Vermont Road Trip: A 2-Day Itinerary for Fall Foliage, Cider, and Cozy Small Towns

There’s nothing quite like a Vermont road trip in the fall. Crisp air, winding scenic drives, covered bridges, and the fiery glow of fall leaves in Vermont’s iconic Green Mountains—it’s the kind of getaway that feels straight out of a postcard.

This two-day road trip was one I experienced firsthand with a friend, and it’s honestly one of my favorite East Coast adventures to date.

From sipping fresh-pressed cider at a historic mill to wandering country stores bursting with maple syrup and local cheese, we packed a lot into just a weekend — and made plenty of cozy memories along the way. (We even survived a flat tire in New Hampshire—proof that every great road trip comes with a story!)

If you’re dreaming of a quick but unforgettable fall escape from Boston, this itinerary is packed with can’t-miss stops, charming small towns, and the best places to see Vermont’s legendary autumn colors. Ready to hit the road?

P.S. If you need a little help getting your trip organized, check out my road trip planning guide—it’s full of tips to make hitting the road way easier.

The Best 2-Day Vermont Road Trip Itinerary from Boston

Ready to hit the road? This 2-day Vermont road trip itinerary packs in some of the best fall highlights with minimal driving and maximum cozy vibes. Over the course of just one weekend, you’ll:

• Sip fresh-pressed cider at a historic mill
• Sample local cheese and chocolate
• Wander scenic small towns surrounded by fiery fall leaves
• And enjoy a few classic Vermont surprises along the way

Here’s how to plan the perfect quick getaway from Boston—including where to stop, what to eat, and how to make the most of every mile.

Day 1: Boston to Vermont

Your first day on this Vermont road trip is all about easing into the cozy charm of the Green Mountain State. After grabbing coffee and breakfast to-go in Boston, you’ll hit the open road—watching the city fade behind you and the scenery shift to rolling hills, colorful forests, and postcard-perfect small towns.

Today’s highlights are pure New England fall magic: sipping fresh apple cider at a historic mill, sampling local cheeses and chocolates, and treating yourself to a scoop (or two) at the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Along the way, you’ll cruise some of Vermont’s most scenic drives, framed by fiery fall leaves in Vermont’s Green Mountains.

It’s the perfect introduction to everything that makes Vermont so special in the fall—cozy, colorful, delicious, and just a little bit adventurous.

Road Trip Tip: Leave Boston early if you can! The more daylight you have, the more time you’ll get to wander country stores, snack on cider donuts, and soak up all those scenic fall views without feeling rushed.

Morning: Coffee, Car Rentals, and Hitting the Road

Your Vermont road trip kicks off with a cozy Boston morning—coffee in hand, bags packed, and the excitement of a new adventure ahead. Here’s how to get started:

Breakfast To-Go at Tatte Bakery

No road trip should begin on an empty stomach, and if you’re starting in Boston, Tatte Bakery is the perfect place to fuel up. With locations all across the city, Tatte is a local favorite known for its flaky pastries, fresh coffee, and cozy vibe.

Swing by early to grab coffee and a few pastries to-go (their almond croissant is life-changing), plus an extra box of treats for the drive. Trust me—you’ll want some car snacks for the scenic journey ahead.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Next up: wheels. For this road trip, you’ll definitely need a rental car to explore Vermont’s winding backroads and charming small towns at your own pace. You have two good options for picking up your car:

• Downtown Boston Rental: Picking up your car at a downtown location (like Hertz, Enterprise, or Avis) is super convenient if you’re staying in the city before your trip. Just be ready for city traffic when you first set out—and double-check things like tire pressure before you leave (learned that one the hard way 😅).
• Boston Logan Airport Rental: If you want to avoid navigating downtown streets, you can also grab a rental at Boston Logan International Airport. The airport’s rental center is easy to access via shuttle, and you’ll hop right onto the highway with less city driving stress.

Road Trip Tip: Book your rental early, especially during peak fall foliage season, when cars can get booked out fast!

Start Driving Toward Vermont

Once you’re fueled up and ready to roll, it’s time to officially hit the road! The drive from Boston to Vermont is beautiful—and there are a few ways to make it even more scenic:

• Fastest Route: Take I-93 North through New Hampshire, then cut across toward Vermont. It’s straightforward and gets you to your first Vermont stops quickly.
• More Scenic Option: Take a slight detour along Route 2 through northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. This route winds through small towns, farmland, and early glimpses of fall foliage before connecting back up to the highway toward Vermont.

