Vermont has slowly transformed into a stunning display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows over the past couple of weeks, and with that change comes perfect hiking weather as well! The following trails are some of our favorites located in the greater Chittenden County area and range in difficulty from flat, easy strolls, to more challenging mountain climbs.

Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte

Just a short drive from Burlington, Mt. Philo is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Vermont’s autumn colors. The hike to the summit is relatively easy, making it great for families or those seeking a leisurely day out. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains.

Hike Length: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage.

Camel’s Hump in Duxbury

For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, Camel’s Hump offers one of the most iconic hikes in Vermont. The ascent is more difficult, but the sweeping 360-degree views from the summit are worth every step. From the top, you'll see miles of forests stretching across the Green Mountains, making this hike a top pick for fall foliage seekers.

Hike Length: 6.0 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October for peak foliage.

The Pinnacle in Stowe

Located just outside of Chittenden County in Stowe, The Pinnacle is a moderately challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The short but steep trail is perfect for a day hike, and the summit offers a clear view of Mount Mansfield, which, for those who don’t know, is the tallest mountain in the Green Mountain State.

Hike Length: 3.0 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October for vibrant peak foliage.

Bolton Valley Backcountry 

If you're looking for something less crowded, head to the Bolton Valley backcountry trails. This area offers a variety of hikes, from short loops to longer treks, through beautiful hardwood forests. The foliage here is wonderful, and you’ll experience the quiet solitude of Vermont’s forests at their most colorful.

Hike Length: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October.

Shelburne Bay Park

For a more relaxed hike, Shelburne Bay Park offers a peaceful stroll along the shores of Lake Champlain. The trail is flat and accessible, making it a perfect stroll for all ages. 

Hike Length: 2.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October.

People travel from around the country to get a glimpse of Autumn in Vermont. The landscape turns to a canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, the air begins to crisp, and the leaves begin to fall. Read on to discover the best ways to spend September, October and November in VT.

One of the most popular autumn activities in Vermont is simply enjoying the stunning fall foliage. Vermont’s winding roads scenic drives through rolling hills, mountains, and quaint towns, with leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Routes like Smugglers' Notch near Stowe, Route 100, and the Green Mountain Byway are some of the most famous for their picturesque views. If you're visiting mid-September through October, you'll experience peak foliage.

Autumn is prime apple-picking season, and there’s nothing like spending a crisp fall day wandering through an orchard with an apple in your hand. Popular orchards like Shelburne Orchards or Champlain Orchards have a variety of apples, along with seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts.

It’s harvest season in the Green Mountain State, which means local farms are filled with fresh produce. Stop by farm stands like Paul Mazza’s, Adam’s Apple Orchard, or Bread & Butter Farm for seasonal vegetables, pumpkins, and homemade goods. You’ll find everything from fresh apple cider and maple syrup to fall-inspired baked goods and jams. It’s a great way to meet and support your local farmers!

With cooler temperatures and the backdrop of fall foliage, it’s one of the best times to hit Vermont’s hiking trails. If you’re looking for a challenge, hike up Mount Mansfield, take an easy-going stroll along the Stowe Recreation Path. Just make sure you bring your camera!

Vermont’s towns and villages come alive with a variety of fall festivals. The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is a favorite with local artisans, live music, and delicious food. The Champlain Valley Craft Fair and Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival are also worth checking out. Who doesn’t want to witness several homemade trebuchets throwing pumpkins as far as possible?

For a truly unforgettable way to see Vermont’s fall foliage, consider taking a hot air balloon ride. Companies like Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides offer flights that give you a bird’s-eye view of the stunning autumn landscape. Gliding above the treetops, you’ll get a unique perspective of the mountains, forests, and valleys covered in fall colors.

Vermont is known for its iconic covered bridges, many of which date back to the 19th century. These historic structures are especially picturesque during the fall, surrounded by the foliage. Bridges like the Middle Covered Bridge in Woodstock or the Quechee Gorge Bridge are popular spots for photography and quiet strolls through the woods. 

Shelburne Farms is a working farm and educational center located on the shores of Lake Champlain. In the fall, it’s a fantastic destination for families and nature lovers. You can take a guided tour of the farm, visit the animals, and enjoy the gorgeous fall scenery as you walk along the trails. Shelburne Farms is also known for its artisanal cheeses, so don’t forget to stop by the farm store for a taste!

Vermont is home to a booming craft beer and cider scene, and autumn is the perfect time to visit the local breweries. Stop by places like Citizen Cider or The Alchemist for a tasting, and enjoy seasonal flavors like pumpkin ale or hard cider. Many breweries offer tours, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, with plenty of samples along the way!

 

 

When you shop at a farmer’s market or farm stand, you’re getting produce that was likely harvested hours before hitting your basket—sometimes you’ll find still-warm vegetables that were just picked from under the sun! Unlike grocery stores, which typically offer produce that’s traveled thousands of miles, local farmers deliver their goods directly to consumers without the added delays or refrigeration that can strip food of its nutritional value.

Produce from farm markets is often more flavorful because it’s picked at peak ripeness, rather than being harvested early to endure long transportation times. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers have a deeper, richer flavor when they come fresh from the field, while fruits like apples and strawberries are juicier and more vibrant. Grocery store produce, by contrast, is often selected for shelf life over taste, and the long supply chain can compromise its freshness and overall flavor. 

Another surprising benefit of shopping at local farm stands is that it can be less expensive than buying from grocery stores. Since local farms eliminate the middlemen—wholesalers, distributors, and retailers—they can often offer lower prices for fresh produce. By purchasing directly from the source, you avoid the markups added by the various steps in the traditional supply chain.

Farm stands often offer affordable organic and pesticide-free options compared to grocery stores, where these products come at a premium. By cutting out the transportation and storage costs, farmers are able to pass on savings directly to the consumer. In many cases, you’re getting higher quality, fresher, and more nutritious food for less, making local farmers’ markets and farm stands a win for both your budget and your health.

Shopping seasonally at local farm stands naturally brings greater variety to your diet, as the produce changes with each season. This variety ensures that you’re constantly introducing new nutrients, vitamins, and flavors to your meals, rather than relying on the same fruits and vegetables year-round. For example, spring might bring leafy greens and asparagus, while summer offers tomatoes, zucchini, and berries. As fall arrives, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash become more abundant.

This seasonal rotation encourages a more balanced and diverse intake of nutrients, which is essential for overall health. Eating a wide range of fruits and vegetables helps your body access different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support immune function, digestion, and overall well-being. The shift in available produce encourages you to explore new recipes and cooking techniques. By embracing seasonal changes, you naturally diversify your diet!

Farm stands allow you to connect directly with the farmers responsible for the food on your table. You can ask them about how the food was grown—whether they use pesticides, their methods for raising animals, or how they handle sustainability. Often, people working the stands are well-informed and more than happy to answer your questions! Visit your local Vermont farm stand and redefine the way you shop for food!
 

• Sam Mazza's Farm Market | Colchester, VT
• Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market | Williston, VT
• Paul Mazza Fruit & Vegetable | Essex Junction, VT
• Dean Brigante's Farm Stand | Colchester, VT
• Common Roots Farmstand | South Burlington, VT
• Jericho Settlers Farm, Inc. | Jericho, VT
• Killeen Crossroads Farm & Flowers | Shelburne, VT
• Beaudoin's Farmstand | Milton, VT
• Winooski Farmers Market | Winooski, VT
• Burlington Farmers Market | Burlington, VT
• Maple Wind Farm | Richmond, VT