If you’re dreaming of winding roads under golden canopies, crisp air filled with the scent of woodsmoke, and picture-perfect small towns, then Vermont fall foliage tours are exactly what you need. This is one of the best seasonal getaways in the U.S.—offering unforgettable drives, charming villages, and some of the most stunning autumn colors anywhere in the country.
I’ve taken foliage road trips all across New England, but nothing compares to Vermont in October. The density of sugar maples, the peaceful countryside, and the state’s commitment to preserving its small-town charm make it the ultimate fall destination. Whether you’re after a luxury bus tour, a self-guided fall foliage driving tour in Vermont, or a mix of both, this guide has you covered.
You’ll find tips, town-by-town routes, the best time to visit Vermont for fall foliage, and insights from my own travels. I’ve also included a fall foliage map Vermont reference to help you follow peak color with ease.
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Why Vermont Fall Foliage Tours Are a Must-Do Experience
Vermont is the crown jewel of fall travel for a reason. The Green Mountain State transforms into a living oil painting every October, with sugar maples, oaks, and birches painting the hillsides in shades of crimson, amber, and gold.
Unlike more commercialized destinations, Vermont’s small towns remain authentic. You’ll pass dairy farms, historic inns, and sleepy villages with steepled churches. There’s no better way to experience the rhythm of autumn than on a Vermont fall foliage tour.
Here’s why Vermont stands above the rest:
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High tree diversity: More color variety than most states.
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No billboards or sprawl: Clean sightlines to natural beauty.
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Roads made for driving: Scenic byways like Route 100 and Molly Stark Byway are a leaf-peeper’s dream.
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Farm-to-table stops: Local cider, maple syrup, and produce abound.
If you’re after a classic, unfiltered New England experience, this is the place to be. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Vermont’s autumn magic always feels new.
Top 10 Scenic Drives for Fall Foliage in Vermont
Best Time to Experience Vermont Fall Foliage Tours
The best time to visit Vermont for fall foliage depends on the region and elevation, but generally, the peak runs from late September through mid-October. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Northern Vermont & Mountains: Late September to early October
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Central Vermont: First two weeks of October
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Southern Vermont: Mid to late October
In 2025, experts predict a slightly later peak due to current weather trends. To track exact timing, use the live fall foliage map Vermont offered by VermontVacation.com. It shows color progression by region with daily updates.
I recommend checking the map before booking your accommodations—timing your route with the colors is the secret to a breathtaking experience.
Local tip: If you’re flexible, plan a midweek trip. You’ll avoid weekend crowds and get better lodging rates.
Exploring the Different Types of Vermont Fall Foliage Tours
You have more options than ever for enjoying a foliage tour in Vermont. Whether you want to leave the planning to the pros or chart your own path, there’s something for every type of traveler.
1. Guided Bus Tours
These are great for travelers who prefer a relaxed, low-effort experience. Many tours include overnight stays, meals, and sightseeing stops.
Popular companies:
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Tauck Tours – Luxury guided foliage experiences
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New England Tours – Offers 3- to 7-day fall packages
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Smugglers’ Notch Tours – Local, family-owned day trips
2. Private Tours
If you want a more intimate experience, some operators offer SUV or small-group tours with local guides who can tailor your trip.
3. Self-Guided Driving Tours
These are my personal favorite. With a map, a tank of gas, and a flexible itinerary, you’re free to explore at your own pace. This guide will show you how to plan a perfect fall foliage driving tour Vermont style in the next section.
Whichever option you choose, aim for a mix of scenic drives, small town stops, and time to simply soak in the color.
Planning the Perfect Self-Guided Vermont Fall Foliage Tours
A fall foliage driving tour in Vermont gives you the freedom to wander—and Vermont’s backroads are made for wandering. I’ve done at least six different driving tours over the years, and every one offered something new: a barn I’d never seen before, a roadside apple stand with fresh cider, or a mountain that looked completely different in this year’s light.
Suggested Route: Route 100
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Start: Wilmington
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End: Stowe
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Length: Approx. 146 miles
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Time Needed: 2–3 days to enjoy fully
Key Stops:
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Moss Glen Falls
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Cold Hollow Cider Mill
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Woodstock Village
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Green Mountain Byway
Alternate routes: Route 7 (southern Vermont), Route 17 through Mad River Valley, and Route 125 across the mountains.
Use the fall foliage map Vermont to time your start point with peak color zones. Drive slow, stop often, and follow the signs to farm stands and scenic overlooks.
Top Things to Do in Vermont in the Fall
Discover the Best Guided Vermont Fall Foliage Tours for 2025
If you’re planning ahead, many tour companies have already released dates for Vermont fall foliage tours 2025. Booking early ensures you lock in peak foliage timing and better lodging options.
Recommended for 2025:
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Classic New England Fall (5–7 days): Includes Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Great for first-timers.
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Vermont-Only Tours: Focus on Woodstock, Stowe, and the Northeast Kingdom.
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Specialty Tours: Photography tours, harvest festival tours, and covered bridge themes.
Tours to look into:
Before booking, verify tour inclusions—some offer only transportation, while others are full-service.
Explore the Top Routes and Regions for Leaf Peeping in Vermont
Vermont offers countless scenic roads, but if you want to build a truly unforgettable Vermont fall foliage tour, these are the top regions and routes you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re behind the wheel or relaxing on a guided coach, these areas deliver the full autumn fantasy.
1. Route 100 – The Heart of Vermont
Route 100 is often called the “Skier’s Highway,” but in the fall, it becomes a leaf-lover’s paradise. This road slices through the center of the state, offering uninterrupted views of mountains, farmland, and sleepy villages.
