As the home of 55 state parks, over 100 covered bridges, and some of the most vivid fall foliage in the country, it is easy to see why the New England state of Vermont is one of the most sought-after places to visit in autumn. And despite the fact that we are already several weeks deep into the season, there is still plenty of time to savor the sights, with many Vermont towns reserving their brightest leaves for the second and third weeks of October.
As these towns shed their usual greenery in place of crimson and gold, a warm glow is cast across Vermont’s hilltops, river shores, and mountainsides. Add in pumpkin patches, hayrides, and festive events celebrating the season, and you have the perfect recipe for experiencing a New England fall at its finest in 2024.
Stowe
The Stowe Community Church, Stowe, Vermont.
Named one of 2024’s “Top 10 Best Places to See Fall Colors in the United States” by USA Today, Stowe embodies everything we know and love about a classic New England fall. Overlooked by Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), this northern Vermont town of just over 5,000 locals welcomes a massive amount of the 13 million who visit Vermont each year. With summer and winter being the busiest seasons, fall in Stowe offers the perfect blend of tranquility and stunning views. Seasonal colors arrive as early as the beginning of September and, in some areas, last well into October, depending on the elevation.
If you are looking for Stowe’s vibrant hues earlier in the season, your best bet is to embark on higher hikes like the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, which grants breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. For a more easygoing foliage hike, Stowe’s 75-acre Kirchner Woods features flatter paths with stunning yellow and red sugar maples.
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But for the ultimate leisurely leaf-peeping experience, you may just want to take to the sky. The town has several attractions that allow a bird’s-eye view of the foliage, including the Stowe Mountain Resort’s Gondola SkyRide, a forest zipline with ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, or Air Stowe Helicopter Tours. Just make sure to be back on land by October 11 to celebrate the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival, which will feature over 150 artists and artisans, live entertainment, and tons of delicious festival foods.
Burke
The way to Burke Mountain near Burke, Vermont.
Although the picturesque mountain town of Burke has already seen its famed Fall Festival pass in late September, there is still plenty of autumnal bliss to savor in fall. As part of Vemront’s Northeast Kingdom, the town’s surrounding forests and alpine atmosphere means foliage begins to transform around mid-September, reaching peak vibrancy in early to mid-October. This period offers the perfect opportunity to witness the brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves in Darling State Park, which features stunning vistas on paths like the 1.3-mile Burke Mountain Overlook trail.
Beyond exploring the seasonal bliss by foot, Burke is also famous for its Kingdom Trail network, which boasts over 100 miles of biking paths. Whether you choose to rent a bike from Burke’s Village Sport Shop or bring your own, cycling these scenic forest trails is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of the season. Alternatively, for a more unique experience, consider Burke’s DND Stables Guided Trail Rides, which offer leisurely horseback adventures suitable for riders of all skill levels, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning autumn landscape.
Waitsfield
Beautiful landscape near Waitsfield, Vermont.
Over in the heart of the Mad River Valley, Waitsfield is a cozy town promising dramatic sights and spirited experiences in the fall. The valley, centrally located in Vermont, offers a striking contrast of Green Mountain summits and Mad River lowlands, combined with a tapestry of fiery autumn hues and crisp alpine airs. During your time in Waitsfield, you can expect peak-foliage in early to mid-October, but like Stowe, it will also depend on elevation.
For an immersive experience, adventurous travelers may want to take a Guided Fall Foliage Tours with downtown Waitsfield’s Clearwater Sports. While many people associate paddling with summer, the tree-dotted riverbanks reflect vibrant fall colors into the water, creating a truly special effect. With wildlife actively packing on the pounds for hibernation, you are also more likely to spot animals like the American black bear.
Another fantastic way to enjoy the fall scenery is through the Foliage Lift Rides at Mad River Glen. This ski area hosts its Foliage Weekend event on October, providing round trips to the summit for breathtaking views of the valley’s foliage. If you would like to linger a bit longer to take in the sights and snap some photos, you can step off the lift for a leisurely hike down the scenic 2.5-mile Stark Mountain Trail. On October 12, the Stark Mountain Foundation will also organize a Family-Friendly Nature Hike, guiding families from this trail to Waitsfield’s Kent Thomas Nature Center.
Manchester
Main Street of Manchester, Vermont, in fall.
Traveling to southern Vermont, Manchester is the perfect town for those craving spectacular views without the hike. Sandwiched between the Green and Taconic Mountains, picturesque backdrops are a constant in Manchester, with Mount Equinox towering above the skyline at 3,850 feet. With the addition of the Battenkill River encircling the town, postcard views are as natural as breathing.
For a jaw-dropping “Drive to the Sky,” visitors can take historic Route 7A (located between Manchester and Arlington) for a trip up the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. As the longest privately owned paved toll road in the United States, the road’s 3,248-foot, 5.2-mile ascent to the top of Mount Equinox is stunning year-round. But mid-September through October is when the trees replace their usual green with a stunning tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds, making this one of the most sought-after times to take the scenic drive.
