10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Vermont in 2025: Fall Foliage, Maple Syrup & Mountain Views

Experience Vermont’s best in 2025! From colorful fall foliage to charming towns, discover 10 peaceful places to visit in the Green Mountain State.

A Cozy, Scenic Escape in the Heart of New England

Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, is a dream destination for those seeking natural beauty, peace, and postcard-worthy landscapes. From forested peaks and winding scenic roads to quaint covered bridges and charming small towns, Vermont offers the ultimate fall foliage trip and a serene year-round getaway.

In 2025, take the slow travel route and explore this New England gem. Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant fall leaves, the rich flavor of local maple syrup, or the peaceful rhythm of mountain life, Vermont is filled with cozy spots and unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore 10 beautiful places to visit in Vermont that are perfect for your next adventure.

1. Stowe – The Quintessential Vermont Mountain Town

Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is often considered one of the best places in Vermont for both adventure and relaxation. In autumn, its hills erupt in shades of crimson and gold, making it a prime destination for fall foliage trips.

Things to do in Stowe:

Take a scenic drive along Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch).
Visit the Trapp Family Lodge for alpine vibes and sweeping mountain views.
Explore the Stowe Recreation Path—perfect for a fall stroll or bike ride.
Sip cider at Stowe Cider or warm up with a maple latte at a local café.

Stowe offers an idyllic mix of outdoor beauty and small-town charm, making it a top pick in any Vermont travel guide.

2. Burlington – Lake Views and Lively Downtown Energy

Set on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a unique combination of waterfront serenity and urban buzz. It’s Vermont’s largest city, but it retains a cozy, walkable downtown that feels anything but hectic.

Why Burlington is a must-visit:

Catch sunset views over Lake Champlain from Waterfront Park.
Stroll down Church Street Marketplace for boutique shops, live music, and local eats.
Hop on a bike and follow the Island Line Rail Trail, which stretches into the lake.

In fall, Burlington’s lakeside paths are framed by colorful foliage, and nearby farms overflow with pumpkins, apples, and homemade treats.

3. Woodstock – The Most Picturesque Town in New England?

Woodstock may just be the crown jewel of Vermont’s scenic towns. With its covered bridge, colonial architecture, and surrounding rolling hills, it looks like it was plucked straight from a New England postcard.

What makes Woodstock magical:

Snap a photo of the Middle Covered Bridge.
Explore Billings Farm & Museum to learn about rural Vermont life.
Visit nearby Quechee Gorge—the “Grand Canyon of Vermont.”

Woodstock blends historic charm with peaceful countryside vibes, offering a perfect destination for those chasing fall colors and timeless beauty.

4. Green Mountain National Forest – Nature’s Grand Canvas

Spanning over 400,000 acres, the Green Mountain National Forest is Vermont’s natural heart. It offers endless hiking, camping, and scenic vistas, especially spectacular in the fall.

Top spots within the forest:

Hike the Long Trail (America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail).
Visit the Lye Brook Falls Trail near Manchester for a moderate waterfall hike.
Drive the Appalachian Gap for one of Vermont’s most scenic routes.

This is the place to unplug, breathe in fresh mountain air, and reconnect with nature.

5. Manchester – Boutiques, Trails, and Mountain Charm

Tucked between the Taconic and Green Mountains, Manchester is where upscale shopping meets outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect base for a cozy getaway with a splash of sophistication.

Things to love about Manchester:

Browse designer outlets and charming independent shops.
Hike to Lye Brook Falls or explore Equinox Preserve Trails.
Visit Hildene, the historic Lincoln family estate.

Manchester captures Vermont’s slow travel style with a balance of culture, history, and nature.

6. Montpelier – The Nation’s Smallest State Capital

Montpelier may be the smallest state capital in the U.S., but it punches above its weight in charm and culture. This riverside town is known for its artsy energy, walkability, and welcoming locals.

Highlights of Montpelier:

Tour the beautiful Vermont State House.
Try locally made maple syrup treats at the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks.
Wander the downtown streets filled with bookshops, cafés, and art galleries.

A visit here provides a quieter, more introspective Vermont experience.

7. Brattleboro – Artsy Vibes & Riverside Strolls

Located in southeastern Vermont, Brattleboro sits on the banks of the Connecticut River and draws creatives, foodies, and nature lovers alike. It’s funky, welcoming, and full of personality.

