Each September, when school starts again and subtle hints of fall creep into the air, I get the itch to start filling my weekends with our glorious Vermont fall activities.
Come on… Vermont fall is incredible, and it offers countless options for seasonal enjoyment. To help you out, Vermont Moms compiled the Ultimate Guide to Vermont Fall Fun to help you and your family enjoy the season in our beautiful state! Below, you’ll find all the best spots for leaf-peeping in Vermont, the best places to stop for eats along the way, various festivities happening around the state, and other locations where you can participate in some fall fun!
And please… while we do our very best to stay up-to-date with events, it’s always a great idea to check and make sure the Vermont fall fun activity or event is still happening.
Delicious Autumn Panoramic
Mount Philo and Vermont Cookie Love
Enjoy western views overlooking Lake Champlain and beyond from the top of Mount Philo. The perfect excursion for all abilities and generations, you can choose to hike the trail, walk the road, or drive up to the summit. Bring a picnic, then stop at Vermont Cookie Love in Ferrisburgh on your way back home for freshly baked fall-tastic cookie flavors like oatmeal, coconut, chocolate chip, dried cranberry, almond (that’s all one cookie!), or pumpkin chocolate chip.
Be a Tourist in Your Own State
Stowe Gondola SkyRide and Cold Hollow Cider Mill
You’ll find both the Stowe Gondola SkyRide and Cold Hollow Cider Mill on many tourist must-do lists, for good reason. The views that emerge as you ascend Mount Mansfield on the gondola wow all foliage enthusiasts and kids will love the gradual, smooth ride. Once up top, choose to hike around or just rest and take it all in. On your way out of town, grab a dozen piping hot cider donuts from Cold Hollow, voted best cider donuts by Seven Days readers in past years.
Anytime you’re down near Norwich in the Fall, you must stop at King Arthur Baking Company! They always have stellar desserts, but having all your fall favorites in baked goods while in season is a no-brainer.
Colors on the Move
Fall Foliage Train Rides
Leaf peeping doesn’t have to take place from the top of a mountain ridge. On the contrary, Vermont’s towns and valleys are as spectacular as the mountains during foliage season. Take in the beauty of the colorful landscape in the Champlain Valley on a round-trip Train Ride between Burlington and Vergennes. This ride is a three-hour trip with a three-course dinner! Everyone in your party must be five years or older to ride.
Fall Immersion
Little River: Camping, Boating, and History Hike and Prohibition Pig
Seeing the autumn colors is one thing. Being inside the colors is a whole other experience. Through Indigenous People’s Day weekend, Little River State Park is an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the fall scenery. Campsites are available in Little River State Park through that weekend, but prioritize booking well in advance, or you will miss out! Or, if you don’t mind ‘roughing it’ a bit, remote campsites are available at Little River through October 20, but these sites can only be accessed by boat. If you don’t want to camp, Little River still offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall. There is an area to head out in your canoe or kayak independent of the campground so you can paddle to your heart’s content in the crisp, fall air. The History Hike is much more a walking journey back in time than a hike. The trail meanders through beautiful forest, past stone walls, foundations, and orchards from a century ago. You may work up an appetite, so head into Waterbury for lunch or dinner at Prohibition Pig. While known for classic cocktails and craft beer (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), kids and adults alike will love the hearty BBQ comfort food.
Profile-Worthy Photo Ops
Moss Glen Falls and The Warren Store
Route 100 through the Mad River Valley follows the eastern edge of the northern half of the Green Mountain National Forest, making it one of Vermont’s most scenic stretches of road. Tucked into the forest in Granville you’ll find family-favorite Moss Glen Falls, a breathtaking waterfall just a short walk into the woods, with easy access from Route 100. A backdrop of fall colors makes the waterfall even more sensational. On your way to or from the falls, round off your quintessential Vermont experience at The Warren Store. Order a sandwich on homemade bread at the deli or a whoopie pie from the bakery in the barn out back.
When Should You Go?
Pinning down peak foliage is tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of others doing it for us. Check the Vermont Travel & Tourism Foliage Forecaster or the Yankee Live Foliage Map to plan your optimal trip. Then get out there with your favorite people and soak in the autumn beauty, because pretty soon you’ll be giving it up for the frosty Vermont winter.
Vermont Fall Fun Festivals and Events
1. Harvest Festival at Shelburne Farms
Occurs in mid-September (watch the Shelburne Farms website for this and other events).
Admission price unknown.
This annual festival never disappoints! The barnyard animals will be out for visiting as always, but this festival offers so much more! Join this fall celebration and enjoy a variety of live music and other performances, fresh farm food, local artisans, and a plethora of free activities for kids. In the past, they have offered horse-drawn hayrides, as well as live bird presentations.
