20 Things to Do in Vermont in September and October
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
When fall arrives in Vermont, it brings cooler weather with crisp air, Halloween festivities, cool pumpkin decorations, and the final stages of harvesting. From late September to late October, it’s the perfect time to visit the place, have fun with friends, and soak up the colorful fall foliage while enjoying a bucketful of quintessential autumn activities with local New England vibes.
The hay-filled wagons, farmers’ markets, freshly-pressed cider, delicious donuts, lush landscapes, and corn mazes—all make this place a worth visit during the autumn season. If you’re already planning a trip to Vermont this fall but aren’t sure what to do during September or October, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Vermont in the fall so you can make the most of Vermont’s autumn offerings and make your trip here memorable and fun.
When is Fall Foliage in Vermont?
Fall in Vermont typically lasts from late September to mid or late October, with “peak weeks” generally occurring in the last week of September month and the first week of October month. In general, you should visit Vermont between September and October to enjoy the colorful fall foliage. The broadleaves, sugar maple trees, famous Stowe Gondola SkyRide, and pleasant weather—are some worthwhile experiences in Vermont during fall.
Best things to do in Vermont in during September and October
Every hour in the fall is a happy hour and that doesn’t go unfelt, especially in Vermont.
Vermont, one of the top travel destinations, is covered in beautiful leaves in the fall as if it’s Mother Nature’s way of highlighting scenic and quiet landscapes.
What should you do, to not miss out on the best things to do in Vermont in the fall? Just follow us along through this blog, and you’ll be absolutely confident about it by the end.
1. Float above in a hot air balloon.
We surely don’t want you to miss out on one of the best things to do in Vermont’s fall foliage, a hot-air balloon adventure! It’s no surprise that it comes with views of rustic and tangerine landscapes below you, all while you float amidst the open sky.
You have a choice between “Above reality hot balloon rides” and “Quechee balloon rides.” Both are available for fall foliage tours, special occasions, individual and group reservations, and a choice of landing sites.
2. Enjoy a Horseback ride in the fall season.
This is one of the most underrated things to do in Vermont in the fall. None would want to miss a Horseback ride overlooking the fall foliage, and that’s for sure. It’s like living in a fairytale dream, but wait, it’s all real!
Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville, Vermont, is open to tourists and locals all year round. Make sure you’ve made reservations though. So just hop on and take a horseback ride like never before, with spectacular views and calm, colorful surroundings, enough to blow your mind.
3. Enjoy the Gondola/chairlift fall foliage Skyride.
Gondola rides are among the fun things to do in Vermont not only in the winter but also in the fall. We recommend the Stowe Gondola SkyRide (from the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak) or a chairlift ride on Bluebird Express, West Dover (which overlooks Mount Snow’s summit). It’s also a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time.
4. Tour the Echo Lake while kayaking.
Echo Lake is one of nature’s most beautiful mirrors, reflecting calmness. As you move forward with each paddle while kayaking on Echo Lake, you come even closer to nature and peacefulness. This is for sure a unique experience in itself and another to-do for the adrenaline junkies!
You can rent a kayak, canoe, or boat and tour the Lake amidst the scenic views. Just don’t forget to stop for a while to take a picture!
5. Plan a get-together or Thanksgiving in VT.
What is more beautiful than celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, amidst the fall foliage? We too can’t think of anything more special than this. It’s indeed a unique way to celebrate and express gratitude.
Many vacation rentals are available for rent in Vermont, most of which are surrounded by spectacular views of fall foliage. Some of the best places in Vermont to celebrate Thanksgiving are Woodstock, Stowe, Dover, Middlebury, and Burlington. We suggest you choose a rental that best suits your needs.
6. Try fishing in Vermont’s best fishing spots.
If you want to try fishing, while also enjoying the fall colors and views, head to one of these fishing spots in Vermont: Echo Lake, Lake Dunmore, Lake Champlain, Connecticut River, Walloomsac River, and Shelburne Bay. These are the best fishing spots in Vermont offering stunning views while fishing.