Top things to do in Brattleboro:

Visit the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market for local produce and artisan goods.
Check out the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
Walk along the Retreat Trails for fall foliage and peaceful forest time.

Brattleboro is a hub for Vermont’s slow travel crowd—think mindful mornings, craft coffee, and riverside sunsets.

8. Grafton – Storybook Scenery and New England Tranquility

Grafton is tiny, quiet, and irresistibly scenic. This well-preserved village offers a glimpse into 19th-century Vermont, with whitewashed homes, stone walls, and a peaceful pace of life.

Why visit Grafton:

Stay at the Grafton Inn—dating back to 1801.
Sample local cheeses at Grafton Village Cheese Company.
Explore nature trails at the nearby Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center.

If you’re looking for a truly peaceful retreat away from crowds, Grafton is your place.

9. Lake Willoughby – A Hidden Gem in the Northeast Kingdom

Often compared to a Scandinavian fjord, Lake Willoughby sits between two towering cliffs in Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom. It’s one of the most dramatic and peaceful places in the state.

Things to explore at Lake Willoughby:

Hike Mount Pisgah or Mount Hor for panoramic views.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear lake (best in summer or early fall).
Enjoy quiet kayaking or sunset picnics by the water.

Fall here feels extra magical with fewer crowds and vibrant foliage mirrored in the calm lake.

10. Waitsfield & Warren – Mad River Valley Magic

These neighboring towns in the Mad River Valley offer a slice of rural Vermont that’s both adventurous and laid-back. Surrounded by mountains, farms, and rivers, they’re perfect for scenic drives and foliage-focused weekends.

Why they’re worth the visit:

Drive the stunning Route 100 through the heart of Vermont.
Visit Warren Falls, a popular swimming and photo spot.
Stop by local farm stands for maple syrup, cider donuts, and fresh cheese.

The Mad River Valley embodies the best of Vermont: scenic, sweet, and refreshingly simple.

Vermont Vibes: What Makes the Green Mountain State So Special?

Beyond the pretty towns and picture-perfect views, what makes Vermont shine is its vibe—a feeling of warmth, simplicity, and connection to the land.

🍁 Maple Syrup & Cheese Trails

Vermont’s maple syrup is famous for a reason. Stop by sugarhouses during sugaring season (late winter to early spring), or sample it year-round in cozy cafés and country stores. Pair it with artisanal cheeses from local creameries, and you’ve got a taste of Vermont’s culinary soul.

🧀 Slow Travel at Its Best

Vermont isn’t about rushing from attraction to attraction. It’s about savoring the moment—whether you’re sipping cider on a porch, browsing a local art gallery, or enjoying the silence of a mountain trail.

🛶 Local Love

From farm-to-table meals to handcrafted goods, Vermonters take pride in keeping things local. Supporting small businesses here means enjoying unique products and experiences that reflect the state’s character.

Planning Your Vermont Getaway

If you’re ready to hit the road and explore Vermont in 2025, here are a few travel tips to help you make the most of your journey.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Fall (late September to mid-October) is peak season for leaf peepers, but each season has its charm:

Winter: Great for skiing in Stowe or Killington.
Spring: Ideal for maple syrup season and waterfalls.
Summer: Perfect for hiking, lake days, and farmers’ markets.

🚗 Scenic Drives

Route 100: Known as Vermont’s most scenic highway, it winds through charming towns and offers incredible foliage views.
Smugglers’ Notch: Narrow, winding, and unforgettable in the fall.
The Northeast Kingdom Loop: Less traveled, more wild, and full of surprises.

🍽️ Farm-to-Table Dining

You’ll find delicious, locally sourced meals across the state. Look for cozy inns and restaurants featuring seasonal menus—like Hen of the Wood (Waterbury & Burlington) or The Pitcher Inn in Warren.

Final Thoughts: Fall in Love with Vermont in 2025

Whether you’re drawn by the brilliant fall foliage, the scent of maple in the air, or the timeless charm of covered bridges, Vermont in 2025 promises peaceful moments and memorable adventures. From bustling lakeside towns to sleepy mountain hamlets, each destination on this list offers its unique blend of beauty and calm.

So pack your hiking boots, bring your coziest flannel, and set off on one of the most scenic, soulful getaways New England has to offer. Vermont is ready to welcome you with open arms and a fresh stack of maple pancakes.