Vermont is covered by nearly 70% forest, giving it the highest density of maple trees in the United States and making a Vermont autumn a truly spectacular experience. Between mid-September and mid-October are when the colors are the brightest, with some fall foliage starting to change as early as September in the northern areas and higher elevations.
Smugglers Notch Pass
Smugglers Notch is a mountain pass in Lamoille County, Vermont. The notch separates Mount Mansfield — the highest peak of the Green Mountains — from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range. If you want to stretch your legs, hike up the Sterling Pond Trail at the top. It's a 2.3-mile out-and-back hike with pretty views of Sterling Pond and a great place to take in Vermont's fall foliage.
Kingdom Trails — East Burke
The Kingdom Trails is a popular mountain bike destination in East Burke, Vermont — and it also happens to be a spectacular place to see fall colors. Even if you're not a mountain biker, the walking and hiking trails along Darling Hill offer incredible views out over the ridges and valleys. Spend your day on the trails, then enjoy a drink and dinner on the patio at Juniper's Restaurant at the Wildflower Inn.
Shelburne Orchards
Tucked away in the rolling hills near the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is a fun way to spend an afternoon when fall is in the air. Walk along Shelburne Farm's extensive walking paths for stunning views of the lake. Then head to the nearby Shelburne Orchards where you can pick your own apples and snack on apple cider donuts.
Mount Mansfield
A Vermont fall colors tour wouldn't be complete without a hike up Mount Mansfield. Standing at 4,395 feet — Vermont's highest peak — a handful of trails lead to the summit. The 7.3-mile Mount Mansfield Loop Trail starts at Underhill State Park and traverses the ridge for uninterrupted views of the Green Mountain State in full fall glory.
Quechee State Park
Home to the breathtaking 165-foot-deep Quechee Gorge — Vermont's deepest ravine, carved over 13,000 years ago by glacial activity — and flanked on both sides with maple trees, the gorge offers incredible fall foliage views above the Ottauquechee River. Visitors can access the Gorge via the 2.7-mile Quechee Gorge Trail.
Somerset Reservoir
The Somerset Reservoir is a large lake nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest of southern Vermont. Take your kayak or paddleboard out onto the water and watch for loons, ducks, moose, deer, or black bears — or head out for a hike on one of the many nearby trails. Address: 2041 Somerset Rd, West Dover, VT 05356.