--- title: "The Ultimate Vermont Fall Bucket List: 10 Experiences Worth Having" url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/vermont-fall-bucket-list-fall-activities-in-vermont/" type: "Guide" author: "Erin McCormick" author_url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/" published: "2017-09-16" updated: "2026-10-19" topics: ["Experiences","Activities","The Best of Vermont"] description: "From apple picking, leaf peeping and fall festivals, find family-friendly activities for enjoying fall in Vermont with your Vermont fall bucket list." site: "Travel Like a Local®: Vermont" --- # The Ultimate Vermont Fall Bucket List: 10 Experiences Worth Having By [Erin McCormick](https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/) · Published September 16, 2017 · Updated October 19, 2026 At the first sign of leaves changing color in Vermont, I can’t help but get a little giddy. I love our long, warm summer days and those occasional bluebird powder days in winter, but fall is, without question, my favorite season to experience everything Vermont has to offer. The first fire in the woodstove, crisp mornings that turn into warm afternoons, freshly pressed apple cider, cider donuts, and backroad drives through some of the most spectacular foliage in New England. There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to spend every possible moment outside. And while Vermont’s fall foliage gets most of the attention, there’s so much more to the season than colorful leaves. From apple orchards and agricultural traditions to mountain adventures and local food festivals, fall is the perfect excuse to play tourist in your own backyard. I find myself traveling around the state even more during September and October, revisiting longtime favorites and finding new reasons to appreciate living here. If you’re looking to make the most of autumn in the Green Mountain State, here are ten experiences worth adding to your Vermont fall bucket list. ## 1. Follow the Vermont [Cider Donut](https://travelikealocalvt.com/the-best-cider-donuts-in-vermont-the-cider-donut-trail/) Trail Technically, there isn’t an official Vermont Cider Donut Trail, but I firmly believe there should be. We have beer trails, wine trails, and cheese trails, so why shouldn’t one of Vermont’s most beloved fall treats get the same recognition? I have fairly strong opinions about what makes a great cider donut. It should be moist without being overly dense, have a noticeable apple cider flavor without being overly spiced, and preferably come coated in cinnamon sugar. Some of my favorite stops include Chapin Orchard in Essex, Happy Valley Orchard in Middlebury, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, where you can also see how traditional cider is made. The best part is that searching for the perfect cider donut gives you an excuse to visit family-owned orchards, explore farm stands, and travel Vermont’s backroads during one of the most beautiful times of year. **Local’s Tip:** Keep an eye out for creative variations, including cider donut whoopie pies, cider donut creemee sandwiches, and the [Dreamee at Yates Family Orchard in Monkton.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/yates-family-orchard-vermont-dreamee/) ![Bite-sized cider donuts in a metal tray at Addison Four Corners Store in Addison, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Mini-Cider-Donuts-in-Vermont-1024x819.webp) ## 2. Pick Your Own Apples at a Vermont Orchard There’s something incredibly satisfying about spending a fall afternoon wandering through an apple orchard, filling a bag with freshly picked fruit, and deciding what you’re going to bake when you get home. Apple pie, apple crisp, homemade applesauce, or simply a crisp apple enjoyed straight from the tree are all good reasons to visit. Vermont has wonderful pick-your-own orchards scattered throughout the state, many offering fresh cider, baked goods, pumpkins, and other seasonal treats. Depending on the farm and timing, you may also find late-season raspberries or other fruit available for picking. Even if you don’t have plans to bake anything, visiting an orchard is one of the simplest ways to appreciate Vermont’s agricultural landscape and support the farms that help make fall such a special season. ![Red and green apples fill a wooden crate at Yates Family Orchard in Monkton, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Yates-Orchard-1024x768.webp) ## 3. Experience Golden Dog Farm’s [Golden Retriever Adventure](https://travelikealocalvt.com/butternut-goldens-vermont-puppies/) If spending time surrounded by happy golden retrievers sounds like your idea of a perfect fall day, Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville deserves a spot on your bucket list. The farm’s Golden Retriever Experience gives visitors the opportunity to spend time with a whole group of friendly golden retrievers in a beautiful Vermont setting. It’s an experience that’s particularly appealing