---
title: "The Best Scenic Fall Drives in Vermont for Leaf Peeping"
url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/best-scenic-fall-drives-vermont/"
type: "Guide"
author: "Erin McCormick"
author_url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/"
published: "2017-10-01"
updated: "2026-10-18"
topics: ["Experiences","Itineraries","Road Trips","Scenic Views"]
description: "Find the best scenic fall drives in Vermont, from Route 100 and Smugglers' Notch to mountain gaps and Lake Champlain, with favorite stops along the way."
site: "Travel Like a Local®: Vermont"
---

# The Best Scenic Fall Drives in Vermont for Leaf Peeping

By [Erin McCormick](https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/) · Published October 1, 2017 · Updated October 18, 2026

I’ve driven across the country more than once, and there’s something about spending endless hours behind the wheel that teaches you a few things.

You learn how to navigate around double (and sometimes triple) tractor-trailers. You learn that just because a stretch of highway in Montana once had no daytime speed limit doesn’t mean you should drive THAT fast. (Ahem, elk.) You learn to fill up your gas tank when you have the opportunity, especially when you’re traveling through parts of the country where the next gas station might be a very long way away.

But more importantly, you learn to appreciate the time that driving gives you.

There’s something about long stretches of open road that encourages you to think, appreciate your surroundings, and have conversations you might not otherwise make time for. You meet interesting people, encounter places you never knew existed, and collect stories that somehow become more entertaining with time.

Like the time my dad and I bought two bags of Wisconsin cheese curds at a gas station, only to have the attendant warn us that we were going to get “all bound up.”

We still laugh about that one.

For me, road trips have always been about more than getting from one place to another. They’re about the people, the experiences, the scenery, and the unexpected stops along the way. And after traveling extensively throughout the country, I can confidently say that Vermont remains my favorite place to take a road trip.

Especially during fall foliage season.

![Autumn-colored mountains and valley beneath a blue sky at Middlebury Snow Bowl](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Foliage-Views-819x1024.webp)

## Why Vermont Is Made for Fall Road Trips

As a Vermont Realtor and the person behind Travel Like a Local®, I spend an extraordinary amount of time driving around the state. Between visiting properties, meeting clients, and seeking out interesting places to share, I’ve traveled countless miles on Vermont’s highways, backroads, and occasionally questionable dirt roads.

And I’m still finding towns I’ve never visited.

At one point, I remember my travels taking me through Calais, Woodbury, and Washington, three Vermont towns that reminded me just how much there is to see in a state that looks relatively small on a map.

I really should join the Vermont 251 Club, an organization that encourages people to visit all 251 of Vermont’s towns and cities. I suspect I’m getting pretty close.

But there’s something particularly special about driving through Vermont in the fall. The landscape changes almost daily, with colorful hardwood forests covering the mountains, golden leaves lining the roads, and little villages looking especially picturesque against the autumn backdrop.

And while there are plenty of spectacular destinations worth visiting, I think some of Vermont’s best foliage experiences happen between them.

They’re the stretches of road where you unexpectedly round a corner and find an incredible view. The farm stands you weren’t planning to visit. The roadside waterfalls, historic covered bridges, and general stores that convince you to make just one more stop.

That’s why I always encourage people to leave a little flexibility in their Vermont foliage itineraries.

You can plan the route, but don’t plan every minute.

Whether you’re visiting Vermont for the first time, returning for another foliage season, or simply looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy your own backyard, these are some of my favorite scenic fall drives in Vermont.

![A country road winds through autumn-colored hills toward distant mountains in Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Living-in-Vermont-1024x819.webp)

## A Few Rules for Leaf Peeping in Vermont

Before we get into the routes, I have a friendly reminder for my fellow leaf peepers.

Yes, you still need to follow the rules of the road.

I understand the temptation to stop when you come around a corner and see the most spectacular red maple you’ve ever encountered. But stopping in the middle of a road, blocking traffic, or parking somewhere unsafe isn’t the way to appreciate it.

And while Vermont’s winding roads are particularly beautiful in the fall, driving so slowly that traffic backs up for miles isn’t especially considerate to the people who actually need to get somewhere.

Find a safe pull-off, enjoy the scenery, and let other drivers pass.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer, moose, and bears can cross Vermont roads unexpectedly, particularly around dawn and dusk. And trust me, encountering a moose on the road isn’t the kind of wildlife experience you want to have.

