5 Scenic Fall Drives in Vermont You Can’t Miss
One of my favorite ways to see Vermont in the fall is just to get in the car and drive. The state is packed with scenic routes that take you past colorful forests, cute little towns, and plenty of spots where you’ll want to pull over for photos.
Whether you’re planning a full Vermont road trip or just a few day trips, these fall drives in Vermont will show you some of the best foliage in the state. From famous routes like Route 100 to quiet backroads that feel like hidden gems, every drive has something special!
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Quick Tips for Planning Your Vermont Fall Getaway
Heading to Vermont this fall? Here are a few resources to help you plan your trip:
📅 When to Visit: Fall foliage usually peaks from late September to mid-October, but it varies by region. Northern Vermont often hits peak color earlier than the south.
🏨 Where to Stay: Book early! Towns like Stowe and Woodstock sell out months ahead for fall. Check availability at the Woodstock Inn & Resort or Green Mountain Inn in Stowe for classic New England vibes.
🚗 Car Rental: A car is essential for exploring Vermont’s scenic byways and hopping between towns. Compare rental prices on Discover Cars to snag the best deal!
🍁 Best Places to Visit: Don’t miss Stowe’s covered bridges, Woodstock’s charming downtown, and Burlington’s vibrant waterfront. For scenic drives, head to Smugglers’ Notch or Route 100. Stop at apple orchards, cider mills, and farmers’ markets for peak fall vibes.
Best Fall Drives in Vermont
1. Route 100 (The Skier’s Highway)
Route 100 is probably the most famous fall drive in Vermont, and for good reason! This scenic byway runs nearly the entire length of the state for about 216 miles, stretching from Massachusetts all the way up to the Canadian border.
If you were to drive it without stopping, it would take around 5.5 hours, but honestly, you’ll want to allow at least a full day (or two) to enjoy the stops along the way.
The beauty of Route 100 is how much variety it packs in. You’ll pass through some of Vermont’s prettiest towns like Stowe, Ludlow, and Killington, plus quiet backroads with farm stands, covered bridges, and mountain views that seem to go on forever.
If you’re into outdoor adventures, there are plenty of chances to hop out for a quick hike or to visit waterfalls just off the road.
Some of my favorite stops along Route 100 include Moss Glen Falls near Stowe, the Vermont Country Store in Weston, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury for fresh cider donuts. You could even pair parts of Route 100 with a visit to Smugglers’ Notch for even more stunning foliage!
If you want to turn this drive into a little getaway, consider spending the night in Stowe at Topnotch Resort or Green Mountain Inn. For a southern Vermont option, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester is another great choice.
2. Smugglers’ Notch Pass (Route 108)
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most dramatic fall drives in Vermont, and while it’s much shorter than Route 100, it packs a serious punch.
This narrow, winding mountain road connects Stowe to Jeffersonville, cutting right through towering cliffs and dense forest that turns fiery red and orange during peak foliage.
The drive itself is only about 3.5 miles, but it’s slow-going thanks to tight turns, hairpin bends, and narrow lanes that make it feel like a true adventure.
You’ll want to allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for the drive so you can pull over at a few of the small parking areas and take in the views.
This route is especially popular in the fall, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when there’s less traffic. Keep in mind the road is closed in winter, usually starting in late October or early November, so time your trip carefully.
Since Smugglers’ Notch is so close to Stowe, it’s easy to combine with a visit to the village. Stay a night or two at Topnotch Resort or the Trapp Family Lodge to make the most of your time in the area.
3. Route 9 (Molly Stark Byway)
If you’re exploring southern Vermont, Route 9 (also known as the Molly Stark Byway) is one of the best scenic drives to catch peak foliage.
This 48-mile route runs between Bennington and Brattleboro, some of the most charming small towns in Vermont, making it a perfect half-day trip or an easy add-on to a longer Vermont road trip.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the Green Mountains with plenty of overlooks, trailheads, and quiet spots that are perfect for soaking in the fall colors.
Keep an eye out for small ponds right off the road, like Red Mill Pond, Big Pond, and Bugbee Pond. We stopped at a couple of them on our drive and loved how peaceful they were! Perfect for a quick photo or just to enjoy the stillness.
Don’t miss Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook near Marlboro either. The sweeping views of hills and valleys covered in fall foliage are especially magical early in the morning when the mist hangs low.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive, but plan a little extra time if you want to stop in Bennington or Brattleboro. Both towns have charming downtown areas with shops, cafés, and galleries that are perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
For an overnight stay, check out Four Chimneys Inn in Bennington for a classic New England vibe, or The Inn on Putney Road in Brattleboro for something a little cozier.
4. Route 125 (Middlebury Gap)
Route 125, also known as the Middlebury Gap, is one of Vermont’s hidden gems for a fall drive. This scenic 16-mile route connects Middlebury and Hancock, cutting right through the Green Mountains.
It may be short, but the mix of dense forests, mountain streams, and pops of fiery foliage makes every mile worth it.
Along the way, you’ll pass Bread Loaf Mountain and have access to a few trailheads in Green Mountain National Forest if you feel like stretching your legs.
A stop at Texas Falls is a must! The waterfall and picnic area are especially pretty when surrounded by colorful leaves.
The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but I’d recommend allowing an hour or more to enjoy the scenery and maybe fit in a quick walk.
For a place to stay nearby, Middlebury Inn is a great historic option right in town, or opt for something more rustic like a cabin rental near the forest.
5. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is one of the most unique fall drives in Vermont because it’s not just a scenic byway – it’s a private toll road that takes you straight to the summit of Vermont’s second-highest peak.
The drive itself is about 5.2 miles long, but don’t let the short distance fool you. As you climb nearly 3,200 feet, you’ll pass through dense forests glowing with fall colors and get glimpses of the valleys far below. There are several pull-offs where you can stop to enjoy the view or snap a few photos.
At the summit, there’s a small visitor center and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Taconic Range, and even New York’s Adirondacks on a clear day. The crisp air and the surrounding foliage make it feel like the perfect fall escape.
The road is open from late May through late October and has a toll fee, but it’s worth every penny for the experience. Plan for about 1–2 hours, including stops and time at the summit.
If you’re staying in Manchester, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa is just at the base of the mountain and makes a convenient and cozy place to spend the night.
