The Best Guide to Vermont in the Fall

Why Vermont in the Fall Is Worth the Trip

There is a reason so many people plan their vacations around Vermont in the fall. The air turns crisp, and the hillsides burst into shades of red, orange, and gold. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of woodsmoke drifting from nearby chimneys, and earlier sunsets all signal that autumn has arrived. The foliage may steal the spotlight, but it is only one reason to love this season. Vermont in the fall also means warm apple cider donuts, charming small towns, and scenic back roads that make you forget where you were headed in the first place.

Our corner of Vermont does fall especially well. Route 100 runs right past us, winding through covered bridges and mountain views on its way toward Weston, one of the most charming small towns in Vermont. A short drive away, you will find even more things to do in Woodstock, a beautiful historic town. Scenic drives, mountain hikes, and historic villages all sit within easy reach, making the Ludlow area one of the best places to visit in Vermont during autumn. Whatever you are after, there is no shortage of things to do in Vermont in the fall within a few minutes of Echo Lake Inn.

After a full day of leaf peeping, there is something to be said for coming back to a fire lit in the hearth and a home-cooked breakfast waiting the next morning. That is what awaits at our historic inn on Echo Lake. The hospitality, views, and proximity to the top things to do in Vermont in the fall are exactly why Echo Lake Inn is one of the best places to stay in Vermont for a fall getaway.

Explore Vermont in the Fall Like a Local

Vermont in the fall reaches its peak from late September into October, when brilliant foliage blankets the mountains and weekends become especially popular. Ludlow sits close to many of the best things to do in Vermont in the fall, most within a twenty-minute drive, making it easy to fit more than one destination into a single day.

Here is where we send guests when they ask what to do during their stay:

1. Ride a scenic fall foliage train. Seasonal foliage excursions have operated through southern Vermont for years, with routes that have included Chester and the Okemo Valley. Schedules vary year to year, so check the current operating calendar before planning your visit.
2. Hike or ride up Okemo Mountain. The Healdville Trail runs about six miles round trip with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, ending at the historic Okemo fire tower with views of the southern Green Mountains and Mount Ascutney. If you would rather skip the climb, Okemo’s Sunburst Six chairlift typically operates on select fall weekends, weather permitting.
3. Walk the trail to Buttermilk Falls. This short walk through Okemo State Forest leads to three waterfalls along Branch Brook. The lower falls sit just a short walk from the parking area, while a steeper trail continues to the upper cascades. Wear shoes with good traction, since wet leaves and rocks turn slippery in autumn.
4. Take the gondola up Killington Peak. Rising to 4,241 feet, Killington Peak offers one of the highest lift-served viewpoints in the state. During fall, the K-1 Gondola carries visitors above the forest canopy for foliage views across the Green Mountains on a clear day.
5. Spend an afternoon in Weston. One of the most charming small towns in Vermont, especially in autumn. Browse the Vermont Country Store, stroll the village green, visit local galleries, or catch a performance at the Weston Theater Company if one is scheduled.
6. Visit the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Located in nearby Plymouth Notch, this preserved village is where President Calvin Coolidge was born and sworn into office in 1923. The site runs seasonally through mid-October, making Vermont in October one of the best times to see it with the historic buildings surrounded by peak foliage.
7. Stop by Plymouth Artisan Cheese. Established in 1890, this cheesemaker continues the tradition that began during the Coolidge era. Sampling heritage cheddar while learning about the area’s agricultural history makes for one of the more unique things to do in Vermont between Ludlow and Woodstock.
8. Watch glassblowing at Simon Pearce. Watching artisans transform molten glass into finished pieces is fascinating any time of year, especially on a cool fall afternoon. Stay for lunch or dinner overlooking the Ottauquechee River and waterfall.
9. Grab lunch at Long Trail Brewing. Located in nearby Bridgewater Corners, seasonal beers, hearty pub fare, and outdoor seating over the Ottauquechee River make this a great stop after a morning hike.

Bring a light jacket for cool mornings, comfortable shoes for hiking and village walks, and a little flexibility so you can stop whenever another scenic overlook catches your eye.

Experience One of the Best Places to Stay in Vermont

After a day exploring fall in Vermont, there is nothing quite like returning to Echo Lake Inn. Originally built in the 1840s, our historic inn combines classic New England character with the amenities that make Vermont in the fall even more enjoyable. Every guest room has its own personality, and some feature gas fireplaces or jacuzzi tubs, especially welcome after a cool afternoon outdoors. Before dinner, relax in our pub, challenge the family to a game, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting overlooking Echo Lake.

Mornings begin with a hearty, made-to-order breakfast included with your stay. In the evening, our restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from Vermont farms whenever possible. Beyond the dining room, guests enjoy lake access with complimentary kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and tennis and pickleball courts.

Book Your Fall Getaway at Echo Lake Inn

If you are searching for one of the best places to stay in Vermont, Echo Lake Inn puts you minutes from the region’s most popular fall attractions while giving you a warm place to return to at the end of the day. Book your fall getaway at Echo Lake Inn and come experience Vermont in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you stay in Vermont in the fall?
The Ludlow and Plymouth area makes an excellent base, putting Echo Lake Inn within a twenty-minute drive of Okemo Mountain, Killington Peak, Weston, and the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.

What is the best time to visit Vermont?
Late September into October is generally considered the best time to visit Vermont, when fall foliage reaches its peak across the Green Mountains.

What is there to do in Vermont in October?
October offers peak foliage viewing, foliage train rides, the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site before it closes for the season, and small-town stops like Weston and Woodstock.

When is peak fall foliage in Vermont?
Peak fall foliage in the Ludlow area typically arrives in the first two to three weeks of October, though timing shifts slightly each year depending on weather.