Vermont is a dreamland when autumn arrives. The rolling hills, covered in sugar maples and birch, burst into a vibrant palette of red, gold, and amber. If you’re looking for the ultimate fall foliage driving tour in Vermont, this guide is your golden ticket.
I’ve driven across the state countless times during the fall foliage season in Vermont, and let me tell you—it never disappoints. From classic routes like Route 100 to hidden gems in the Northeast Kingdom, each drive has its own magic. This guide includes detailed descriptions, personal tips, and links to a Vermont fall foliage map 2025 so you can chase peak color wherever you go.
Let’s get rolling.
Table of Contents
The Foliage Highway: A Classic Fall Foliage Driving Tour in Vermont
When it comes to scenic fall drives Route 100 is the undisputed king. Stretching over 200 miles from Massachusetts to Canada, this route runs parallel to the spine of the Green Mountains and serves as the heart of any fall foliage driving tour in Vermont.
I personally recommend the stretch between Ludlow and Waterbury. It’s packed with charming towns, covered bridges, and unbeatable views. During my most recent trip in early October, I saw golden hillsides in Killington, scarlet sugar maples near Warren, and postcard-perfect barns scattered throughout the Mad River Valley.
Highlights along Route 100:
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Moss Glen Falls (Granville) – A quick roadside stop with a stunning waterfall.
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Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Waterbury) – For cider donuts that will ruin all others.
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Weston Village Store – Great for local gifts and cozy flannel.
Use the official Vermont Fall Foliage Map 2024 to time your trip around peak color. This route is also one of the most featured in Vermont fall foliage tours, often highlighted by travel companies and guidebooks alike.
Travel tip: Drive north to south for optimal lighting in the afternoon, and avoid weekends if you prefer quiet roads.
Smugglers’ Notch – A Highlight of Any Fall Foliage Driving Tour in Vermont
Located near Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch is a winding, cliff-lined road that offers some of the most dramatic foliage views in the state. Known locally as “The Notch,” this tight pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak is only open during the warmer months, making fall your last chance before winter closures.
Driving through here during the fall foliage season in Vermont feels like slipping through a tunnel of leaves. The trees hug the road so closely that it’s almost surreal. You’ll twist and turn through granite boulders, with sudden openings that offer panoramic views of the valley.
Key spots to stop:
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Smugglers’ Notch State Park – Great hiking trails with killer views.
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Bingham Falls – A short hike rewards you with a scenic waterfall.
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Stowe Mountain Resort – For a gondola ride above the treetops.
This area is also a highlight of many curated Vermont fall foliage tours, especially photography expeditions and romantic escapes.
📍 Smugglers’ Notch Location on Google Maps
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The Mad River Valley Loop – A Fall Foliage Driving Tour in Vermont’s Quiet Beauty
If you want something less crowded but equally stunning, the Mad River Valley Loop is a hidden gem. This loop encompasses Waitsfield, Warren, Fayston, and Moretown, connected by small roads like East Warren Road and Route 17.
I stumbled upon this drive on my second Vermont trip and fell in love with its peaceful vibe. Red barns, foggy hillsides, cows grazing under golden trees—it’s the kind of beauty that makes you pull over every five minutes.
Local favorites:
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East Warren Community Market – Grab local cheese, cider, and baked goods.
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Waitsfield Covered Bridge – A historic gem perfect for photos.
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Sugarbush Resort – Offers lift rides in fall for aerial foliage views.
This loop is often included in private fall foliage tours Vermont, especially for travelers who prefer less commercial routes. Use the fall foliage map Vermont to check when the leaves peak in this region.
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Fall Foliage Driving Tour Vermont: The Northeast Kingdom Byways – Untouched Color
For a wilder, more rugged adventure, head north to the Northeast Kingdom—Vermont’s most remote and least developed region. It’s far from tourist-heavy zones, but the reward is pure, untouched fall magic.
The Northeast Kingdom Byways connect towns like Lyndonville, Island Pond, and Burke. The terrain here is varied: deep woods, expansive meadows, and clear glacial lakes that mirror the changing leaves.
I visited in early October and was stunned by the colors around Lake Willoughby—deep blues contrasted with explosive reds and oranges. It’s hands down one of the best places to see fall foliage in Vermont.
Top picks in the area:
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Willoughby Gap – Between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor.
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Burke Mountain Auto Toll Road – Drive to the summit for aerial views.
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Island Pond Village – Small, authentic, and scenic.
The byways are less curated for tourism, so pack snacks and a full tank of gas. But that remoteness is what makes it special—it’s Vermont in its rawest, most colorful form.
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Fall Foliage Driving Tour Vermont: The Molly Stark Byway – Southern Vermont Splendor
Southern Vermont is often overshadowed by its northern cousins, but the Molly Stark Byway proves it deserves just as much love. Running between Brattleboro and Bennington on Route 9, this drive offers rolling hills, charming inns, and classic New England fall vibes.
This was the first Vermont drive I ever took, and it’s stayed with me. The colors in the Green Mountain National Forest during peak season are absolutely mesmerizing. You’ll find covered bridges, hiking trailheads, and farms selling pumpkins and maple goodies.
Must-see stops:
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Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook – A wide vista that’s breathtaking at sunset.
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Bennington Battle Monument – History meets foliage.
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Brattleboro Farmers Market – Full of fall treats and handmade crafts.
Southern Vermont also offers some of the most authentic Vermont fall foliage tours, ideal for those who want a balance of nature and culture.