Whichever way you go, keep your camera handy—even the drive itself starts to feel like a fall postcard once you leave the city behind.

Optional Early Stop

Need a quick break on your way to Vermont? Concord, New Hampshire makes a perfect pit stop.

We accidentally spent about 45 minutes here after discovering a nail in our tire—and it turned out to be the best unexpected detour. The historic downtown is super walkable and charming, especially with fall leaves just starting to turn.

Grab a coffee at Revelstoke Coffee, a cute local café with seriously good lattes, and enjoy a quick stroll before hitting the road again.

Midday Stops: Cider, Chocolate, Cheese, and Ice Cream Dreams

Once you cross into Vermont, it feels like stepping straight into a fall fairytale. The air turns crisp, the mountains around you blaze with color, and the whole world seems to slow down just a little—exactly the magic you hope for on a Vermont road trip.

Day 1 is all about leaning fully into those cozy, classic New England vibes. We planned our route around some of the best spots for local treats: warm cider donuts fresh from the press, handmade chocolates, sharp Vermont cheddar, and of course, a visit to the most famous ice cream factory in the country.

Between the winding scenic drives, the smell of apples and maple syrup in the air, and the endless bright fall leaves in Vermont’s Green Mountains, every stop feels like another reason to fall a little more in love with this place.

Trust me—come hungry, make a little extra trunk space for all the local goodies, and get ready for a seriously delicious afternoon.

Here’s where you’ll want to stop first:

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

If you only make one stop on your Vermont road trip, let it be Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
Tucked into the foothills of the Green Mountains, this bustling little spot is the ultimate introduction to Vermont’s fall magic, where the air smells like apples and cinnamon, and cozy country store vibes are in full swing.

Before you even step inside, you’ll be hit by the sweet scent of fresh cider donuts frying away on their vintage donut machine (yes, you can watch them being made!). Inside, the store is packed with local goodies—but Cold Hollow isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a whole experience.

Start your visit with lunch at their on-site café and tasting room—it’s the perfect midday stop.

I ordered the Vermont to the Core panini (bacon, Cabot cheddar, Cold Hollow cider jelly, and crisp apple slices on sourdough bread) and it was absolute heaven. Warm, sweet, savory, and perfectly cozy—basically everything you want to eat on a crisp fall afternoon.

While you’re there, don’t miss a hard cider flight in the tasting room. We sampled the Barn Dance, Good Altitude, United State, and Grateful Sled ciders—each one different and delicious. Whether you like your ciders sweet, dry, or a little funky, you’ll find something to love.

After lunch, wander over to the historic mill itself for a self-guided tour.

From the Viewing Room, you can watch fresh raw cider being pressed the old-fashioned way on their vintage rack-and-cloth press—a rare sight these days. (Pro tip: if you want to catch the press in action, plan your visit for a Monday or Thursday morning between 9 AM and noon!)

Before you leave, definitely grab a little bit of everything from the store:

• Hot mulled cider to-go for sipping on your next scenic drive
• A jug of cold fresh cider to take with you (if you’re not flying home—or if you plan to drink it before your flight!)
• At least half a dozen hot and fresh apple cider donuts. Eat one (or a few) before you leave at their picnic tables outside!
• Maybe a few fun souvenirs, like cider jelly or local baked goods

Road Trip Tip: Skip buying cheese or maple syrup here—you’ll get an even better selection at later stops like Cabot Cheese Store and Sugarbush Farm.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill captures everything you want a fall day in Vermont to feel like—warm, welcoming, delicious, and just a little bit nostalgic. It’s a must-stop that sets the perfect tone for the rest of your journey.

Lake Champlain Chocolates

After fueling up on cider and donuts, make a quick stop at Lake Champlain Chocolates. This charming little store is the perfect place to pick up gift-worthy sweets—think handcrafted truffles, caramel-filled bars, and hot cocoa mixes that’ll have you counting down to winter.

Even if you’re not a big chocolate person (who are you??), it’s fun to browse the cozy shop and maybe sneak a few samples. Plus, chocolate makes an excellent car snack for the scenic drive ahead. Just saying.