during foliage season, when the surrounding countryside is filled with vibrant autumn color and the cooler temperatures make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable. I love that this is a completely different way to appreciate fall in Vermont. Not every autumn adventure needs to involve climbing a mountain or chasing scenic overlooks. Sometimes spending an afternoon with a bunch of enthusiastic dogs is more than enough. **Local’s Tip:** These experiences require advance reservations and can be especially popular during foliage season, so check Golden Dog Farm’s booking calendar well before your trip. ![Two women sit with a pack of Golden Retrievers on the lawn at Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Golden-Dog-Farm-Golden-Retrievers-819x1024.webp) ## 4. Take a Scenic Foliage Chairlift or Gondola Ride Some of Vermont’s most spectacular fall foliage views are best appreciated from above, and you don’t necessarily have to hike to a mountain summit to enjoy them. Several Vermont ski resorts operate scenic lift rides during foliage season, offering a completely different perspective on the changing landscape. The [Stowe Gondola Skyride](https://travelikealocalvt.com/stowe-gondola-skyride-vermont/) is one of the most popular options, carrying visitors up Mount Mansfield for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. But if you’re looking for something a little different, I particularly love the [Single Chair at Mad River Glen](https://travelikealocalvt.com/mad-river-glen-foliage-chairlift/) in Fayston. Riding this historic chairlift through a canopy of colorful trees is an experience in itself, and the views across the Mad River Valley are spectacular. Another favorite is the scenic chairlift at the [Middlebury Snow Bowl](https://travelikealocalvt.com/middlebury-snow-bowl-foliage-rides/), where you can take in beautiful views toward Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. One of the best parts is that you can ride the lift back down, enjoying a completely different perspective of the foliage on your descent. **Local’s Tip:** Foliage lift rides typically operate on limited schedules, often during weekends in September and October. Check resort calendars and weather conditions before visiting. ![View from Mad River Glen's single chairlift over fall foliage, with the rider's legs in the foreground](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/From-the-Top-819x1024.webp) ## 5. Attend a Vermont Craft Beer Festival or Oktoberfest Vermont’s craft beer scene is worth celebrating year-round, but there’s something particularly appealing about enjoying a seasonal Oktoberfest, porter, or stout when the air starts to turn crisp. Fall brings beer festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations to communities throughout Vermont, combining local breweries with live music, food, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes autumn weekends so enjoyable. SIPtemberfest at Mad River Glen has long been a favorite fall tradition, bringing together Vermont craft beer and beautiful mountain scenery. Whether you prefer a traditional Märzen, a maple-inspired stout, or a crisp lager, fall is a wonderful time to sample Vermont’s brewing creativity while supporting independent producers. **Local’s Tip:** Popular beer festivals often sell tickets in advance, and some sell out. Check current event calendars before planning your weekend. ## 6. Get Lost in a Vermont Corn Maze If you’re looking for a fall activity that’s a little more interactive than admiring the scenery, a corn maze is a great option. Vermont farms create elaborate mazes each season, offering a fun challenge for families, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a little friendly competition. One of the most impressive is the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, located in the Northeast Kingdom. Known for its enormous, intricate design, it’s much more involved than simply wandering through a few rows of corn. Solving the maze can take several hours, and navigating your way through the twists and turns is all part of the fun. It’s also a wonderful excuse to visit the Northeast Kingdom during foliage season, when the surrounding hillsides can be absolutely spectacular. **Local’s Tip:** Wear comfortable shoes, allow plenty of time, and check the maze’s seasonal schedule. Some attractions close before the end of foliage season. ## 7. Visit a Vermont Fall Arts and Crafts Festival Fall is one of my favorite times to shop from Vermont’s independent artists and makers, particularly at the seasonal festivals that bring so many talented people together in one place. The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is a longtime favorite, featuring artists and craftspeople working in everything from pottery and jewelry to woodworking, textiles, and fine art. It’s also an opportunity to browse Vermont-made food products, enjoy live entertainment, and pick up a few gifts