7. Rent a cabin for a magical fall foliage retreat.
Now let us tell you why this luxurious getaway in Vermont is a must, especially in the fall season. Renting a cabin in Vermont is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious experiences in the fall, and definitely the best for a cozy retreat while enjoying amidst the leafy nature.
But, you really don’t have to worry just because the word luxurious is added here. To your surprise (again), there are budget-friendly cabins as well, some are so beautiful yet less pricey, that it can be shocking!
Plenty of options are available to choose from, including cabins, cottages, and other scenic rentals. And, they range in size, budget, amenities to various beautiful destinations (even near the lake, amidst the forest, open surroundings).
Recommended stays (priced differently):
- The Summit House – remodeled unique A-frame
- Luxury “Tiny” House, Immersed In Nature
- Teeny Tiny Cottage On Lake Eden
- Basin Harbor
- Blues Views – Dog-friendly Lake Escape With Sunroom
- Absolutely Gorgeous Vermont Cottage
8. Stroll the hiking trails.
The best of travel is when you can feel the closeness with nature. Hiking amidst the colors of fall is one way you can give a hug to nature.
We’re sure a hike along the lakes, falls, rivers, and amidst the tall rustic trees, could brighten up your day more than you can think.
Needless to say, every trail and every route in Vermont during the fall is worth the hike. Still, since you might need some specific hiking trails, we recommend the Sterling Pond Trail (Smugglers Notch), the Green Mountain hiking trail, and the Mount Mansfield hiking trails (for a stunning foliage view from the highest peak).
9. See the farms, orchards, and small towns.
You can also enjoy a few hours on the farms or go apple picking in the orchards, or explore the small towns. There is no limit! We recommend Percy Farm Corn Maze (Stowe), Armstrong Farm (one of the best pumpkin patches in VT besides pure maple syrup, and jams), and the Shelburne farms for the best countryside vibes, dairy, and cheese making.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Jenne farm in Vermont, New England’s most photographed farm, which is famous for its scenic views, fall foliage, and calm atmosphere.
Some of the best orchards in Vermont in the fall:
- Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne
- Green Mountain Orchards, Putney (here you can pick apples, pumpkins, blueberries, and a lot more)
- Northcourt Orchard, Franklin (for apple picking, sampling maple syrup, donuts, and fresh ciders).
Some of the best small towns in Vermont in the fall:
- Battleboro
- Woodstock
- Stowe
- Manchester
- Shelburne
- Hartford
- Putney
- Grafton
- Waitsfield
10. Try out mountain biking.
Do you love zipping through scenic fall trails with a breeze in your hair? How about giving mountain biking a shot? It’s a super fun way to explore and soak up all those autumn vibes!
WARNING: Remember to prioritize safety and do not go without proper safety gear like a helmet and knee pads since mountain biking is a risky off-road sport and you may seriously injure yourself by crashing into obstacles.
These are the best mountain biking trails to adventure at, with the best fall views:
- Mt Ascutney Trails, Windsor (one of the most popular mountain biking trails in Vermont)
- Smugglers notch, Lamoille County
- Cady Hill forest trail, Stowe
- Perryhill Trail, Waterbury
- Kingdom Trails, East Burke
11. Swing by the farmers’ markets.
Have a look at the farmers markets for local produce, fresh veggies, and fruits. It’s a must-visit, after all, Vermont is known for its rich dairy produce across the US.
These are some of the farmers markets in Vermont:
- Vermont Farmers market
- Capital City Farmers Market
- Dorset Farmers Market
- Pete’s Greens
12. Enjoy Mountaintop picnicking.
One of the most creative ways to enjoy the fall in Vermont would be Mountaintop picnicking. This is a heavenly experience to enjoy with your partner, family, and friends, with the most stunning views from above.