Top spots:
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Wilmington – A cozy town perfect for your starting point
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Ludlow & Killington – Great for a lunch stop and short hikes
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Waterbury – Home to Ben & Jerry’s and Cold Hollow Cider Mill
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Stowe – A must-stop for Stowe VT fall foliage
2. The Green Mountain Byway
This 11-mile stretch between Waterbury and Stowe packs a punch. Despite its short length, it’s one of the most photogenic drives in Vermont. You’ll find:
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Covered bridges
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Farm stands
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Quiet trails
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Rolling hillsides glowing in amber and gold
This area is perfect for photos, especially during early to mid-October.
3. Molly Stark Byway – Southern Vermont’s Secret
Running along Route 9 from Brattleboro to Bennington, the Molly Stark Byway is ideal for travelers starting from New York or Massachusetts. It’s lined with panoramic overlooks, apple orchards, and cute towns like Wilmington.
Great stop: Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook—on a clear day, you can see three states.
4. The Northeast Kingdom
If you’re looking for less traffic and more nature, head to Vermont’s northeast corner. The Northeast Kingdom is wild, serene, and full of lakes that mirror the changing leaves.
Don’t miss:
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Lake Willoughby
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Burke Mountain
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Island Pond Village
This area is a highlight in many photography-centered vermont fall foliage tours 2025.
Planning Your Perfect Autumn Getaway with Vermont Fall Foliage Tours
Timing your trip right can mean the difference between faded yellows and that perfect red-orange explosion. Luckily, Vermont’s tourism department offers a real-time fall foliage map Vermont, updated daily during the season.
Here’s how to use it:
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Check updates daily: Leaves turn fast. What’s green today could peak in three days.
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Follow color zones: Start in the north and work your way south for the longest foliage window.
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Cross-check with elevation: Higher elevations change first.
Where to find it:
📍 Official Vermont Fall Foliage Map
Pro tip: Use the map alongside Google Maps to customize your route by town, peak foliage, and stop preferences.
Best Fall Foliage Routes in New England: Discover the Ultimate Leaf-Peeping Drives
Top Towns to Explore on Your Vermont Fall Foliage Tours
If you want the full experience, include at least two or three iconic Vermont towns in your fall foliage driving tour Vermont. Here are my top picks:
Woodstock
A classic New England village with white steeples, covered bridges, and antique shops. Woodstock VT fall foliage is legendary—especially around Cloudland Road and Sleepy Hollow Farm.
Don’t miss:
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Billings Farm & Museum
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Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park
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Middle Covered Bridge
Stowe
Stowe is a foliage powerhouse. The drive through Smugglers’ Notch alone is worth the trip. Combine that with the town’s alpine charm, and you’ve got a dream stop on any Vermont fall foliage tour.
Highlights:
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Mount Mansfield Gondola
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Stowe Recreation Path
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Downtown shopping & cafés
Burlington
For a mix of lakeside beauty and artsy vibes, Burlington Vermont fall foliage delivers. Walk the waterfront, enjoy the farmers market, and relax with a maple latte on Church Street.
Must-see:
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Burlington Greenway
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Shelburne Farms
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Sunset at Waterfront Park
What to Pack for Vermont Fall Foliage Tours: Essentials for a Scenic Autumn Getaway
Packing for a fall foliage season Vermont trip is all about layers, comfort, and being ready for spontaneous adventures. Here’s a handy list based on my own travel bag:
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Light jacket + fleece or sweater
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Waterproof shell – Fall showers are common
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Hiking boots or trail shoes
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Camera or smartphone tripod
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Portable charger
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Snacks and a thermos (for hot cider!)
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Binoculars – Especially for mountain vistas
Also, bring a printed itinerary or a GPS download of your route—cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Free Downloadable Vermont Foliage Tour Itinerary (PDF) for Your Perfect Autumn Adventure
Want a ready-to-go plan for your Vermont fall foliage tours 2025 adventure? I’ve created a 5-day PDF itinerary packed with:
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Day-by-day routes
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Lodging and dining suggestions
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Festival dates
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Scenic stops and photo tips
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Live map links
Great for couples, families, or solo travelers looking to maximize their leaf-peeping experience.
Conclusion: Vermont in Fall Is Worth the Trip for Unforgettable Foliage Tours
There’s a reason Vermont consistently tops the list of must-see fall destinations in the United States. Its blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and timeless traditions creates a foliage experience that feels personal, peaceful, and unforgettable. Whether you choose a luxury coach tour, a private guided experience, or your own carefully crafted fall foliage driving tour in Vermont, you’re guaranteed a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest performances.
I’ve returned to Vermont every fall for the past five years, and each trip offers something new—an unexpected back road, a hidden waterfall, or a quiet sunrise over a lake that leaves me speechless. That’s the magic of this state: it’s not just beautiful, it’s soulful.
As you plan your Vermont fall foliage tours for 2025, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. The roads are scenic, the locals are warm, and the cider is always fresh. Trust the fall foliage map Vermont, stay flexible with your itinerary, and be ready to stop often. Your perfect fall adventure is waiting—just follow the leaves.
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FAQs
What’s the best time to go on a Vermont fall foliage tour?
The best time is late September through mid-October. Northern and high-elevation areas peak first, followed by central and southern Vermont.
Are Vermont fall foliage tours available in 2025?
Yes. Many tour companies like Collette and Tauck have released 2025 packages. Book early to secure peak foliage dates.
Can I plan my own fall foliage tour in Vermont?
Absolutely. A self-guided fall foliage driving tour in Vermont offers flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.
Where can I find a live Vermont foliage map?
The official Vermont Foliage Map is updated daily with color reports by region.
What towns should I visit during Vermont fall foliage season?
Don’t miss Woodstock, Stowe, and Burlington—each offers unique charm, events, and stunning views during peak season.