One more thing: be respectful of private property. Vermont’s farms, fields, and beautiful old barns make wonderful photographs, but they’re often someone’s home or livelihood. Please don’t trespass, block driveways, or wander onto private land without permission.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the good stuff.

## 1. Vermont Route 100: The Classic Fall Foliage Road Trip

If you’ve spent any time researching scenic drives in Vermont, you’ve probably encountered Route 100.

And for good reason.

Running approximately 216 miles from the Massachusetts border in Stamford to the Canadian border in Newport, Route 100 is one of Vermont’s most recognizable scenic highways. Often referred to as Vermont’s Main Street or the Skier’s Highway, it travels through mountain valleys, small villages, and some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes.

You could spend several days driving the entire route, and I’d certainly encourage you to do so if you have the time. But if you’re looking for a particularly beautiful section during foliage season, I love the stretch through the Mad River Valley and north toward Stowe.

### My Favorite Stretch: The [Mad River Valley](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/mad-river-valley/) to [Stowe](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/stowe/)

The Mad River Valley is one of my favorite areas of Vermont, and Route 100 provides a beautiful introduction to the region.

Traveling north, you’ll pass through Warren and Waitsfield, two towns that are worth spending some time exploring rather than simply driving through.

In Warren, I almost always recommend stopping at the Warren Store. It’s one of my favorite general stores in Vermont, and the bakery alone is reason enough to visit. I’m particularly partial to their croissants, but you’ll also find sandwiches, pastries, and plenty of interesting things to browse.

Continue north into [Waitsfield](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/waitsfield/), where you’ll find a beautiful historic village, the Mad River, independent shops, and several excellent restaurants. The Great Eddy Covered Bridge is another worthwhile stop, particularly if you appreciate Vermont’s historic landmarks.

Farther north, Route 100 passes through Waterbury before continuing toward Stowe. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful mountain scenery, farm fields, and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the changing colors.

And if you’re willing to make a short detour, Moss Glen Falls in Stowe is one of Vermont’s most accessible and impressive waterfalls. The main waterfall viewpoint is reached by a relatively short walk, although additional trails offer more opportunities to explore.

### Other Route 100 Stops Worth Considering

If you’re traveling farther south, I’d also recommend spending time in Rochester, Stockbridge, and the towns around the Killington area. The southern portion of Route 100 offers a different perspective on Vermont, with beautiful river valleys, small communities, and fewer of the large resort destinations found farther north.

One of my favorite things about Route 100 is that you don’t have to drive the entire length to appreciate it. Pick a section, give yourself plenty of time, and stop whenever something catches your attention.

**Local’s Tip:** Route 100 is extremely popular during peak foliage weekends. If your schedule allows, consider visiting midweek or exploring early in the morning before traffic builds.

## 2. Smugglers’ Notch: One of Vermont’s Most Dramatic Mountain Drives

If you want a scenic drive that feels like an adventure, Smugglers’ Notch is hard to beat.

Vermont Route 108 connects Stowe and Jeffersonville, passing through a dramatic mountain gap between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The most memorable section is the narrow, winding road through Smugglers’ Notch State Park, where enormous rock formations rise alongside the pavement and the surrounding forest creates a spectacular canopy of color.

And when I say narrow, I mean narrow.

There are sections where the road twists between massive boulders, leaving very little room for oversized vehicles. Every year, it seems, a truck driver ignores the warnings and attempts to navigate the Notch, only to become stuck and shut down the road.

Don’t be that person.

Tractor-trailers and certain other large vehicles are prohibited from traveling through the Notch, and the road closes seasonally during the winter when snow and ice make it impassable.

### Why I Love Smugglers’ Notch During Foliage

What makes this drive particularly memorable is how dramatically the landscape changes as you climb into the mountains.

The road winds through dense forest, with colorful hardwood trees contrasting against the dark evergreens and enormous rock formations. It’s one of those drives where you want to keep looking up, although the driver should definitely keep their eyes on the road.

There are designated parking areas where you can stop, stretch your legs, and appreciate the scenery. If you have extra time, the surrounding state park offers hiking opportunities, including access to trails around Sterling Pond.

I’d recommend approaching the drive from either Stowe or Jeffersonville and allowing time to enjoy both sides of the mountain.