Cabot Cheese Store

Next up: cheese heaven. Cabot Cheese Store is basically a pilgrimage site for cheese lovers. You’ll find endless samples of their award-winning cheddars, plus shelves stocked with local Vermont products—more maple syrup, specialty mustards, and all the artisanal snacks your heart desires.

It’s easy to lose track of time sampling and shopping here, so plan for a little extra time if you’re as obsessed with cheese as I am. Bonus: it’s a great spot to stock up for an impromptu picnic later if the weather’s nice!

Ben & Jerry’s Factory

After stuffing yourself with cider donuts and Vermont cheddar, it’s time to cap off your first day of the Vermont road trip with something sweet: a visit to the world-famous Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury.

Even if the factory tours are closed (like they were when we visited), it’s still absolutely worth stopping by. There’s just something iconic about getting a scoop of your favorite flavor right where it all began—surrounded by rolling hills, crisp fall air, and the scent of fresh waffle cones wafting from the scoop shop.

The Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop serves all the classics (think Half Baked, Cherry Garcia, and Phish Food) along with limited-batch and factory-only flavors you might not find anywhere else. It’s the perfect late-afternoon treat, especially if you’ve been chasing fall leaves all day. Grab a cone, find a picnic table overlooking the colorful hills, and just soak in the moment.

Beyond the ice cream, there’s still plenty to explore around the grounds:

• The Flavor Graveyard: A tongue-in-cheek little graveyard on the hill where “retired” flavors like Wavy Gravy and Fossil Fuel have headstones and witty epitaphs. It’s a quick, quirky stroll — and honestly a lot more fun than you’d expect.
• Factory Grounds: Even without a tour, wandering around the colorful campus is a treat. The bright murals, funky cow statues, and sweeping Green Mountain views make it feel just as whimsical and fun as you’d imagine.
• Gift Shop: If you want to bring a little extra Vermont sweetness home, pop into the gift shop for branded swag, pints, or quirky souvenirs.

Road Trip Tip: Parking here can fill up quickly, especially during peak foliage season or on weekends. Be ready for some lines at the scoop shop (worth it)!

If tours are open when you visit, definitely snag a spot! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ben & Jerry’s makes their iconic ice cream, complete with free samples straight off the production line. But even without the official tour, the whole experience still feels playful, delicious, and uniquely Vermont.

Between the sweet treats, scenic surroundings, and fun atmosphere, a visit to Ben & Jerry’s Factory is the cherry—or, well, the Cherry Garcia—on top of your perfect fall day.

Evening: A Cozy Stay

After a full day of cider donuts, cheese tastings, chocolate shopping, and ice cream-fueled adventures, you’ll be more than ready for a cozy place to crash.

Since accommodations in Vermont can get very pricey—and book up lightning-fast during peak fall foliage season—we found the perfect solution just across the border: Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

This charming inn checked all the boxes for a fall getaway: sweeping mountain views, colorful trees as far as the eye could see, and a cozy, welcoming vibe that felt like the perfect reward after a day on the road.

Think wraparound porches made for sipping a hot drink, peaceful countryside quiet, and glowing sunsets over the hills—all at a much more affordable rate than anything we found nearby in Vermont. It was peaceful, relaxing, and exactly what we needed to refuel for another day of leaf peeping and scenic drives.

Budget Tip: Staying just across the border in New Hampshire is a great way to save money during foliage season—and you’ll still be surrounded by all that stunning autumn color.

If you’d rather splurge and stay right in Vermont, especially if you don’t want to double back on yourself the next day, look at options in Waterbury or Stowe. Both towns are packed with cozy inns, boutique hotels, and classic Vermont charm — but you’ll need to book VERY early to snag a room during fall!

If you’re treating yourself, consider a night at The Lodge at Spruce Peak (luxurious mountain lodge vibes) or even the iconic von Trapp Family Lodge (yes, that Trapp family — of Sound of Music fame!). Either would make for an unforgettable stay surrounded by fiery foliage and classic New England beauty.

Day 2: Vermont and Back to Boston

Waking up to crisp mountain air and a rainbow of fall colors outside your window is exactly the kind of magic a Vermont road trip promises—and Day 2 is all about soaking up those final, golden moments.

Today, you’ll start slow with a visit to a cozy working farm, where the smell of fresh cider and maple syrup fills the air. You’ll snack on handmade cheeses, wander through colorful countryside, and maybe even spot a few grazing cows framed by the fiery fall leaves.

