New England · Green Mountains · Statehood 1791
Vermont
State
Field Guide
A state of green ridgelines, covered bridges and sugar maples, with the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States running down its spine. Small towns, big views, and a very good fall.
Updated October 2026 · Written by artist Nick Scacco
Classic Experiences
01.
Stowe · Green Mountains
Climb Mount Mansfield on the Long Trail
Mount Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont, its ridgeline said to look like a human profile with a forehead, nose, lips and chin. The Long Trail, which runs the length of the state from Massachusetts to Canada, crosses the summit ridge and is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country. Approach from Stowe, and note that Smugglers' Notch Road (Route 108) closes in winter. The high ridge has rare alpine tundra, so stay on the marked trail.
02.
Quechee · Upper Valley
See Quechee Gorge and Woodstock
Quechee Gorge is Vermont's deepest, nicknamed the Little Grand Canyon. US-4 crosses it on a bridge, and a short walk leads to the overlook and down to the Ottauquechee River. Drive on to Woodstock, a postcard village of green, white steeples, and a covered bridge, and look for the roadside stands that sell maple syrup. Late September through mid-October is peak color, and the roads fill, so go midweek if you can.
03.
Burlington · Lake Champlain
Cycle the Lake Champlain Shore
Lake Champlain stretches about 120 miles between Vermont, New York and Quebec, with the Adirondacks as a backdrop across the water. In Burlington, the waterfront bike path runs along the shore, and the Island Line Trail continues out over a causeway into the lake. Take a ferry across to New York for a different view, and look out for local ice cream and cheese on the way back. Lake legend says a creature called Champ lives in the deep water.
Little-Known Gem
Lake Willoughby: Vermont's Fjord
Westmore · Northeast Kingdom · Orleans County
In the far northeast of the state, a long glacial lake lies in a cleft between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, the cliffs rising steeply from the water. It is deep, cold and surprisingly empty, which is why the Northeast Kingdom is the part of Vermont most visitors skip. Hike Mount Pisgah for the view straight down the lake, then swim off the quiet public beach. Fall color around the lake is spectacular and far less crowded than the Woodstock corridor.
Vermont Travel Questions
What are the best places to visit in Vermont?
Three classics are Mount Mansfield and the Long Trail near Stowe, Quechee Gorge near Woodstock, and Lake Champlain at Burlington. Lake Willoughby in the Northeast Kingdom is the quieter gem.
When is peak fall foliage in Vermont?
Late September through mid-October is the usual window, with the north turning first. Roads near Woodstock fill up, so midweek is easier.
What is the Long Trail?
The Long Trail runs about 272 miles the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.