Best Scenic Drives in Vermont During Fall
Vermont is beautiful in every season, but nothing can quite compare to Vermont during fall foliage. Foliage in Vermont is truly spectacular, the gorgeous valleys and mountains turn brilliant shades of bright red, orange, yellow and gold and road tripping is one
of the best ways to see and experience Vermont’s fall foliage. Each of Vermont’s quaint, charming towns are unique and worth exploring, including historic covered bridges, bed and breakfasts, general stores, farm stands, cider donuts and so much more. 1 deposit casino nz.com Whether you are heading to Vermont on romantic getaways, girls trip or a family vacation there is so much to see and do. One of the best ways to experience foliage viewing is by taking Vermont fall foliage drives.
Here are some of the best scenic drives to enjoy in Vermont during fall in order to see the best of the foliage display across the state.
Best Scenic Drives in Vermont During Fall
Route 100 (Killington to Waterbury)
Recognized as one of the most scenic routes in Vermont, the Route 100 Byway runs 146 miles from Readsboro in Southern Vermont, to Newport in Northern Vermont. This scenic route passes through quaint small towns, rolling hills, National Forests, covered bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls, country stores, hiking trails and so much more. Depending on where your home base is for your fall foliage vacation you can either start your Route 100 road trip in Killington or Stowe. Or shorten the drive if you don’t have the whole day to explore. The trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes without stops but could easily take a day with all the wonderful stores, hikes and eats to explore along the way.
Beginning in Killington, we suggest stopping for a hike at Kent Pond and venturing down to Thundering Brook Falls Trail for a gorgeous view. If you are a golfer, the Green Mountain National Golf Course is a must. Begin your journey on Route 100 into Pittsfield where you will come across The Original General Store. This wonderful little general store has everything from green juices, breakfast sandwiches and pizza.
The road continues on through Rochester where you will find the Rochester Cafe and Country Store.
Another great spot for coffee, yummy food, gifts and Vermont memories. Next enjoy the views as you ride through the Green Mountain National Forest and into Hancock, VT. You can’t have enough country stores in Vermont, stop into Hubbard’s Country Store for more local goodies and eats. Next stop, Granville, Vermont. The Granville Country Store offers maple syrup, a deli and wood shop. Moss Glen Falls is a great pit stop with scenic trails for hiking and gorgeous views of the falls.
In Warren, Vermont you will find one of our favorite swimming holes at Warren Falls and don’t forget about the Warren Store known for their deli, baked goods and unique gifts and treasures. Continuing on Route 100 make your way into Waitsfield. One of our favorite stops along the way, Mad Taco is a must if you are a Mexican food fan as well as Canteen Creemee Company for a maple creemee and the Pinebrook Covered Bridge for your quintessential Vermont Covered Bridge experience. Waterbury is next on your tour with a stop at the famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Finish your Route 100 excursion in Stowe at the Country Store on Main with lots of beautiful gifts, local foods and other Vermont products.
Woodstock to Manchester via Route 100, 11 & 30
Another beautiful drive we recommend is from Woodstock to Manchester, Vermont via Route 100, 11 & 30. The drive from Woodstock along scenic route 100 is gorgeous, passing through the Green Mountain range, Coolidge State Forest, Echo Lake, Okemo State Forest and Bromley Mountain. The drive meanders through rolling hills, mountains and valleys as you move through each village. You begin your drive through Bridgewater before connecting to route 100 and drive through Coolidge State Forest. You can stop at the Maple Leaf Farm and Garden Supply for flowers and gardening supplies as well as farm fresh produce. You’ll then pass through Ludlow, gorgeous Echo Lake and Lake Rescue.
As you move onward through West Meadow Farm in Weston, stop and check out their farm store. Also in Weston- Weston Playhouse which puts on wonderful theater performances throughout the year. Take a look at their website to see what’s on while you’re in the area. Hit up Woodcock Farm Cheese Farm next for all of your cheese needs. In Londonderry, the Maple Leaf Diner is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.
At Taylor Farm you can stop and meet the animals and pick up some produce from their farm stand. In Peru, Cats Cradle is a sweet children’s store perfect for gifts and your clothing and toys needs. Next drive through Bromley Mountain Ski Resort and Bromley Mountain Long Trail. Bob’s Diner is another great option for breakfast or lunch. As you near Manchester center you will pass, Dutton Farm Stand, one of my all time favorites for fresh produce, flowers and maple creemees and Prospect Rock Trail if you want to stop for a quick hike.
Route 2: Through the Lake Champlain Islands
If you are looking to explore Northern Vermont, route 2 is a gorgeous scenic drive down the island chain on Lake Champlain that you should add to your Vermont bucket list. Cross the drawbridge at SandBar State Park and pass through the towns of South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, Knight Point State Park and Isle La Motte. There is a great place to stop for ice cream and classic fried food at Seb’s Snack Bar, a bite to eat at The North Hero House and Inn, Wally’s Place- Bagel and Deli or Pier Bar, and Hero’s Welcome is the greatest little country store with everything from excellent sandwiches, penny candy, gifts, children’s toys and more.
Route 108: North East Kingdom
Known for being the most dramatic road in Vermont, Route 108 running from Stowe to Franklin, Vermont and passing over the Canadian border, is an exciting ride for those looking for steep winding roads and gorgeous sweeping views of Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield. This drive is especially epic during leaf peeping season when you can view all the gorgeous fall colors.
This historic road begins in Stowe where you can explore the Moss Glen Falls. It continues on through Mount Mansfield State Forest where it ascends up a steep hill to Smugglers Notch State Park with 1,000 foot high cliffs. Big Spring is a great spot to stop for a picnic and enjoy the stunning views. If you want to stop and hike try some favorites including Smuggler’s Cave, Elephant’s Head, King Rock or Hunter and His Dog.
As you continue up the mountain you will approach the famous Smuggler’s Notch Resort. From here your journey will descend back down the mountain into Jefferson and the beautiful Lamoille Valley. You can choose to circle back to Stowe via Johnson, Hyde park and Morrisville or head back on 108 the opposite way. For more on the history of Route 108 read this article from Travel Guide of America.
More Notable Scenic Drives in Vermont During Fall Foliage
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
The Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center
Stowe Scenic Auto Road
Overlook Park
Green Mountain National Forest
Short Backroad/Dirt Road Scenic Drives in Vermont During Fall Foliage
Sparrow Farm Road
Beaver Meadow Rd. Norwich, Vermont
Jenne Farm, Jenne Rd. Reading Hill
Gold Brook Rd. Stowe, Vermont
What are your favorite scenic fall foliage drives in Vermont? What stops do you enjoy making along the way?
Disclosure: if you buy something through the links on this blog, we may earn an affiliate commission. We only feature products we would personally recommend. Thank you for your support.
Love the site Jess! As someone who would have to fly in to visit, do you recommend flying into Burlington (good flight options for us) or Boston? Or somewhere else? We would love to stay in Woodstock or Burlington. I am curious how plentiful the car rentals are at a smaller Vermont airport. Looking to go next year – 2023. Appreciate your feedback!
Hi Sharon! I definitely recommend flying into Burlington if there are flights instead of Boston. Burlington is closer to Woodstock and also just a more pleasant airport to fly into. Not sure about car rentals though but I’m sure there are options nearby.