Summary

• Vermont is the best New England state to see stunning fall foliage, with its forested landscape and native maple trees.
• A list of the 10 best places to see Vermont's fall foliage is provided, along with recommended hotels for a comfortable stay.
• Each destination offers unique activities, such as hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation, to fully experience the beauty of the fall season.

Of all the New England states, Vermont is arguably the best destination to see the most stunning fall foliage. The Green Mountain State is about 78 percent forested, where the landscape is packed with a significant number of native maple trees that put on quite a show during the fall. The small towns with a backdrop of rolling hills and state parks, some of which are the least crowded, are some of the best places to witness the fall foliage in all its splendor.

However, since Vermont tops the list of the best New England states to visit in the fall, choosing the most standout place to soak in the colors can be daunting. But this list of the 10 best places to see Vermont's brilliant fall foliage helps tourists choose their ideal spots.

Beyond recommending idyllic spots in Vermont to catch the fall colors, we’ve also suggested a hotel to complement the entire trip. Each hotel is rated 8.0+ and is in a great setting to make exploring some of the state’s most famous attractions this fall easy. These accommodations also offer excellent amenities for maximum comfort throughout the stay.

Related: Explore The 10 Most Scenic Fall Hikes In Vermont Before Autumn Is Over

Groton State Forest

Groton State Forest is an off-the-beaten-path wilderness between the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River Valley. This pristine forest encompasses over 25,000 acres and is home to seven state parks and eight lakes, providing fun outdoor recreation opportunities. When the seasons change, this massive natural area explodes into visually stunning autumnal colors, and the New Discovery State Park offers the best views. The state park has designated horseback riding gravel-surfaced roads and forest highways. However, horses should not be on hiking trails or day-use areas not designated for equine use.

• Best activities in Groton State Forest: Hiking, Camping, Horseback riding, Horse-camping, Fishing

Green Mountain Byway

The Green Mountain Byway is a four-season route traveling across six of Vermont’s charming towns. It also offers gorgeous fall views of meadows, farmlands, and forests. One of the must-stop towns along the byway is Waterbury, a small iconic town along Route 100. This town hosts the renowned Ben & Jerry’s Factory and offers breathtaking mountain and lake views at the Waterbury Center State Park. The Waterbury Reservoir in the park reflects the surrounding vegetation, showcasing one of the most beautiful fall foliage scenes.

• Best attractions in Waterbury: Little River State Park, Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont at 4,395 feet and is one of the best places to see fall foliage during a hike or a scenic drive to the summit along Auto Toll Road. Hiking is ideal for adventurers who want an immersive experience of crunching leaves beneath their feet. A popular trail for leaf-peeping and unobstructed views is the challenging 7.7 miles Mount Mansfield Loop Trail. This trail begins at Underhill State Park, leading hikers through frightening rocky sections before reaching the Chin.

• Best activities in Underhill State Park: Camping, Hiking, Mountain biking, Fishing, Wildlife watching

Related: This Vermont Park Is Surprisingly Good For Gold Panning (& Much More)

Smuggler’s Notch

As one of Vermont’s most popular leaf-peeping spots, Smuggler’s Notch Pass lives up to its hype with its showstopping fall foliage. Although narrow and windy, this pass turns ablaze with orange, red, and yellow shades during peak season. Leaf peepers park their cars to take photographs while others stretch their legs and hike nearby trails.

Located at the top of Smuggler’s Notch is the 2.1-mile-long Sterling Pond Trail, which is beyond idyllic for a morning walk in the fall. This trail has a deciduous forest lining it and ends with a lovely pond view. Beyond this scenic hike, Smuggler’s Notch is also home to other trails worth exploring.

• Best activities in Smuggler’s Notch: Scenic driving, Hiking, Photography

Read up on this informative guide to learn Smuggler’s Notch history, including how it got its fascinating name.

Grafton

Grafton is rated one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont, worth visiting for its rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings. One of the first places travelers explore when they come to Grafton in the fall is the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center for its interconnected hiking and biking trails. The serene trails offer an escape to explore, reconnect with nature, and leaf peep during peak foliage season. On the other hand, traveling families visit the Nature Museum for its interactive children's programs, beautiful gardens, and natural playscape area.

• Best attractions in Grafton: The Nature Museum, Grafton Historical Society, Plummer’s Sugar House, Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

Quechee State Park

Quechee State Park sits along US Route 4 and is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping. However, the park’s main attraction is the Quechee Gorge, the deepest gorge in Vermont at 165 feet. This gorge formed over 10,000 years ago due to glacial activity and offers astounding views of the Ottauquechee River flowing through it. In the fall foliage peak season, the canyon has a fascinating sight of orange and yellow maple trees flanking its sides.

• Best activities in Quechee State Park: Camping, Picnicking, Fishing, Hiking

Brattleboro

Brattleboro is an eclectic town offering the perfect fall vacation to travelers who want to unwind amidst rolling hills. Despite its small size, Brattleboro provides some of the best fall foliage views from the historic downtown to the Creamery Covered Bridge. This 19th-century bridge draws tourists when the surrounding vegetation has brilliant orange hues in peak season to take Instagram-worthy pictures. After taking pictures, vacationers head to the Retreat Farm for a relaxing walk in the forests or along the river.

• Best attractions in Brattleboro: The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market, Latchis Theatre, Brattleboro Historical Society

Besides being a stunning destination to see Vermont’s beautiful fall foliage, there are other things tourists can do to discover Brattleboro’s unique charm.

Manchester

Manchester is an alluring fall destination surrounded by imposing rolling hills viewable from every corner of the town. This unique position gives leaf peepers all-rounded fall foliage views that are hard to beat in New England. Besides strolling in the historic district area, adventurers find more foliage views by embarking on the iconic Mount Equinox Skyline Drive between Manchester and Arlington. The drive rewards adventurers with sweeping views of the Green, White, Adirondack, and Berkshire Mountains from the Mount Equinox summit.

• Best attractions in Manchester: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, The Golf Club at The Equinox, Lye Brooks Falls, American Museum of Fly Fishing, North Meadow Farm

Related: 14 Things To Do In Montpelier: Complete Guide To Vermont's State Capital

Woodstock

Woodstock is a leaf-peeper’s paradise located on the eastern side of the Green Mountains. This charming town comes alive with the dazzling colors of autumn that enhance the beauty of the surrounding mountains, farms, and valleys. A short walk from the shopping district leads travelers to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, which is partly a museum and nature preserve. With free-to-access trails, visitors wander through woods, hemlocks, and pastures daily from dawn to dusk. However, visitors have to pay for a tour of the historic mansion.

• Best attractions in Woodstock: Billings Farm & Museum, Taftsville Covered Bridge, Sugarbush Farm, Mount Tom, Collective the Art of Craft

Stowe

Stowe may be known as a small-town ski hotspot, but it’s also a beautiful fall getaway destination in Vermont for all its outdoor fun activities and the coziness it exudes during this season. The majestic mountain backdrop and the fall foliage add a magical touch to this town. Adventurers soak up the autumnal display and breeze as they stroll downtown, hopping from one quaint shop to another. For those who want to see Stowe’s fall foliage from above, there are exhilarating Hot Air balloon rides that offer mesmerizing Green Mountains and Adirondacks views.

• Best attractions in Stowe: Mount Mansfield, Stowe Recreation Path, Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Gondola Skyride, Stowe Recreation Path