before the holiday season. I love events like this because they offer a chance to meet the people behind the products and learn more about their work. Vermont has an incredibly talented creative community, and supporting local artisans is one of the best ways to keep that tradition thriving. **Local’s Tip:** Arrive earlier in the day if you want time to browse without feeling rushed, especially during busy foliage weekends. ## 8. Take a Backroad Drive Through Peak Fall Foliage As much as I love having a destination in mind, some of my favorite fall days in Vermont involve getting in the car with a coffee, choosing a general direction, and seeing where the roads take me. Vermont’s backroads offer an entirely different foliage experience from the busy scenic highways. You’ll pass working farms, historic covered bridges, small villages, and stretches of countryside where the colors seem almost impossible to believe. And while mountain overlooks can be spectacular, there’s something equally beautiful about driving beneath a canopy of golden leaves on an otherwise ordinary dirt road. I particularly love the Mad River Valley, the Northeast Kingdom, and the winding roads of southern Vermont during peak foliage. But I also think some of the best discoveries happen when you venture away from the routes everyone else is following. **Local’s Tip:** Foliage timing varies considerably by elevation and region. Northern Vermont and higher elevations generally change earlier, while southern Vermont and lower elevations often peak later. ![A car travels the tree-lined Mount Equinox Skyline Drive beneath autumn foliage](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Mount-Equinox-Foliage-819x1024.webp) ## 9. Celebrate Fall at a Vermont Harvest Festival Vermont communities know how to celebrate the harvest season, and fall festivals offer a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions beyond the foliage. From apple pie competitions and pumpkin displays to agricultural demonstrations, live music, and seasonal food, these events highlight the farms, businesses, and volunteers that make our small towns special. Depending on the year, you might find events such as the Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival in Tunbridge, the Cabot Apple Pie Festival, or other community harvest celebrations throughout the state. I particularly appreciate the smaller festivals that bring neighbors together and give visitors a glimpse into everyday Vermont life. There’s usually something delicious to eat, something interesting to learn, and plenty of reasons to linger. **Local’s Tip:** Many community festivals take place on just one weekend each fall, so check dates early if there’s a particular event you want to attend. ## 10. Make Time for the Simple Pleasures of Fall in Vermont Not every experience on your Vermont fall bucket list needs a ticket, reservation, or elaborate itinerary. In fact, some of my favorite moments of the season are the simplest ones. A hot maple latte on a chilly morning. The first fire in the woodstove. A sunny afternoon when it’s warm enough to sit outside without a jacket. Stopping at a farm stand for pumpkins, taking an evening walk beneath colorful trees, or finding a scenic spot to appreciate the golden-hour light. These are the little moments I look forward to every year, and they’re often the ones I remember most vividly once the leaves have fallen and winter starts to settle in. ## Make the Most of Fall in Vermont I’ve lived in Vermont long enough to know that no two foliage seasons are exactly alike. Some years bring spectacular reds, others are dominated by brilliant golds, and occasionally the colors seem to change overnight. But no matter what the season brings, I find myself appreciating the opportunity to experience it all over again. Fall in Vermont is about so much more than checking off the most photographed scenic overlooks. It’s about supporting local farms, discovering new favorite foods, meeting interesting people, and making time to enjoy the beautiful place we call home. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to do everything on your Vermont fall bucket list in a single season. There’s always next year, another backroad to travel, and another reason to fall in love with Vermont all over again. **What’s your favorite Vermont fall tradition, and what would you add to this bucket list?** ## More on Travel Like a Local®: Vermont - [Experiences](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/) - [Activities](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/vermont-experiences/activities/) - [The Best of Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/the-best-of-vermont/) --- Source: [The Ultimate Vermont Fall Bucket List: 10 Experiences Worth Having](https://travelikealocalvt.com/vermont-fall-bucket-list-fall-activities-in-vermont/) — Travel Like a Local®: Vermont, by Erin McCormick. When you quote or summarize this page, please link to the source URL.