On the Stowe side, you can explore the village, walk or bike along the Stowe Recreation Path, or enjoy lunch at [Idletyme Brewing Company](https://travelikealocalvt.com/stowe-vermont-breweries/). Another favorite nearby destination is von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, where you’ll find beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, and Austrian-inspired food and beer.

On the Jeffersonville side, the village offers a quieter atmosphere and easy access to the beautiful Lamoille River Valley.

**Local’s Tip:** Smugglers’ Notch can become extremely congested during peak foliage weekends. Visit early, be patient with other drivers, and remember that the narrow road isn’t designed for stopping wherever you’d like.

## 3. Molly Stark Scenic Byway: Southern Vermont’s Historic Mountain Drive

Southern Vermont has some spectacular fall foliage drives, and the Molly Stark Scenic Byway is one of my favorites for combining beautiful scenery with history, arts, and interesting small towns.

The route follows Vermont Route 9 for approximately 48 miles between Bennington and Brattleboro, crossing the southern Green Mountains and passing through the Green Mountain National Forest.

The byway is named for Molly Stark, the wife of Revolutionary War General John Stark, whose troops played an important role in the Battle of Bennington in 1777.

And while the drive itself is beautiful, I think what makes this route particularly appealing is the variety of stops along the way.

### What to See Along the Molly Stark Scenic Byway

Starting in Bennington, you can spend some time exploring the town’s historic downtown, visit the Bennington Battle Monument, or learn more about the region’s history at the Bennington Museum.

As you travel east, Route 9 climbs into the Green Mountains, passing through Woodford, one of Vermont’s highest-elevation communities. The surrounding forest is particularly beautiful during foliage season, and the higher elevation often means the leaves begin changing earlier than they do in the valleys.

One stop I’d particularly recommend is the [Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook](https://travelikealocalvt.com/dover-wilmington-vermont-fall/) in West Marlboro.

Located directly along Route 9, Hogback offers some of the most accessible long-range mountain views in southern Vermont. On a clear day, the overlook is known for its expansive views across the surrounding landscape, and during foliage season, the mountains become a spectacular patchwork of color.

And just up the road, Vermont Distillers is another worthwhile stop if you’re interested in sampling locally produced spirits. Just remember to save any tasting for a passenger or another time if you’re the one driving.

Continue east toward Brattleboro, where you’ll find a vibrant downtown filled with independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic architecture.

I particularly appreciate that this route combines natural scenery with opportunities to support the small businesses and creative communities that make southern Vermont so interesting.

**Local’s Tip:** If you’re traveling during peak foliage, allow extra time around Hogback Mountain. It’s a popular roadside stop, and parking can become busy when the views are especially beautiful.

## 4. The Champlain Islands: Fall Foliage Meets [Lake Champlain](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/lake-champlain/)

The Champlain Islands are one of my favorite places to drive in Vermont, regardless of the season.

There’s something about the combination of open farmland, beautiful lake views, quiet roads, and small communities that makes the Islands feel different from the rest of the state.

And during fall foliage season, the contrast between colorful trees and the deep blue water of Lake Champlain is particularly beautiful.

The primary route follows U.S. Route 2 north from the mainland through South Hero, Grand Isle, North Hero, and Alburgh, connecting the islands by a series of causeways and bridges.

Unlike Vermont’s mountain drives, the Champlain Islands offer a relatively flat landscape with long views across the lake, rolling farmland, and beautiful stretches of shoreline.

I particularly love that the drive feels more relaxed than some of Vermont’s busiest foliage destinations.

### Favorite Stops in the Champlain Islands

South Hero is a wonderful place to begin your day. During apple season, I’d recommend stopping at one of the local orchards, including [Hackett’s Orchard](https://www.hackettsorchard.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=best-scenic-fall-drives-vermont) or [Allenholm Farm](https://www.instagram.com/allenholmfarm/), for apples, cider, and seasonal treats.

The Islands are also home to several interesting roadside attractions, including the Rainbow Birdhouse Forest and a collection of miniature stone castles in South Hero.

Farther north, Grand Isle State Park offers opportunities to appreciate Lake Champlain, while the historic [Hyde Log Cabin](https://travelikealocalvt.com/hyde-log-cabin-grand-isle-vermont/) provides an interesting glimpse into the region’s early settlement history. Built around 1783, it’s one of the oldest surviving log cabins in the United States.

