What to Do for a Stress-Free Vermont Fall Foliage Trip

Fall in Vermont is one of the most spectacular travel experiences you can have, but it also can come with crowds, unpredictable weather, and lots of logistics if you’re not prepared. Here are a few local-approved tips to help you make the most of it.

Do Book Early

Whether it’s lodging, dinner reservations, or guided tours, fall gets busy fast. As soon as you know your dates, get your bookings squared away. You’ll have more choices and a lot less stress when you get here.

Do Wake Up Early

Peak foliage season means peak everything, especially on weekends. Start your scenic drives in the morning to catch soft light, quiet roads, and shorter lines at your favorite bakery or café.

Do Explore Back Roads

Some of Vermont’s most stunning foliage is found away from the highways. Don’t be afraid to follow a dirt road, loop through a small village, or ask a local for their favorite scenic turn. Our guided and self-guided tours are built around this exact approach.

Do Leave Room for the Unexpected

The best stops aren’t always planned. A pop-up farmstand, a surprise view, a roadside stand with hot cider and no sign. Leave some space in your schedule for those moments.

Do Pack for Anything

Fall weather in Vermont can be 70 and sunny or rainy and brisk… all in the same day! Bring layers, waterproof shoes, and a thermos. Bonus points if you pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to enjoy it.

Do Respect the Landscape

Pull off the road safely if you want a photo. Don’t block private driveways or wander into someone’s field. Many of the prettiest places in Vermont are privately owned and graciously shared. Let’s keep it that way.

Do Ask for Help

We love sharing our state with visitors. If you need directions, a suggestion, or just want to know where to find the best maple creemee before the season ends, ask. Or join a tour and let us handle it all for you.

Do Bring a Real Camera (or Clear Off Your Phone Storage)

Foliage colors can be unreal, and photos never quite do them justice, but you'll still want to try. Whether you're snapping quick shots or composing the perfect frame with a DSLR, make sure you’re ready. Some of the best views pop up with no warning, so keep your camera accessible.

Do Look Beyond the Leaves

Yes, the colors are amazing. But fall in Vermont is also about crisp air, fresh apples, woodsmoke in the distance, and the way the light slants through the trees at 4 p.m. Don’t just look up, take in everything.

Do Plan a Picnic or Snack Stop

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Pick up some local cheese, a fresh loaf of bread, or a cider donut and find a scenic pull-off. Vermont is full of quiet places to sit, snack, and take in the view.

Do Take a Midweek Trip if You Can

If your schedule allows, visiting on a weekday means fewer crowds, more lodging options, and a quieter experience all around. You’ll see the same colors, just with fewer cars in your photos.

Do Be Present

This might be the most important one (saving the best for last!). Don’t spend the whole drive trying to capture the perfect shot or keep to a schedule. Pull over, breathe the air, notice the silence. Vermont tends to reveal itself most when you stop trying so hard to find it.

Looking for more support with your planning?

Our Private Foliage Tours and Self-Guided Scenic Audio Routes are designed to make your trip smooth, meaningful, and full of beautiful moments you didn’t have to map out yourself.