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Green Mountain Byway – A Fall Foliage Driving Tour Through the Heart of Vermont’s Golden Corridor
If you’re mapping out a fall foliage driving tour in Vermont, you absolutely can’t skip the Green Mountain Byway. This 11-mile route runs from Waterbury to Stowe and is one of the most photogenic corridors in the state. It may be short, but it packs in more scenic punch per mile than almost any other drive in Vermont.
I drove this route last October, and it was jaw-dropping. Rolling hills blanketed in gold, cozy villages with white church steeples, and classic red barns against a sea of leaves—it’s like a live-action Norman Rockwell painting. There are also great roadside farms and maple syrup stands worth stopping for.
Top attractions:
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Waterbury Reservoir – Perfect for a peaceful paddle among the leaves.
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Trapp Family Lodge – Offers a European alpine vibe and spectacular views.
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Gold Brook Covered Bridge (“Emily’s Bridge”) – Spooky, historic, and beautiful.
Don’t forget to consult the Vermont fall foliage map 2025 to catch this route during its most colorful window, typically in early to mid-October.
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Lake Champlain Byway – Water Meets Fire
If you want to combine lake views with leaf-peeping, the Lake Champlain Byway is for you. This 185-mile scenic route follows the eastern edge of Lake Champlain, stretching from Alburgh down to Middlebury. The contrast between the deep blue lake and the fire-colored forests is stunning.
One of the best things about this drive is the variety. You’ll pass through artsy towns like Burlington, historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga, and vineyards with fall harvest events. On a clear day, you can even see the Adirondack Mountains across the lake.
Fall highlights:
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Burlington’s Waterfront Park – Sunsets here are unmatched.
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Shelburne Farms – Gorgeous grounds, a cheese shop, and family-friendly activities.
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Vergennes Falls Park – A small town with a surprisingly photogenic waterfall.
The route is easy to navigate and well-signposted. Use it as part of a larger Vermont fall foliage tour or enjoy it as a relaxing day drive.
Route 7 – A South-to-North Journey
Route 7 is one of Vermont’s main north-south highways, but don’t let that fool you—it offers a scenic ride through some of the state’s most iconic towns and foliage zones. This drive is perfect if you want to see a wide variety of landscapes and cultural attractions.
Start in Bennington and head north through Manchester, Rutland, and Middlebury before reaching Burlington. Each town has its own unique vibe, and during fall, the trees that line the route transform it into a ribbon of color.
Places to explore along the way:
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Bennington Museum – With one of the largest collections of Grandma Moses art.
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Hildene (The Lincoln Family Home) – Historic estate with stunning gardens.
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Middlebury College Campus – Gorgeous in autumn with tree-lined paths.
I suggest pairing this drive with local stops for cider tastings and farm visits. It’s also a good backbone route if you’re building your own fall foliage driving tour in Vermont.
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Route 30 – Through Valleys and Villages
For those who prefer peaceful backroads, Route 30 is a fantastic alternative. It cuts diagonally through southwestern Vermont, from Brattleboro to Middlebury, weaving through farmland, state forests, and some of the state’s most underrated foliage zones.
I once drove this route on a foggy fall morning and was treated to one of the most ethereal scenes I’ve ever witnessed: mist-covered hills, cows grazing in golden fields, and every shade of fall leaf imaginable.
Key sights:
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Townshend State Park – Quiet, colorful, and great for short hikes.
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Dorset Village – Colonial charm and marble sidewalks.
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Lake Bomoseen – Ideal for a waterside picnic or sunset view.
Check the fall foliage map Vermont for live tracking of color changes in this area, as peak foliage can arrive a week earlier than in lower elevations.
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Scenic Route 125 – Over the Green Mountains
Last but not least, Route 125 from Middlebury to Hancock is one of Vermont’s hidden treasures. This narrow, winding road crosses the spine of the Green Mountains, offering up-close encounters with the dense forests that make Vermont so famous in the fall.
It’s a short drive—only about 15 miles—but it’s densely packed with beauty. During foliage season, the surrounding hills light up like fire, and the road feels like a secret tunnel through a golden forest. It’s a fantastic route for those who love raw nature and minimal traffic.
Top picks:
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Texas Falls Picnic Area – A lovely spot with trails and waterfalls.
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Middlebury College Snow Bowl – The surrounding area glows during peak season.
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Robert Frost Interpretive Trail – Short, poetic, and unforgettable.
Bring snacks and a full tank—the area has limited services, but plenty of natural rewards.
Conclusion: Create Your Perfect Fall Foliage Driving Tour in Vermont
Fall in Vermont is more than a season—it’s a spectacle, a celebration of nature that transforms every road into a living painting. Whether you take a full week to explore or just sneak in a weekend getaway, these drives will give you front-row seats to one of the most stunning seasonal shows on Earth.
With the help of the Vermont fall foliage map 2025 and this curated list of scenic routes, you can tailor your own fall foliage driving tour in Vermont. Just don’t forget your camera, a thermos of cider, and maybe a flannel or two.
Plan early, drive slow, and savor every turn—you’re in leaf-peeping paradise.
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FAQs
When is the best time to take a fall foliage driving tour in Vermont?
The best time is typically from late September to mid-October, depending on elevation and location.
Are these routes suitable for RVs or large vehicles?
Most are, but roads like Smugglers’ Notch and Route 125 are narrow—check local guidance before driving a large vehicle.
Do I need a special pass or permit to access these scenic drives?
No special passes are required, but state parks along the routes may have small entrance fees.
Where can I find the Vermont Fall Foliage Map 2025?
You can track live foliage updates on the official Vermont foliage site.
Are there guided Vermont fall foliage tours available?
Yes! Many local companies offer bus, bike, or private guided tours—especially in areas like Stowe, Woodstock, and the Northeast Kingdom.