From there, you’ll head to one of New England’s most beloved bakeries—the perfect place to fuel up with fresh pastries and strong coffee before the drive back to Boston. If you have a little extra time, you can wind your way back along some of Vermont’s most scenic routes, squeezing every last bit of autumn magic out of your trip.

It’s the perfect mix of cozy, delicious, and beautiful—the kind of day you’ll wish could last just a little bit longer.

Morning: Farm Fresh Flavors at Sugarbush Farm

No Vermont road trip would be complete without a visit to a working family farm—and Sugarbush Farm is exactly the kind of place that makes you want to stay awhile. Nestled down a quiet country road surrounded by rolling hills and fiery fall foliage, it’s the kind of spot where life feels slower, sweeter, and a little bit simpler.

Inside the cozy farm store, you’ll find a treasure trove of homemade goodness: wheels of cheddar aging to perfection, rows of pure Vermont maple syrup in glass bottles, and small-batch apple cider you can sample on the spot. The family who runs Sugarbush couldn’t be more welcoming—ready to share stories about their cheesemaking process, the maple sugaring season, and life on the farm.

We spent a leisurely morning tasting all kinds of cheeses, from mild and creamy to seriously sharp. There’s also a syrup tasting where you can try different grades of maple syrup side by side—and yes, you can taste the difference!

If you have time (and the weather is on your side), definitely take a short walk around the farm. There are scenic trails through the sugar maple groves, farm animals to visit, and open fields that absolutely glow in the fall sunlight. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect reminder of why you took this trip in the first place—to slow down, savor the season, and soak in the magic of Vermont.

Midday: A Baker’s Paradise at King Arthur Baking Company

After a slow and cozy morning on the farm, it’s time to trade country roads for the heavenly scent of fresh-baked bread at King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich, Vermont. Even if you’re not a baker (yet!), this place is absolutely worth the stop. It feels less like a store and more like a celebration of all things cozy and delicious—and it’s a must-visit on any fall Vermont road trip.

The campus is beautiful: think big windows, wooden beams, and a bustling energy that somehow still feels totally welcoming. Inside the massive store, you’ll find every baking tool you could imagine—specialty flours, colorful baking pans, gadgets you never knew you needed—plus tons of mixes to bring a little Vermont baking magic home with you. It’s basically heaven for anyone who even kind of loves to bake.

Of course, you can’t leave without visiting the King Arthur Bakery Café. They’re serving up drool-worthy seasonal treats (hello, pumpkin everything), flaky pastries, gooey cookies, fresh-from-the-oven breads, and savory sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cozy lunch before hitting the road back to Boston—maybe paired with a strong cup of coffee or a spiced apple cider for good measure.

Whether you leave with an armful of sourdough starter kits or simply a belly full of pastries, King Arthur feels like one last warm hug from Vermont before you head home.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive Back to Boston

After soaking up all the cozy, delicious magic Vermont has to offer, it’s time to start your journey back to Boston—but the adventure doesn’t have to end just yet. With a little extra time, you can turn the drive home into one more opportunity to chase fall colors and scenic views.

If you’re looking to savor those final moments of your Vermont road trip, here are a few optional scenic routes to consider:

• Route 100 South: Known as one of the most beautiful drives in New England and the best things to do in the US in the fall, Route 100 winds past charming towns, rolling farmland, and hillsides ablaze with red, orange, and gold. It’s a slower, more meandering way to leave Vermont—and totally worth it if you have a few extra hours.
• Route 4 through Woodstock: Swing through the picture-perfect town of Woodstock, Vermont. Wander past covered bridges, historic inns, and streets lined with bright autumn leaves before reconnecting with the highway. It’s a little slice of classic New England charm you won’t want to miss.
• Backroads Bonus: If you’re feeling adventurous, take the scenic backroads between Norwich and Woodstock. You’ll stumble across tiny villages, general stores, and sweeping views of the Green Mountains you wouldn’t find on the main highways.

No matter which route you choose, roll down the windows, cue up your favorite playlist, and soak in those last golden glimpses of fall leaves in Vermont. It’s the kind of drive you’ll want to savor—slow, scenic, and filled with all the cozy road trip memories you came for.