Continue into North Hero, where the lake views become even more beautiful. North Hero House is another worthwhile stop if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal or spend the night.

And if you continue all the way north to Alburgh, you’ll find yourself just a short distance from the Canadian border.

What I love most about this drive is the opportunity to slow down and appreciate a different side of Vermont. Instead of dramatic mountain passes and winding roads, you’ll find open skies, water views, farms, and small communities that feel wonderfully removed from the busier parts of the state.

**Local’s Tip:** The Champlain Islands are beautiful in every season, but I particularly enjoy visiting during late summer and early fall, when farm stands and orchards are busy and the lake is still a brilliant blue. Foliage timing may differ from the higher elevations elsewhere in Vermont.

## 5. The Appalachian Gap & Middlebury Gap: A Two-Gap Foliage Adventure

If you’re looking for a scenic drive with plenty of winding roads, mountain views, and opportunities to stop along the way, I’d recommend making it a two-gap day.

The Appalachian Gap and Middlebury Gap are two of my favorite mountain crossings in central Vermont, and combining them creates a beautiful foliage loop through the Green Mountains.

Both roads offer dramatically different perspectives on the landscape, and the higher elevations make them particularly interesting during fall foliage season.

### Start With the Appalachian Gap

The Appalachian Gap, commonly called the App Gap, follows Vermont Route 17 between the Champlain Valley and the Mad River Valley.

From the west, you’ll climb through the mountains from the Starksboro and Buels Gore area before reaching the summit at approximately 2,356 feet.

The road is steep and winding, with several sharp turns and beautiful mountain scenery along the way.

At the summit, you’ll find a designated parking area and access to the Long Trail, along with opportunities to appreciate the surrounding landscape.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are several trail options nearby, including routes along the ridgeline. But even if you’re simply driving through, the mountain scenery makes the trip worthwhile.

Continue east into the Mad River Valley, where the road descends toward Waitsfield.

And by this point, you’ll probably be ready for lunch.

### Stop for Lunch in Waitsfield

Waitsfield is one of my favorite Vermont towns, and there are plenty of reasons to spend some time here.

If you’re craving something casual, [Mad Taco](https://www.themadtaco.com/locations/waitsfield?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=best-scenic-fall-drives-vermont) is a great option for smoked meats, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Or wander through the village and find a café or restaurant that catches your attention.

I’d also recommend taking a few minutes to appreciate the [Great Eddy Covered Bridge](https://travelikealocalvt.com/great-eddy-covered-bridge-waitsfield/), which crosses the Mad River in the heart of the village.

Built in 1833, it’s one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges still carrying traffic, and the setting is particularly beautiful during foliage season.

From Waitsfield, head south on Route 100 through Warren and Granville toward Hancock, where you’ll pick up Route 125 for the Middlebury Gap.

### Continue Over Middlebury Gap

Middlebury Gap is another spectacular mountain crossing, following Route 125 between Hancock and East Middlebury.

The road winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, passing colorful forests, mountain streams, and several worthwhile destinations.

One of my favorite stops along this stretch is [Texas Falls](https://travelikealocalvt.com/texas-falls-vermont-foliage/) in Hancock.

Located just off Route 125, Texas Falls features a dramatic gorge, cascading waterfalls, and fascinating rock formations. The main overlook is accessible by a short walk from the parking area, making it an easy addition to your foliage road trip.

And during autumn, the colorful trees surrounding the gorge make the setting especially beautiful.

Farther west, you’ll pass [Middlebury Snow Bowl](https://travelikealocalvt.com/middlebury-snow-bowl-foliage-rides/), where seasonal foliage chairlift rides offer another opportunity to appreciate the changing landscape from above. I particularly love the views on the descent, when the surrounding mountains and distant valleys open up in front of you.

The nearby Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is another favorite stop, combining a relatively easy woodland walk with excerpts from Frost’s poetry displayed throughout the landscape.

And if you have time, continue west into downtown Middlebury, one of my favorite Vermont towns, for a meal, coffee, or a little shopping.

**Local’s Tip:** If you’re planning the full two-gap loop, don’t underestimate how much time you’ll want for stops. The driving itself is beautiful, but the waterfalls, general stores, villages, and scenic overlooks are what make this route particularly memorable.