Below mentioned are some scenic spots to try a mountaintop picnic at:
- Mount Mansfield, Green Mountains
- Mount Philo State Park, Charlotte
- Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe
13. Take a scenic road trip.
You can also make your journey more lively by taking a road trip. Watching out of your window, inhaling the fall fragrance during your road trip, is such a main character vibe right? We totally agree with you!
If you want to explore more, then drive the scenic backroads as well, that come along the way.
- Route 100 Vermont (the most scenic and longest highway route in Vermont, passes through many towns and farms)
- Smugglers Notch (amongst the top most popular things to do in Vermont)
- Green Mountain Byway
14. Try Camping in Stowe.
Stowe really shines during the fall—it’s like the superstar of autumn foliage spots in the U.S. Plus, it’s a hot pick for tourists exploring Vermont. And there are plenty of things to do in Stowe in the autumn months as well, like leaf-peeping, hiking, biking, ziplining, carriage rides, and other outdoor activities.
Thinking about camping in Stowe? The Smugglers Notch State Park campground is where it’s at! The serene views, and peaceful vibes—totally a nature lover’s paradise. So if the most visited tourist destination in Vermont is in your plans, Stowe is amongst the top fall foliage destinations in the US to consider.
15. Swing by the covered bridges.
Vermont’s covered bridges are a must-see, especially in the fall time. The autumn hues give these beauties a fresh life, making them absolutely stunning. In fact, they’re beautiful all year, but the fall colors just amp up their charm a notch!
Here are some of the best-covered bridges in Vermont in the fall:
- Waitsfield Covered Bridge, on the Mad River, VT
- Woodstock Middle Covered Bridge, Woodstock, VT
- Gold Brook Covered Bridge or Emily’s Bridge, Stowe, VT
- Quechee Covered Bridge, Hart, VT
16. Wander around the Woodford State Park.
Ever thought about exploring Woodford State Park? This State Park in Woodford, VT, has a bunch of adventurous stuff to offer—best for adrenaline junkies!
The state park not only has campgrounds, RV, and tent sites, but also offers cabin, cottage, and lodging facilities. You can not only swim in, but have more fun activities like paddling around in a kayak, or simply walking along the shoreline.
And the best part? During the fall months, it’s often one of the coziest and least crowded spots in Vermont—with nature at its best!
17. Explore the Lake Champlain on a ferry.
Lake Champlain is a popular tourist destination in Vermont, and the fall colors enhance its natural beauty. An hour or more is enough to explore the beauty of nature.
You can enjoy a fall ferry ride here, as Essex on Lake Champlain offers ferry rides all through the season. Before you go, double-check their fall schedule timings.
18. Fall leaves picking.
As a memento, you can collect some colorful fall leaves from the favorite places you visited in Vermont. But fall leaves don’t last long, right? What should you do to preserve it as a memory of your trip? We got you!
Sandwich the fall leaves in between your books, or you can dip those leaves into a glycerine or water, or if you have a paper towel, you could keep it in between those as well. Every time you see it, it’ll remind you of your fall trip memories.
19. Go souvenir shopping.
You can go souvenir shopping at the Burlington Church Street Marketplace, the Vermont Gift Barn and Gallery (Burlington), the Vermont Gift Emporium (Battleboro), Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury (shop their apple products, maple syrup while enjoying their delicious cider donuts), and the Bragg Farm Sugar House & Gift Shop (East Montpelier)- also famous for making original maple syrup in a traditional way, a must try!
Many local farms also have many locally made crafts and gifts, in almost all towns in Vermont, and you can shop from there as well.
20. Savor ice creams at the Ben and Jerry’s.
Ben and Jerry’s, Waterbury, is a popular destination in Vermont that you must visit and savor. It’s a tourist attraction because Ben and Jerry’s, a global ice cream brand, was founded in Vermont.
After a good ice cream dosage at Ben and Jerry’s, you can head to their ‘Flavour Graveyard’ to pay tribute to some of your favorite old ice cream flavors. Also, make sure to book your tickets online in advance for the Ben and Jerry’s factory tour.