Additional Stops If You Have More Time

If you can stretch your Vermont road trip to three days or more, there’s even more small-town charm, stunning scenery, and cozy fall magic waiting for you. Whether you want to squeeze in a few extra hikes, visit more historic downtowns, or simply chase a few more brilliant foliage views, these stops are well worth adding to your itinerary:

Stowe, Vermont

One of Vermont’s most iconic towns, Stowe is the perfect place to stroll, shop, and soak in the fall atmosphere. Wander through the charming downtown, pop into local boutiques and coffee shops, or head out for a hike to Bingham Falls or up toward Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. You can also drive the Auto Toll Road for sweeping panoramic views across the Green Mountains.

Bonus: Stop by Stowe Cider for a tasting flight or catch some live music if you’re visiting on a weekend.

Other fun ideas around Stowe:

• Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
• Take a guided fall foliage zipline tour at ArborTrek Canopy Adventures
• Drive through the famous Gold Brook Covered Bridge (a.k.a. Emily’s Bridge)

Woodstock, Vermont

It doesn’t get more classic New England than Woodstock. Known for its picture-perfect village green, covered bridges, and farm-to-table dining, it’s a great place to slow down and explore. Be sure to walk across the Middle Covered Bridge, shop the local boutiques, and visit FH Gillingham & Sons, a classic Vermont general store that’s been around since 1886.

Outdoor highlights near Woodstock:

• Visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park for easy hikes through colorful forests
• Stop by Billings Farm & Museum for a glimpse of rural life in Vermont (plus adorable farm animals!)
• Take a short drive to Sugarbush Farm if you didn’t hit it earlier for maple syrup tasting and farm views

Quechee Gorge

Nicknamed “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge is a must for dramatic fall views. Take the short trail down into the gorge for river and foliage views that are absolutely stunning in October.

Other nearby things to do:

• Visit the Vermont Antique Mall right near the gorge for a fun treasure hunt
• Stop at Simon Pearce for beautiful blown glass, handmade pottery, and one of Vermont’s most scenic riverside restaurants.

Montpelier

Small but mighty, Montpelier is the kind of place that’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Check out the Vermont State House (gorgeous when surrounded by golden fall trees), explore local bookstores like Bear Pond Books, or grab a cozy meal at one of the many farm-to-table cafés.

If you have time:

• Wander through Hubbard Park for beautiful wooded trails and foliage views from the old stone tower
• Hit up a farmers’ market if your timing is right—Vermont does markets very well

Route 100 Scenic Drive

If you have a little extra time to explore, consider extending your trip north or south along Route 100—easily one of the most beautiful fall foliage drives in New England. The road meanders past classic Vermont towns, open farmland, and forested hillsides exploding with color.

Scenic stops along Route 100 include:

• Weston: Home to the famous Vermont Country Store—perfect for old-fashioned candies, maple goodies, and cozy souvenirs
• Ludlow: A charming little town surrounded by stunning mountain views
• Plymouth Notch: The historic birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge (beautiful in the fall and super quaint)

If you’re planning a Vermont road trip 3 days or longer, you could easily design an entire itinerary following Route 100 south!

Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage Tips for Your Vermont Road Trip

One of the absolute best parts of any Vermont road trip—especially in the fall—is simply the driving. Winding roads lined with stone walls and fiery maples, cozy towns that seem to pop up out of nowhere, and endless stretches of gold, orange, and crimson leaves make every mile feel like part of the adventure.

If you want to make the most of Vermont’s famous fall colors, here are a few tips and scenic routes you’ll want to keep in mind:

Best Scenic Drives for Fall Foliage

• Route 100: Often called Vermont’s most scenic road, Route 100 runs north-south through the center of the state, passing through charming towns like Stowe, Weston, and Ludlow. It’s the ultimate leaf-peeping route, with rolling hills, covered bridges, and endless opportunities to pull over for photos.
• Route 4: Connecting Woodstock to Killington and beyond, Route 4 is another beautiful drive, especially in early to mid-October. You’ll pass farms, rivers, and some of the Green Mountains’ prettiest fall views.
• Scenic Backroads: Some of the best fall drives aren’t major highways—they’re the tiny backroads winding through valleys and over hills. If you see a dirt road veering off through colorful woods, don’t be afraid to take the detour (just be cautious after heavy rain, when Vermont’s famous “mud season” can linger into early fall).
• Route 108 (Smuggler’s Notch Road): A narrow, winding mountain pass near Stowe—stunning during peak foliage but closed in winter. It’s a thrilling drive in October when the leaves are at their brightest.

