Vermont in the fall is a breathtaking experience, with rolling hills, winding roads, and forests painted in fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or planning a seasonal road trip, Vermont’s fall foliage is a must-see.
Here’s your guide to the best scenic drives, must-visit stops, and tips for exploring Vermont in an RV during peak autumn colors.
🍁 Why Vermont is a Top Fall Destination for RVers
✔ Peak foliage lasts weeks – The color change starts mid-September in the north and lasts into late October in the south.
✔ Scenic byways everywhere – Vermont has over 250 miles of designated scenic roads perfect for RV travel.
✔ Small towns & covered bridges – Charming stops along the way offer history, food, and photo ops.
✔ Mild fall weather – Cool, crisp air makes for perfect hiking and sightseeing.
🌟 Pro Tip: Aim for early to mid-October for the most vibrant foliage in central Vermont.
🚐 Best Scenic RV Drives in Vermont for Fall Colors
1. Route 100 – The Ultimate Fall Foliage Drive
📍 Distance: 200 miles (north-south across Vermont)
📍 Best Time: October 1–15 (varies by elevation)
If you only do one drive in Vermont, make it Route 100. This legendary road runs through the heart of the state, passing quaint villages, rivers, and endless forests bursting with fall colors.
🍂 Must-Stop Attractions:
✅ Stowe – A classic New England town with stunning views of Mount Mansfield.
✅ Killington & Woodstock – Gorgeous mountain vistas and iconic covered bridges.
✅ Weston – Visit the Vermont Country Store for local goods and snacks.
✅ Waterbury – Stop for the famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory.
✔ RV Tip: This route has plenty of pull-offs and overlooks for RVs, making it great for leisurely sightseeing.
2. The Green Mountain Byway – The Most Photogenic Drive
📍 Distance: 11 miles (between Stowe & Waterbury)
📍 Best Time: Late September – Early October
Though short, this drive is one of the most beautiful in New England, winding past rolling hills, farms, and Mount Mansfield’s foliage-covered slopes.
🍂 Must-Stop Attractions:
✅ Moss Glen Falls – A scenic waterfall just outside Stowe.
✅ Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Fresh apple cider donuts and local treats.
✅ Little River State Park – A great campground with lakeside foliage views.
✔ RV Tip: There are plenty of parking spots for RVs in Waterbury and Stowe, but some narrow roads require careful driving.
3. Route 9 – The Southern Vermont Leaf Peeping Route
📍 Distance: 46 miles (from Brattleboro to Bennington)
📍 Best Time: Mid-October
For those entering Vermont from the south, Route 9 is a fantastic introduction to fall foliage. This drive connects two charming towns with plenty of mountain overlooks and peaceful forested roads.
🍂 Must-Stop Attractions:
✅ Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook – One of the best panoramic views in the state.
✅ Bennington Battle Monument – A historic site surrounded by vibrant foliage.
✅ Grafton Village – A picture-perfect New England town.
✔ RV Tip: Hogback Mountain has large pull-offs, making it easy for RVs to stop and enjoy the views.
4. Smugglers’ Notch – The Most Dramatic Fall Drive
📍 Distance: 17 miles (between Stowe & Jeffersonville)
📍 Best Time: Late September – Early October
This winding mountain pass is one of the most stunning drives in Vermont, with massive rock formations, golden trees, and hairpin turns.
🍂 Must-Stop Attractions:
✅ Smugglers’ Notch State Park – Perfect for a fall hike.
✅ Sterling Pond Trail – A short but rewarding hike to a mountaintop pond.
✅ Bingham Falls – A scenic waterfall surrounded by red and yellow leaves.
✔ RV Tip: This route is NOT recommended for large RVs! The road is steep and narrow. Instead, park in Stowe and explore by car or bike.
5. Mad River Byway – Small Town Charm & Covered Bridges
📍 Distance: 36 miles (between Moretown & Warren)
📍 Best Time: Early to Mid-October
This drive follows Vermont’s Mad River, passing classic small towns, rolling farmland, and historic covered bridges.
🍂 Must-Stop Attractions:
✅ Warren Falls – A beautiful swimming hole (even if it’s too cold to swim!).
✅ Waitsfield’s Covered Bridges – Some of Vermont’s most photogenic bridges.
✅ Sugarbush Resort – Take a scenic gondola ride up the mountain.
✔ RV Tip: This area has plenty of small-town shops and parking, but take it slow—some roads are hilly and winding.
🏕 Best RV Campgrounds for Fall Foliage
🍂 If you want to wake up to fall colors right outside your RV, check out these campgrounds:
🏕 Little River State Park (Waterbury, VT) – Stunning lakeside views & hiking trails.
🏕 Gifford Woods State Park (Killington, VT) – Nestled in the Green Mountains.
🏕 Smugglers’ Notch State Park (Stowe, VT) – Perfect for early October visits.
🏕 Brattleboro North KOA (Brattleboro, VT) – Full hookups with easy access to Route 9.
🏕 Danforth Bay Camping (near the NH border) – Scenic fall lake views.
✔ Pro Tip: Book early! Vermont’s fall campgrounds fill up fast—reserve spots months in advance.
🍏 Best Fall Activities for RVers in Vermont
✔ Visit a cider mill – Try fresh apple cider and warm cider donuts.
✔ Take a gondola ride – Many ski resorts offer scenic fall chairlift rides.
✔ Hike to a waterfall – Vermont has some of the most beautiful fall hiking trails.
✔ Explore a covered bridge – Vermont has over 100 historic covered bridges.
✔ Go to a fall festival – Many towns host harvest fairs with pumpkin patches and hayrides.
🌟 Pro Tip: Some of Vermont’s best small-town general stores sell local maple syrup, cheese, and jams—great for RV-friendly road snacks!
📆 Best Time to Visit Vermont for Peak Fall Colors
🍂 Northern Vermont: Late September – Early October
🍁 Central Vermont: First 2 weeks of October
🌲 Southern Vermont: Mid to Late October
✔ Pro Tip: Check Vermont’s live foliage reports to time your trip perfectly!
Final Thoughts: Vermont is a Fall Paradise for RVers
🍁 Vermont’s scenic byways are perfect for an unforgettable fall road trip. Whether you’re driving Route 100, Smugglers’ Notch, or the Green Mountain Byway, you’ll experience some of the best fall foliage in the world.
🚐 What’s your favorite scenic drive in Vermont? Let us know in the comments!