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Manchester is also an excellent destination for those with young kids, since the town hosts a great range of family-friendly activities. Fall Foliage Wagon Rides at Hildene Farm are a great follow-up to tours of the Lincoln Family Home. Alternatively, the Equinox Valley Nursery Pumpkin Patch also hosts a mountain-view wagon ride, along with a corn maze and an annual pumpkin carving festival (date to be determined).
Woodstock
Gorgeous fall colors in Woodstock, Vermont.
While certain Vermont towns are at their most crowded in the summertime, Woodstock’s busy season is from September to October, when the leaves are at their brightest. The best entry to this quintessential New England town is via the Crossroad of the Vermont Scenic Byway, whose sparkling landscapes will set the mood for your stay. Woodstock is also bordered by the beautiful Ottauquechee River, making the town’s scenes that much prettier.
The 3-mile Ottauquechee River Trail is one of the best ways to take in the town’s autumnal sights, or you can opt for a more vertical path up Mount Tom for a bird’s-eye view of the village. Quechee State Park is also a short drive from Woodstock, known for its Quechee Gorge Trail. As for those looking for a more easygoing foliage hike, Woodstock has several rural areas worth exploring, like Sugarbush Farm and Bourdon Maple Farm. In the autumn months, Bourdon offers free sugar house tours, maple samples, and self-guided hikes through the farm’s vibrant Maple Trail.
East Corinth
Gorgeous fall colors in East Corinth, Vermont. Editorial credit: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock.com.
For Halloween fanatics looking for a laid-back day trip this October, East Corinth boasts a ton of whimsy without the Woodstock crowds. Despite often being overlooked, the town’s main claim to fame is its reputation as a Beetlejuice Filming Location since the 1988 film’s outdoor scenes were shot throughout East Corinth, including the iconic bridge scene. To this day, the town exudes a gothic charm reminiscent of the film, showcased in 19th-century buildings like the East Corinth Congregational Church, which was built in 1840.
Leaf-peepers will also find themselves mesmerized by the stunning hillsides in this rural town. This year’s Corinth Fall Festival is set to line up with the region’s peak foliage season when the hills will come to life with dazzling shades of red and gold. The festival promises tractor rides, face painting, food, and artisan vendors.
Burlington
Burlington, Vermont, appears very charming in fall. Editorial credit: julie deshaies / Shutterstock.com.
Despite being Vermont’s largest town, Burlington has that cozy small-town feel New England is famous for. As local oaks and maples take on their fall colors (generally reaching their crescendo in the first couple weeks of October), the town’s parks and green spaces feel warmer and cozier than ever. Oakledge Park is a great choice for views of Lake Champlain, or you can head to the heart of Burlington to explore The Intervale Center. This 360-acre nonprofit boasts everything from organic farms to recreational paths like the Intervale Trail, which winds through farmland and wooded paths along the Winooski River.
As for seasonal festivities, for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, this historic Vermont town is also famous for its award-winning haunted town tour. The Queen City Ghostwalk, “Vermont’s Original Ghost Tour,” was awarded the 2024 “Best Guided Outdoor Tour” by Seven Daysies and has been voted one of New England’s best-haunted walks by magazines like Yankee and AAA. Alternatively, for those craving treats instead of tricks, Burlington’s Choctober Fest is a fun event taking place every Saturday in October, promising free chocolate tastings with seasonal maple, cider, and pumpkin flavors.
Grafton
The way to Grafton, Vermont, in fall.
With “Peak New England Vibes” and less than 700 locals, the sleepy and underrated village of Grafton is an ideal getaway spot for those craving a quieter experience this fall. Like other southern Vermont towns, Grafton sees its brightest foliage toward the beginning of October, so this is the best time to visit. And thanks to the town’s alpine atmosphere, crisp mountain air will accompany your views every step of the way.
For a scenic autumn drive (and a charming photo), Grafton’s Kidder Covered Bridge is an adorable little landmark that takes you across the South Branch Saxtons River. But to explore Grafton’s scene on foot, you will want to head to the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. Spread over 2,000 acres of land, the area boasts everything from rolling hills to vibrant woodlands where visitors can hike, mountain bike, leaf-peep, and even book a stay at the adjacent Grafton Inn hotel.
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As a follow-up, the Nature Museum at Grafton is a great way to learn more about the area’s stunning outdoors and wildlife. As for those who would prefer to experience more of Grafton’s rural atmosphere, the Plummer’s Sugar House is a great next stop. Their free farm tours are a delight in the fall, plus they sell countless maple syrup goodies for those with a sweet tooth.
Final Thoughts
Summertime may be Vermont’s busiest tourist period (welcoming 5 million people every season), but autumn is when the Green Mountain State truly lives up to its New England image. Whether visiting towns like Woodstock (which has become world-famous for its classic autumn scenes) or sleepier rural towns like Grafton for a quiet getaway in the mountains, the kaleidoscope landscapes, seasonal flavors, and warm festivities will reveal why so many choose to spend their weekends, road trips, and getaways in Vermont this time of year.
MONTPELIER — As medical dispensaries dwindle but retailers receive medical use endorsements, a data point sticks out.