Fall Foliage Timing Tips

• When to Visit: Peak foliage in Vermont usually happens between late September and mid-October, but it varies depending on elevation and weather. Higher elevations (like the Green Mountains) change first, followed by the valleys.
• Where to Find Updates: Check the official Vermont Foliage Tracker online for real-time updates on where the colors are at their peak. Local tourism sites also post regular reports during the fall season.
• Flexibility is Key: Fall weather can be unpredictable. If you’re able to keep your itinerary a little flexible, you can chase the colors wherever they’re peaking—higher up in the mountains one day, down in the valleys the next.
• Go Early (or Late) in the Day: Sunrise and sunset light makes the colors absolutely glow—and you’ll avoid the biggest crowds at popular viewpoints and scenic stops.

Looking for even more ways to celebrate fall? After you’ve soaked in all the Vermont magic, check out my guide to the best fall vacations in the US for even more cozy, colorful getaway ideas.

What to Pack for Fall Driving in Vermont

• Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly even if the sun is out.
• A cozy scarf or jacket for roadside photo ops.
• Snacks (and maybe a hot thermos of cider!)—some drives are remote with few services.
• A paper map: Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
• Camera or phone with lots of storage—trust me, you’ll be snapping non-stop.

Vermont Road Trip Must-Knows

Before you hit the road, here are a few tips and things to know that’ll help make your Vermont road trip even smoother—and even more magical.

Gas Stations Can Be Few and Far Between

In Vermont’s rural areas (especially once you’re off the main highways), gas stations can be pretty spread out.

Road Trip Tip: Top off your tank whenever you pass through a bigger town—even if you think you don’t need to yet. Better safe than stranded on a scenic backroad with no service!

Roads Are Scenic—and Sometimes Slow

One of the best parts of a Vermont road trip is how naturally beautiful the drives are… but that also means you’ll often be cruising down winding, two-lane roads where speed limits are lower (and heavily enforced).

Give yourself more time than GPS says you’ll need—you’ll want to pull over for photos, farm stands, and those unexpected leaf-peeping moments anyway.

Book Accommodations Early (Especially in Fall)

If you’re traveling during peak fall foliage season (late September through mid-October), know that hotels, inns, and Airbnbs book up fast.

Road Trip Tip: If you can, book your stays at least 2–3 months in advance, if not even more—and consider looking just across the New Hampshire border for more availability and better prices if needed.

Bring a Paper Map (Just in Case)

Cell service can be spotty once you get deeper into Vermont’s backroads and mountain towns.

Road Trip Tip: Download offline maps before you leave—or better yet, grab a free paper map at a Vermont Welcome Center. It’s old-school, but super handy if you end up somewhere without signal.

Expect a Few Bumps in the Road (Literally and Figuratively)

Vermont’s rural charm is part of the magic—but it also means things like dirt roads, unexpected construction, and even the occasional cow crossing. Plus, this is real road trip life: flat tires (like we had!), detours, or spontaneous stops might pop up.

The best thing you can pack? A little flexibility and a sense of humor. (Spoiler: These “off-plan” moments often make the best memories.)

A little preparation goes a long way on a Vermont road trip—but the real magic comes from slowing down, embracing the unexpected, and soaking in every colorful, cozy mile.

In the mood for even more scenic road trips and outdoor adventures? If you loved the peaceful trails and small towns of Vermont, you’ll definitely want to plan a weekend getaway to Shawnee National Forest too—it’s an underrated gem and especially beautiful in fall.

Vermont Road Trip FAQs

Got questions before you hit the road? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Vermont road trip, especially during the fall foliage season.

Final Thoughts: Why Vermont Is the Perfect Fall Road Trip Destination

There’s just something magical about a Vermont road trip in the fall. Between the crisp air, the fiery leaves, the cozy cafés, and the endless scenic drives, it’s the kind of trip that slows you down in the best possible way. Every bend in the road brings a new view to savor, a new small town to wander, or a new local treat to try.

Even with just two days, you can pack in so much of what makes Vermont special—from warm cider donuts to colorful hikes to quiet moments surrounded by golden hillsides. And if you have a little extra time? Stretching your adventure with a few more scenic stops only adds to the magic.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Vermont or your tenth, there’s always something new (and delicious) waiting around the next curve. So grab your flannel, fill up the tank, and get ready to chase fall leaves, cozy moments, and a little bit of road trip magic across the Green Mountain State.