Each year, autumn creeps down from Vermont’s northern border, painting the state in shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. Vermont’s fall foliage beckons travelers from across the globe, and rightfully so: Three-quarters of the state is covered in forest, and it has the highest concentration of maple trees in the country (these are the ones that erupt in color).
But where—and when—should you go? Up in the northern reaches of the state, leaves usually begin to turn towards the end of September (Check the Vermont Department of Tourism’s foliage tracker for peak foliage times in different areas of the state.) A Vermont to Maine Road trip from mid-September through October practically guarantees awe, as does entry to one of the many fall festivals across the area.
This ultimate 10-day Vermont to Maine fall road trip took us through Stowe, where nature put on a show of fiery fall colors, Route 100 to see covered bridges, hike Artist’s Bluff, explore Acadia & savor Maine lobster and more… One of my favorite road trips we have ever done, so excuse the photo overload!
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10-Day Vermont to Maine Fall Road Trip Itinerary
From the golden foliage of Vermont’s Green Mountains to the rocky coast of Maine, this New England fall road trip is the perfect blend of scenic drives, cozy towns, mountain hikes, and fresh lobster by the sea. Here’s how we planned our 10-day Vermont to Maine fall foliage itinerary, with two days on Vermont’s famous Route 100 and a detour to the Mount Washington Auto Road.
Day 1 – Burlington, Vermont
Our fall adventure began in Burlington, where the crisp mountain air carried the scent of roasted coffee and wood smoke. We strolled along Church Street Marketplace, browsing boutiques and cozy cafés. Down by Lake Champlain, sailboats drifted across waters framed by fiery red and gold mountains. Dinner was at Hen of the Wood, a celebration of Vermont’s farm-to-table flavors, paired with crisp apple cider. For dessert, we shared warm cider donuts—the first of many this trip.
Day 2 – Stowe & Smugglers’ Notch
Driving to Stowe felt like stepping into a postcard. We walked the Stowe Recreation Path, admired the covered bridges, and discovered that Stowe, a former dairy town, transforms into one of the ski capitals of the East. However, coming a few months ahead of ski season, you can enjoy the fall colors and some of the Green Mountain majesty without any of those subzero temperatures.
Late afternoon, we wound our way through Smugglers’ Notch Pass, where granite cliffs towered above forests ablaze in orange and gold. We stopped at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and steaming cups of cider warmed our hands as we bit into maple donuts. Suckers for quintessential fall outings and photo ops won’t want to miss the historic apple orchards scattered across the state. There are countless.
Dinner was a cozy tavern meal: Vermont cheddar soup and crusty bread that tasted like fall in a bowl.
Where to stay: The Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge has long attracted visitors for its connection to the Von Trapp family’s story, which inspired Sound of Music. We stayed at an Inn nestled in the heart of historic Stowe.
Day 3 – Route 100: Waterbury to Waitsfield
The legendary Route 100 lived up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful drives in Vermont. We stopped at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury for pumpkin cheesecake ice cream, then continued south to Waitsfield. At Lawson’s Finest Liquids, we sampled maple ales before snapping photos at the Warren Covered Bridge, framed by fiery sugar maples. Forgot to mention our breakfast at a roadside diner—pumpkin pancakes and hot coffee to fuel the journey.
Day 4 – Route 100: Granville to Woodstock
This stretch of Route 100 was all about hidden gems. We hiked to Moss Glen Falls, where water sparkled against golden leaves, and paused in Weston at the Vermont Country Store to stock up on maple candy and cozy wool socks. The day ended in Woodstock, where historic homes and pumpkin-decorated porches charmed us instantly.
Covered Bridges of Vermont (Route 100 Highlights)
No Vermont road trip is complete without discovering its famous covered bridges—especially in fall. These historic wooden spans, some dating back to the 1800s, make for unforgettable photo stops.
- Taftsville Covered Bridge (Woodstock, VT) – One of the oldest in the U.S., painted bright red, with a waterfall nearby.
- Middle Covered Bridge (Woodstock, VT) – A picture-perfect pedestrian bridge in the center of Woodstock.
- Warren Covered Bridge (Waitsfield, VT) – A quiet 1880s gem over the Mad River, framed by sugar maples.
- Great Eddy Bridge (Waitsfield, VT) – Vermont’s longest single-span covered bridge, with picnic spots nearby.
I especially loved the bright red Taftsville Covered Bridge. These bridges aren’t just photo ops—they’re living history and still connect communities today. We stayed the night in Lincoln.
Day 5 – White Mountains, New Hampshire
Now in New Hampshire, we drove the Kancamagus Highway(“the Kanc”), one of the most scenic fall drives in New England. The road twisted through forests of sugar maples, their fiery leaves tumbling like confetti around us.
We stopped for short hikes at Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge. A highlight was hiking Artist’s Bluff, with sweeping views of Echo Lake surrounded by a quilt of fall color. Later, a ride on the Mount Washington Auto Road took us above the treeline for panoramic views of fiery ridgelines.
Echo Lake Park, New Hampshire
It was a long day, and we ended in Conway with bowls of steaming chowder and warm pumpkin bread.
Day 6 – Covered Bridges & Scenic Drives, New Hampshire
The next morning, we drove to the Albany Covered Bridge, a bright red wooden bridge from 1858 that spans the Swift River. Its reflection in the water, framed by golden birches, looked like something out of a storybook. Just down the road, we paused at the Swift River Covered Bridge, another classic New England span.