“The number of medical patients continues to grow,” Olga Fitch, executive director of the Cannabis Control Board, said at the Dec. 17 board meeting.
About 3,043 patients were registered for the program at the time of the meeting, according to a slide show presentation. More than 40 patients were added to the count since the November board meeting, Fitch said.
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Looking at data starting in 2011, Fitch said the medical program peaked around 2018 with 5,300 patients. She noted November 2023 is the last time, before now, that the state recorded more than 3,000 patients.
Vermont now has 20 retailers with medical use endorsements. They’re in Bennington, Brattleboro, Manchester Center, Middlebury, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, South Hero, Bethel, Brandon, Burlington, Essex, Essex Junction, Johnson, White River Junction, Winooski and Woodstock. Five of them received the endorsement in December.
A law passed this year by the Vermont Legislature established the program, which allows approved retailers the opportunity to sell higher potency products and offer curbside, delivery and drive-thru services to patients. Registered medical cannabis patients in Vermont are also exempt from paying the state’s cannabis excise tax and the standard sales tax.
Retail establishments with the medical use endorsement are gearing up for the new initiative.
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The first Enhanced Budtender Education course was held during the first week of December, a CCB newsletter stated, “paving the way for medical cannabis sales at medical-use-endorsed retailers.”
The CCB thanked “the budtenders and licensees who took the time to register, attend, and successfully complete the multi-hour course.”
“We are excited to roll out better access for patients and caregivers in the Medical Cannabis Program,” the CCB said.
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At least one employee at an endorsed retailer is required to go through enhanced budtender training, which is offered through a contract with Cannify. To qualify, retailers must be in good standing for six months, with a clean compliance record and up-to-date tax payments.
Volunteers from across the region gathered at the Canadian Club in Barre to pack 30,000 meals for families facing food insecurity, according to a community announcement.
The Jan. 10 event, organized by Vermont Lions Clubs, brought together club members and volunteers to assemble meals for local food shelves and community partners, according to the announcement.
The project has been running in Vermont for nine years, starting with 10,000 meals in 2017.
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Carol Greene, organizer for Vermont Lions, said the project reflects a longstanding commitment to hunger relief from the organization.
Volunteers worked in assembly-line fashion, scooping, weighing, sealing and boxing meals. Teams cheered each other on and paused to recognize milestones.
The event included volunteers from Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut, who came to learn how to bring the meal-pack program to their own communities.
“This is what Lions do best: serve together and multiply impact,” according to the announcement.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
Theo Wells-Spackman is a Report for America corps member who reports for VTDigger.
Vermont has received a nearly $13 million federal grant to strengthen its child care and pre-Kindergarten programs, among other early childhood services, officials said Monday.
The grant comes from the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five program in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has supported parts of Vermont’s early childhood landscape for a decade, advocates said. This year’s award is the largest one-time amount the state has received.
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It’s a separate award from the regular $28 million in funding that Vermont receives via the federal Child Care and Development Fund, monies President Donald Trump’s administration sought to withhold from five Democratic-led states this month. Vermont Department for Children and Families Deputy Commissioner Janet McLaughlin said Monday that the state has not received such warnings, though a memo last week increased her team’s reporting requirements when accessing the funds.
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Both the application process and the birth-through-five grant itself were much more compressed than usual, according to Morgan Crossman, the executive director of the childhood policy nonprofit Building Bright Futures.
“Generally, these grants take three months to write,” she said. “We wrote it in six days.”
A 12-month clock for the funding means that the state will be without the standard window for planning and engaging contractors, Crossman added. Nonetheless, she called the funding “critical” in a year where state lawmakers face especially tough budgeting decisions.
This new allocation will help Vermont build child care capacity, improve data management and facilitate cooperation between state agencies, advocates, and local providers, according to McLaughlin.
“We’re thrilled to have these resources right now,” said McLaughlin, adding that her team was working with “urgency and focus” to “draw down every dollar that we can.”
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The grant comes in a period of fast change for Vermont’s child care ecosystem. The 2023 passage of Act 76 allowed thousands of kids to newly enroll in the state’s expanded child care tuition assistance program, and over 100 new care providers have launched statewide.
But aside from these central investments, McLaughlin said there was a “long list of projects” that could continue to expand and improve the state’s care offerings for young children and families.
Two priorities will be ensuring that child care providers have the business planning assistance necessary to survive or expand, and developing a workforce in Vermont that keeps pace with the industry’s expansion, McLaughlin said.
The state’s focus on workforce will include improvements to data and technology. The grant will allow the state to update its fingerprint-supported background-check system, delays in which have caused years of headaches for child care providers. The upgrades should “dramatically reduce the turnaround times” for checks, McLaughlin said.
Crossman said sharing information effectively between agencies and providers improves the experience of individual families, and also allows her team to do its job monitoring progress in areas like child care coverage, literacy and use of public aid programs. Vermont’s Early Childhood Data and Policy Center, a division of Crossman’s organization, is tasked with making data-based childhood policy recommendations to lawmakers based on such information.
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“We’re making sure that we’re centralizing data and making it publicly available,” Crossman said.
