Vermont Fall Foliage Tours: When to Go and How to Get Around

Every autumn, Vermont transforms into one of the most breathtaking places on earth. The hillsides explode in crimson, amber, and gold — and travelers from around the world make the pilgrimage to witness it firsthand. If you're planning a Vermont fall foliage tour, this guide will help you time your visit, choose scenic routes, and get around without the stress.

Vermont's fall foliage season typically runs from mid-September through mid-October, but peak color varies by elevation and region:

• Northern Vermont (Burlington, Stowe, Northeast Kingdom): Peak color usually arrives between late September and early October
• Central Vermont (Montpelier, Mad River Valley): Peak typically hits early to mid-October
• Southern Vermont (Brattleboro, Manchester): Tends to peak mid to late October

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation publishes a weekly foliage report during the season — it's the most reliable resource for tracking color progression in real time.

Pro tip: The week before "peak" is often the most beautiful. Once foliage hits peak, a single rainstorm can strip the leaves quickly. Aim to arrive 3–5 days before predicted peak for the best experience.

Vermont is full of stunning fall drives, but these routes consistently deliver the most spectacular color:

Running north-south through the heart of the Green Mountains, Route 100 is Vermont's most iconic fall drive. From Wilmington in the south to Newport in the north, this route passes through charming villages, covered bridges, and endless mountain vistas.

This east-west corridor through central Vermont offers stunning views of the Winooski River valley and the rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom. The stretch between Montpelier and Cabot is particularly beautiful.

This narrow mountain pass north of Stowe is one of Vermont's most dramatic drives. The notch itself closes to through traffic in winter, making fall one of the last chances to experience it before the season ends.

The short drive north from Stowe village along Route 100 offers quintessential Vermont scenery — white church steeples, red barns, and hillsides ablaze with color.

Here's the honest truth: Vermont's public transportation options are limited, and foliage season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Rental cars sell out fast at Burlington Airport, and rideshare availability outside of Burlington can be unpredictable.

For foliage travelers flying into Burlington, a pre-booked Vermont airport car service solves most transportation headaches:

Airport transfers: We track your flight and meet you at baggage claim — no waiting, no surge pricing, no scrambling for a rental car that may not be available.

Day trips from Burlington: Want to spend a day in Stowe, drive Route 100, or visit the Northeast Kingdom? We can take you there and bring you back, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the road.

Multi-stop itineraries: Planning to visit multiple towns? We'll build a custom route that maximizes your foliage experience.

Accommodations book up months in advance for peak foliage weekends. Here are the most popular bases:

• Burlington: Vermont's largest city offers the most lodging options and easy access to the airport. Great restaurants, the Church Street Marketplace, and Lake Champlain waterfront.
• Stowe: The quintessential Vermont village experience. Higher prices but unmatched charm and mountain access.
• Woodstock: Often called "the prettiest small town in America." Ideal for southern Vermont foliage.
• Montpelier: Vermont's small but vibrant capital city. Central location for exploring multiple regions.

Vermont fall weather is famously unpredictable. Temperatures can range from 30°F to 65°F in the same week.

Essentials:

• Layering system (base layer, fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof outer shell)
• Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots
• Rain jacket — always
• Camera or a phone with a good camera — you'll want it

Flying into Burlington for foliage season? AWD VT Car Service makes your arrival and departure seamless, and we're happy to arrange day trips to Vermont's most scenic fall destinations. Also see our BTV airport guide for everything you need to know about landing at Burlington, and our BTV departure tips for a smooth outbound journey.

Foliage season overlaps with the start of ski season in higher elevations — if you're combining a foliage trip with early skiing, we serve both Stowe Mountain Resort and Killington Resort year-round.

Call (802) 363-2177 or contact us online to book your transfer. We recommend reserving at least 2–3 weeks in advance for peak foliage weekends.