with kids or just want a wholesome autumn afternoon.

10. Try Cheese and Maple Syrup at a Local Farm

Vermont is famous for two things: cheese and maple syrup. And there’s no better way to experience both than by visiting a local farm where you can taste them fresh, learn how they’re made, and stock up on goodies for the road!

Lots of farms offer tastings or tours — especially in fall when the scenery makes everything feel extra cozy. You’ll find maple sugarhouses with syrup samples and creemee stands, and cheese farms with aging caves and tastings of cheddar, gouda, and more. 

Sugarbush Farm just outside Woodstock is a perfect stop if you’re in the area. This family-run 550 acre farm offers free cheese and syrup tastings, and the drive out to the farm is beautiful! They’re open every day from 9am to 5pm.

If you’re closer to Montpelier, both Bragg Farm Sugar House and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks are great stops as well.

At Bragg Farm, their maple syrup is made the traditional way, using buckets and a wood-fired evaporator. Here, you can take a free guided tour of the sugarhouse and taste different grades of syrup at the tasting table!

It’s a similar experience at Morse Farm, where you can learn more about how maple syrup is made and browse their store. They also have a maple creemee stand that is open year-round!

11. Hike to See Fall Foliage

You really can’t go to Vermont in the fall and skip a hike — the views are just too good! Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, there are plenty of short and scenic trails that still give you that full foliage payoff.

If you’re in Stowe, Sterling Pond Trail is a great choice for beginners and advanced hikers. It starts right off Smugglers’ Notch and leads to a quiet alpine pond surrounded by bright foliage.

It’s under 3 miles roundtrip but has some steep sections, so wear decent shoes!

Or, for something even easier, check out the hike to Sunset Rock. Starting from Main Street, this short and easy hike leads to an overlook of the historic village with a view of Mount Mansfield.

If you’re in Woodstock, make sure to check out the Mount Tom trail right on the edge of town. This is a great hike to do around sunset as it offers sweeping views of the village and foliage!

Of course, no matter where you are visiting in Vermont, you can pretty guarantee there will be a beautiful hike nearby!

13. Ride the Champlain Valley Dinner Train

If you want to experience fall foliage without hiking boots or winding roads, the Champlain Valley Dinner Train is a cozy, slow-paced way to soak it all in.

This scenic two-and-a-half-hour round-trip train ride runs from Burlington to Vergennes and back, offering sweeping views of the countryside while you enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner served right at your seat.

We didn’t get to do this one during our last trip, but I’m already plotting it for next time. It runs on weekend evenings from mid-September through early November, and if you can swing a sunset ride during peak foliage, it looks like pure autumn magic.

You’ll want to book in advance — tables seat up to four, and popular weekends fill up fast!

For a more relaxed (and adults-only) vibe, Cocktails on the Rails offers the same ride through the Champlain Valley but in a more intimate lounge car setup.

This one is for 21+ only and includes hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary drink, with more available for purchase at the bar. The setup includes leather barrel seats and a retro speakeasy-style feel.

Whether you go for dinner or drinks, it’s one of the most unique ways to take in the fall views around Burlington — no hiking required.

14. Grab a Maple Creemee

Yes, it might be chilly. But you still need to have a maple creemee!

A maple creemee is Vermont’s take on soft serve, and the maple flavor is basically a state treasure!

They’re most popular in the summer, when the weather is actually warm(er). So when visiting in late October, it was a bit of a challenge to find them!

We looked everywhere in Burlington but most places had already stopped serving creemees for the season (so silly!!).

We finally tracked one down at Woodstock Scoops, and it was 100% worth the hunt. Creamy, rich, and perfectly maple-y! We loved walking around Woodstock with our ice cream in hand, even if it was a little chilly.

Another spot that sells creemees year-round is Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, which I previously mentioned is a must-visit!

So if you spot a creemee sign while you’re out and about, don’t wait. You never know when the last swirl of the season will be!