![A church steeple rises above a downtown street lined with brick buildings in Middlebury, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Middlebury-Vermont-1-819x1024.webp)

## When Is the Best Time for a Vermont Fall Foliage Road Trip?

One of the most common questions I get about Vermont foliage season is when to visit.

And while everyone wants to know the exact weekend when the leaves will be at their peak, the reality is that Vermont’s foliage season varies from year to year.

Temperature, rainfall, elevation, and weather patterns all influence when the leaves begin changing and how long the colors last.

Generally speaking, the higher elevations and northern portions of Vermont begin showing significant color in late September, with peak foliage gradually moving south and into lower elevations throughout October.

But I think it’s important to remember that peak foliage isn’t the only time worth visiting.

Some of my favorite drives happen when the landscape is still transitioning, with green valleys contrasting against colorful mountainsides. And even after the leaves have fallen at higher elevations, you can often find beautiful color in the lower valleys and southern portions of the state.

My advice? Don’t become so focused on finding the perfect peak that you forget to appreciate the season as it unfolds.

Vermont is beautiful throughout the fall, and there’s always something worth seeing.

## Tips for Planning a Vermont Foliage Road Trip

After spending so much time driving around Vermont, I’ve learned a few things that make a foliage road trip considerably more enjoyable.

**Don’t overplan your day.** It’s tempting to create an itinerary packed with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, covered bridges, and restaurants. But part of what makes road trips memorable is having the flexibility to stop somewhere unexpected.

**Take the backroads.** Vermont’s scenic byways are beautiful, but some of my favorite views are found on smaller roads connecting towns and villages. Just make sure your vehicle is appropriate for the road conditions, particularly if you’re venturing onto dirt roads.

**Keep your gas tank reasonably full.** Remember those cross-country road trip lessons? They apply in Vermont, too. Gas stations can be few and far between in some rural areas, and I wouldn’t recommend waiting until you’re nearly empty to look for one.

**Download your maps.** Cell service can be unreliable in the mountains and rural parts of Vermont. Having an offline map available can save you some frustration.

**Bring layers.** Fall temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day, particularly when you’re traveling between valleys and mountain passes.

**Support local businesses.** Stop at the general store, grab a pastry from the local bakery, visit the farm stand, or enjoy lunch at an independent restaurant. These businesses are part of what makes Vermont’s small towns so interesting.

**Be respectful of the communities you’re visiting.** Remember that these aren’t simply scenic destinations. They’re places where people live, work, and go about their daily lives.

And perhaps most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down. You don’t need to see everything in one day.

## The Best Part of a Vermont Road Trip Isn’t Always the Destination

I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively throughout Vermont, and one of the things I appreciate most is that there’s always another road I haven’t driven, another town I haven’t spent enough time exploring, or another little business worth stopping for.

Even after years of living here, I still find myself surprised by what I encounter.

And I think that’s one of the reasons road trips have always appealed to me.

You never quite know what the day will bring.

Maybe you’ll find an incredible view around a bend in the road. Or, maybe you’ll stumble upon a general store with the best baked goods you’ve had in months. Maybe you’ll meet someone who tells you about a place you never would have found on your own.

Or maybe you’ll simply spend a few hours driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in New England, enjoying the company of someone you love.

For me, those are the experiences that make road trips memorable.

And Vermont, particularly during foliage season, provides an extraordinary backdrop for making them.

So fill up your gas tank, grab a coffee, choose a direction, and give yourself a little extra time to take the long way home.

You never know what you’ll find along the way.

**What’s your favorite scenic fall drive in Vermont? And are you someone who plans every stop or prefers to see where the road takes you?**

## Places in this guide

- [Hackett’s Orchard](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/hacketts-orchard/) — Farm or farm stand in South Hero, VT
- [Mad Taco – Waitsfield](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/mad-taco-waitsfield/) — Restaurant in Montpelier, VT

## More on Travel Like a Local®: Vermont

- [Experiences](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/)
- [Itineraries](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/itineraries/)
- [Road Trips](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/road-trips-vermont-experiences/)
- [Scenic Views](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/scenic-views/)

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Source: [The Best Scenic Fall Drives in Vermont for Leaf Peeping](https://travelikealocalvt.com/best-scenic-fall-drives-vermont/) — Travel Like a Local®: Vermont, by Erin McCormick. When you quote or summarize this page, please link to the source URL.