2. The Fall Festivals in St. Johnsbury
- The first festival of the year was The Colors of the Kingdom Festival occurred September 17, 2024. Stay tuned for the 2025 date! For this festival, events are usually held all day and often include “Train Rides, Farmers’ Market, Arts & Crafts Fair, Planetarium Shows, Music, Children’s Activities & much more”! About 30 organizations and 50 businesses are consistently involved in this festival! There’s something for everyone!
- A brand new fall celebration, the Historic St. Johnsbury Fall Festival will focus on St. Johnsbury’s historic district on September 28, 2024. Featured activities include, but are not limited to: the Festival of Traditional Crafts, a demonstration of antique engines, a pie sale, as well as a sidewalk sale.
- On October 12, 2024, the Fall for St. Johnsbury Festival will return. This fun-filled day kicks off with a 5k and half-marathon and includes a farmer’s market, an international food festival, an art gallery stroll, a vintage market and block party, and other activities put on by artisan markets. Local shops will also have events occurring and you can buy tickets for fall foliage train rides.
While you’re there, visit the local cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants.
3. Shoreham Apple Fest, Shoreham
Held in mid-September, the town green will be abuzz with farmer’s market booths, live music, children’s activities, and a pie contest. An annual fundraising event for the Platt Memorial Library, attendees’ lunch purchases will benefit a worthy cause.
4. Bristol Harvest Festival
September 28, 2024, 10am-3pm
At this festival, you’ll find no shortage of craft and vendor booths, food, live entertainment, and other activities.
5. Sam Mazza’s Corn Maze, Hayrides, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, and Annual Pumpkin Weigh-In, Colchester
From Labor Day to October 31st, Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10-5, Sam Mazza’s Corn Maze will be open, weather permitting. Follow their Facebook page for updates. Admission is $6 for children ages 3-11 and $11 for individuals who are 12 years old or above. Buy tickets online or buy one at the farm. Tickets for the day are not available within an hour or the maze closing.
Hayrides/Pick Your Own Pumpkin Saturdays and Sundays from September 28- October 20, from 10-4. The fee for a ride in the wagon only is $3, but you can ride and pick your own pumpkin for $12 per person. You can also find more information on Sam Mazza’s Facebook Page.
6. Old Fashioned Harvest Market, Underhill
September 28 & 29th, 2024
This year’s annual Old Fashioned Harvest Market kicks off with a fun run at 7:30 and a parade at 9 am.
The festival is full of fun activities for the kiddos, craft vendors, and live entertainment including music, delicious food options, and more. This two-day extravaganza has it all!
7. Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
October 11th-13th, 2024, Festivities start at 10 am each day
Admission is $12 for adults for a day, and $15 for a weekend pass. Kids ages 14 and under are free. Free parking is also available. Tickets are available online. Pets are not allowed.
This festival occurs during peak foliage season rain or shine and features exhibitors, live music, and plenty of food options!
8. Billings Farm Harvest Celebration and Museum, Woodstock
October 12 & 13 2024, 10 am-5 pm
*There is a charge for admission and tickets can be bought in advance online.
This party includes traditional barn dancing, live music, pumpkin bowling, crafts, stories, and all kinds of harvest activities. Don’t forget to visit the Farmhouse Scoop Shop and find some ice cream, donuts, and hot spiced cider. This museum is a must-visit for families — the foliage on your way to Woodstock is a fantastic bonus! And check out their full schedule of events too!
9. Montpelier Fall Festival, Montpelier High School
September 28, 2022, 12 pm-4 pm
This event supports the local schools of Montpelier and kicks off with a Fun Run! Festivities include live entertainment, a Celebrity Dunk Tank, face painting, food trucks, and a costume swap, among other activities.
10. East Charlotte Tractor Parade
Beginning on October 13th, 2024 at 1pm, it will include a fantastic parade of tractors! You should bring your own chair and they ask that you leave your pets at home. This Ver mont favorite features a variety of vendors, games, and music as well.
11. The Isham Family Farm Fall Festival
Sundays from September 22-October 13th from 1-4 pm.
On these dates, there will be Food Trucks, live music, vendors, pumpkin picking, hay rides, and a corn maze.
Apple Picking Corner
Fall without apple picking is like summer without creemees. We have so many wonderful orchards to choose from and enough weekends to hit up several, if not all of them! After all, not every variety is available at the same time, and you’ve got to balance out your Macintoshes and your Red Delicious. Fill your baskets and test out different pie recipes, make an epic vat of homemade apple sauce, or just eat the crunchiest ones straight up. The doughnuts aren’t bad either. Check out this list to work out your pickin’ schedule!
Adam’s Apple Orchard & Farm Market, Williston.
There is much happening here in 2022 for their 50th anniversary, so be sure to visit their website here! They also advertise many events on their Facebook page.
