What Not to Do During Vermont Fall Foliage Season

Fall in Vermont is stunning, but it’s also one of the busiest and most unpredictable times to visit. If you want your foliage trip to feel relaxed, scenic, and worth the hype, here are a few things to avoid.

Don’t Try to Cover the Entire State in One Weekend

Yes, Vermont is small. But the roads are winding, the stops are frequent, and the joy is in lingering. Pick one or two regions and slow down.

Don’t Book Lodging or Tours Last Minute

Fall is peak season. Inns, restaurants, and tours fill up early… sometimes months in advance! Waiting too long often means higher prices or limited options. If you know your travel dates, book early and you’ll thank yourself later.

Don’t Stick to the Main Roads Only

Everyone knows Route 100. It’s beautiful, but it can get crowded. The lesser-known loops and backroads offer just as much (and often more) color, and a lot more peace. A tour with Vermont Wayfinders can take you there, or we’ll point you to an audio tour that does.

Don’t Count on Peak Color for One Exact Day

Foliage timing depends on weather, elevation, and a bit of magic. Planning your entire trip around a single peak day is risky. Instead, build in flexibility, aim for early October, and remember: partial color is still pretty spectacular.

Don’t Plan Every Minute

If you schedule too tightly, you’ll miss what makes Vermont great: the unexpected. A perfect pull-off. A sugarhouse you didn’t see on the map. A field glowing in golden light. Leave room to stop and wander.

Don’t Assume You’ll Have Cell Service

Navigation apps might not work in the hills or valleys. Download directions in advance and bring a map just in case. Our audio tours work offline too, so you can relax and enjoy the ride without losing the thread.

Don’t Honk at Tractors or Slow Drivers

Fall is busy, but Vermont tends to move at its own pace. You might find yourself behind a tractor, a bicyclist, or someone taking their time admiring the view. And that’s okay.

Resist the urge to rush. Take a deep breath, enjoy the scenery, and remember that slowing down is part of the experience.

And if you happen to be one of those people driving slowly and admiring the view, be mindful of those behind you and pull off to the side of the road where it’s safe to do so and let others by!