15. Explore a Vermont Brewery or Distillery

If you’re into craft beer, Vermont is basically heaven, especially in the fall when all the seasonal brews start rolling out! We tried to sample as much as possible (strictly for research, of course) and every region had its own vibe.

One of my favorite (and underrated) breweries in Vermont is Long Trail Brewing Company, located just outside Woodstock in Bridgewater. It’s Vermont’s original craft brewery and sits right on the Ottauquechee River!

We’ve actually only visited Long Trail in the heart of winter on a different trip, but it was still incredible! They had a heated tent set up outside so we could still enjoy the view and vibes.

For true craft beer lovers, you have to add Burlington to your fall itinerary. We planned a brewery-hopping day in Burlington during our 3 days in Vermont and loved getting to check out all the different spots!

We started at Switchback Brewing, where I tried a fall-themed “Leaf Peeper” flight (very on brand). Then we headed to Burlington Beer Company, which had the biggest selection and fun arcade games.

Foam Brewers, right by Lake Champlain, had the best views and a cozy indoor space decorated for Halloween. And Zero Gravity is the local favorite we didn’t get to this time — but it’s at the top of my list for next trip!

Over in Stowe, there are plenty more breweries to check out, from The Alchemist (famous for Heady Topper) to Idletyme Brewing and Von Trapp Brewing. Or, if you’re into cider, check out Stowe Cider!

16. Book a Cozy Fall Airbnb or Cabin

Where you stay during a Vermont fall trip totally sets the tone for your trip! While you can absolutely just book a normal hotel, I highly recommend a cozy cabin or charming inn to make it even more magical!.

On our most recent trip to New England, we actually decided to camp in a campervan so we could really immerse ourselves in the foliage and experience. For more details on where we camped, check out my New England road trip guide here!

However, I also wouldn’t blame anyone for wanting four solid walls and an indoor fireplace instead!

One of my favorite fall stays ever was at The Woodstock Inn. I stayed there on actual Halloween a few years ago, and it was nothing short of magical!!

Pumpkins lining the walkway up to the inn, kids dressed in costumes, and a fire crackling in the lobby every time I walked through – what more could you ask for?!

While it’s definitely a splurge, especially during foliage season, it’s 100% worth it!

Or, if you’re looking for something a little less lux, booking a cozy fall cabin is another great option! Here are a few great places around Woodstock to check out!

• Modern A-Frame with Hot Tub in the Woods: A cozy, quiet treehouse right outside of Woodstock! Perfect if you want that off-the-grid vibe without giving up comforts.
• Secluded Forest Cabin with Large Deck: Surrounded by forest and outfitted with everything you need for a slow, cozy getaway. Great for larger groups!
• Charming Log Home with Fireplace and Lake Access: A sprawling, charming house with outdoor hot tub and fire pit. Also great for larger groups!

What to Pack for Vermont in Fall

That’s a wrap on the best fall activities to do in Vermont! Before we wrap up, let’s talk about what to pack for your trip.

Packing for fall in Vermont is all about being ready for everything. One minute you’re bundled up on a foggy morning walk, the next you’re peeling off layers at a sunny brewery patio. Trust me — I’ve learned this the hard way!

Fall weather can vary a lot here, day to day and week to week! When we visited later in October, it was in the low 40s in the morning (sometimes with frost on the ground!) but sunny and in the upper 60s by afternoon.

Add in muddy hikes, breezy overlooks, and cozy dinners out, and you’ll want to be covered for everything!

Or, read more New England blog posts below ⬇️🍁
Woodstock or Stowe: Which Vermont Town to Choose in Fall
The BEST 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary!
New Hampshire Fall Itinerary: 2 Days In The White Mountains!
The Perfect Cozy Vermont Fall Itinerary: 3 Days in Vermont!
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Stowe, VT in Fall
Visiting Woodstock, VT in the Fall: Your Complete Guide!
18 Magical Things To Do In Vermont In Fall Besides Foliage!
Exactly What To Pack For New England In The Fall