Stine Orchard
(formerly known as Boyer’s Orchard and Cider Mill), Monkton For further information, follow their Facebook page.
Chapin Orchard
Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero- Stay up to date on which kinds of apples they are picking here.
Hall’s Orchard
Isle La Motte.
Happy Valley Orchard
Middlebury.
Shelburne Orchards
Shelburne- You can find out everything happening at the Orchard this fall on Facebook!
Vermont Orchards
Northcourt Orchard in Enosburg Falls.
Corn Maze Frenzy
Lose yourself in a dizzying farm labyrinth or a “maize maze,” if you will. Your kids will love running around the puzzle trying to find their way out. Here are some fun ones to visit!
1. Great Vermont Corn Maze, North Danville
Well worth the (amazing foliage) drive to the Northeast Kingdom, this Top-10-in-America rated option is the ultimate corn maze experience. Seriously, this thing is huge. It’s slated to be open until October 14, 2024, six days per week and generally opens at 9 am, but they do sometimes close for inclement weather so make sure to follow their webpage. Also, note that you should buy advance tickets online, especially if you are going on a weekend (and that there are a limited number of tickets available). Saturday and Sunday, the mazes close at 4 pm so the final entry to the maze is at 1:00 pm. On weekdays, the mazes close at 3 pm, with the final entry to the maze at 12:00 pm. Hours on weekdays may vary depending on ticket sales.
2. Isham Family Farm, Williston
This maze is a Chittenden County favorite! As you search for the exit sign, you’ll also be playing a scavenger hunt. Good times!
3. Percy Farm Corn Maze, Stowe
Enjoy a scenic drive to one of the most charming towns in Vermont, Stowe! Work up an appetite solving the maze, then head to one of the town’s adorable restaurants for lunch or an early dinner. Bonus: This maze is dog-friendly, but leashes are required for Rover.
4. Whitcomb’s Corn Maze, Williston
Last but not least, Whitcomb’s combines their maze with learning, as you reach checkpoints that teach you all about Christmas tree farming! Perhaps you will also find the candy jackpot hidden within the 4-acre maze, or maybe the specially marked ear of corn that entitles you to a free small pumpkin or gourd. For more information, including hours, follow their Facebook page here.
And speaking of pumpkins…
Pumpkin Picking
When we think October, we think pumpkins, and we’re not just talking about fancy coffee drinks here, but actual pumpkins! If you’ve never picked your own straight from the patch, you are missing out on some serious fall fun. Here are a few places to choose from as you hunt for the perfect jack-o-lantern candidate. Don’t forget to roast those seeds for a well-earned reward (because you know you’ll be doing most of the carving work, not the kids).
Chapin Orchard, Essex Junction
Isham Family Farm, Williston
Parker Family Farm, Williston
Red Barn Gardens, Williston
Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester
Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne
Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins, Williston
Halloween Hoopla
1. Trunk or Treat and Pumpkins in the Park, Milton
2024 DATES UNKNOWN
Now that you’ve picked the perfect pumpkins, it’s time to carve them- and what better way than somewhere that’s not your house? Bring the mess to Milton instead! They provide stencils, decorations, and carving tools. The event will also include costume and best carving contests with prizes, as well as trick or treating, refreshments, and a big bonfire.
2. Halloween Family Party at University Mall, S. Burlington
Details for this annual event have not been posted. Please stay tuned to the University Mall Facebook page for any information if it is held this year!
Knock out some early Christmas shopping while your kids are rewarded with candy from every store you drag them to. They can also enjoy fall fun activities, like a pirate train ride and a bouncy house!
3. UVM Horse Barn’s annual Halloween Barn
Stay tuned for 2024 information, follow the UVM Horse Barn Facebook page.
Horses and owners dress up for Halloween! This fun and candy-filled excursion is great for horse lovers of all ages.
4. Maple Street Pumpkin Palooza
October 26, 2024, 4-8 pm.
Preregistration (including reservation of a half-hour time slot) of $5 per group up to five people is required through Essex Junction Recreation and Parks. $10 for group on-site registration. Stay tuned to their website and their Facebook page for more details!
This fun and spooky trick-or-treat walkway ends in a must-see giant wall of jack-o-lanterns carved by Essex Junction community members!
5. Catalyst Church Trunk or Treat, Jericho
2024 information not yet available. Follow their website linked above for updates.
6. Halloween in Downtown Winooski
October 26 – 27, 2024
Free, open, and inclusive of all, Halloween in Winooski usually features music, activities, and crafts- and the beloved 1,000 jack-o-lantern display in Rotary Park, which is the ultimate photo opp for dressed-up kids and adults alike. The parking garage is free all weekend and street parking is free on Sunday.
Above all, friends, remember to enjoy this festive harvest season!