In North Conway, we found the Saco River Covered Bridge, with fiery foliage mirrored perfectly in the calm river below. Later in the afternoon, we detoured toward the quaint village of Jackson, crossing the famous Honeymoon Bridge (Jackson Covered Bridge). Decorated with pumpkins and mums in autumn, it was the perfect romantic symbol of New Hampshire.
We ended the day photographing the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks. The train ride takes you through valleys, and covered bridges. We drove back to our inn as the golden light of late afternoon touched the mountains. Dinner was hearty Thai food in North Conway— and we shared a slice of maple pecan pie—before resting up for the coastal adventures ahead.
Day 7 – Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Leaving the mountains behind, we headed to the coast, to Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park. We spent the day on the Ocean Path, stopping at Thunder Hole and walking along granite cliffs. At Jordan Pond House, popovers with jam paired perfectly with mountain reflections in the pond. That evening, we strolled the village, breathing in the scent of lobster bisque and blueberry pie.
Day 8 – Acadia National Park
We dedicated another full day to Acadia. At dawn, we joined a small crowd atop Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise—the first place in the U.S. to see it each fall morning. Later, we walked the Carriage Roads, their paths blanketed in golden maple leaves.
In the afternoon, drove around the park and stopped to see the tide-pools at Sand Beach before returning to Bar Harbor for whoopie pies and fresh lobster bisque.
Day 9 – Midcoast Maine
Driving south, we explored Maine’s scenic coastal villages. In Boothbay Harbor, lobster traps lined the piers and shops overflowed with local crafts. We walked through quaint streets, stopped at a farmers’ market for pumpkin bread, and drove scenic Route 1, where salt marshes glowed with golden grasses. Dinner was a lobster bake—complete with corn, potatoes, and blueberry pie.
Day 10 – Portland, Maine
Our road trip ended in Portland, a city that blends historic charm with coastal energy. We wandered cobblestone streets in the Old Port, browsed art galleries, and took a short drive to Portland Head Light, Maine’s most iconic lighthouse. The grand finale? Lobster at Eventide Oyster Co., buttery and decadent, paired with a slice of Maine blueberry pie. The perfect ending to a journey that began in Vermont’s mountains and ended by the sea.
Our Vermont to Maine Autumn Road Trip Map
FAQ: Vermont to Maine Fall Road Trip
When is the best time to see fall colors in New England?
Peak foliage varies by region, but generally, late September through mid-October offers the best leaf-peeping in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Is Route 100 worth driving in the fall?
Absolutely. Vermont’s Route 100 is considered one of the most scenic drives in America, with waterfalls, covered bridges, mountain villages, and vibrant fall foliage.
How long do you need for this road trip?
This itinerary covers 10 days, but you could shorten it to a 7-day New England fall foliage trip by focusing on Route 100, the White Mountains, and Acadia National Park.
What foods should you try in the fall?
Must-try seasonal treats include apple cider donuts, Vermont maple syrup, pumpkin pancakes, New England clam chowder, blueberry pie, and fresh Maine lobster rolls.
Is Acadia National Park crowded in the fall?
Yes, especially during peak foliage weekends. Visiting early in the morning (sunrise at Cadillac Mountain!) or exploring less-crowded trails and Carriage Roads can make your experience more peaceful.
What to Eat on a New England Fall Road Trip
One of the best parts of a Vermont-to-Maine fall road trip is the food. Each stop brings a taste of the season, from orchard treats to seaside classics. Here are some must-try foods:
Apple Cider Donuts
Warm, cinnamon-sugar coated cider donuts are everywhere in Vermont during fall—from farm stands to cider mills. They’re best enjoyed with a steaming cup of hot cider.
Maple Creemee
Vermont’s famous soft-serve ice cream, flavored with pure maple syrup. A swirl of this treat, especially topped on apple pie, is peak fall indulgence.
Vermont Cheddar
Sharp, tangy, and creamy—Vermont cheddar is a road trip essential. Pair it with fresh bread, apple slices, or even maple candy for a roadside snack.
Ben & Jerry’s Seasonal Flavors
A stop at the Waterbury factory is non-negotiable—especially for pumpkin cheesecake or apple crisp ice cream flavors that only appear in fall.
New England Clam Chowder
Creamy, hearty, and brimming with clams and potatoes, chowder is a coastal classic. Best enjoyed in Camden, Bar Harbor, or Portland with a side of warm bread.
Maine Lobster
Whether it’s a steamed lobster with drawn butter, a lobster roll, or lobster bisque, this is the ultimate New England food experience. Portland’s Eventide Oyster Co. is a road trip finale worth savoring.
Wild Maine Blueberries
From pies to crisps to morning muffins, Maine’s small but mighty wild blueberries pack an unforgettable flavor. Pair them with ice cream or order them in a cocktail for a seasonal twist.
Pumpkin & Apple Pies
No fall trip is complete without a slice of pie. Vermont farm stands and Maine cafés serve up classics, often topped with whipped cream or maple ice cream.
Let’s not forget the Mountain Gondolas
Not a hiker? Many of Vermont’s ski mountains transform into stages for foliage every fall. Killington, Stowe, and Stratton all offer gondola rides from their respective mountains up and over changing leaves.
A few favorite memories from the Fall road trip from Vermont to Maine
See more photos and photo spots from our Fall Trip here
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