Vermont Walking
Among Fall Colors in New England's Autumn Jewel
In Vermont, country lanes lend themselves brilliantly to easygoing ambles, and charming inns extend warm welcomes. With its classic villages, unspoiled landscapes and enduring hospitality, Vermont in the fall lives up to its star billing. Visit early, when the palette is glorious emerald with a splatter of bronze and gold. Or wait until the canopy glows like a sunburst. Either way, a ramble through scenery of tree-lined roads, babbling brooks and endless stretches of untouched evergreen forests is an experience not to be missed.
- Walk tranquil tree-lined paths past classic Vermont farms and covered bridges
- Hike to Mount Mansfield’s "chin" for spectacular vistas
- Private glassblowing demonstration
- Meet a local woodworker and visit a pottery studio
- Stowe's idyllic surroundings and historic architecture
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Montpelier
Meet in Burlington
From the Montpelier State House, a warm-up hike leads to a lookout offering panoramic views of the Green and White Mountains
Take in vistas of orchards, and stands of birch, maple and pine.
Days 2-3 Stowe
Meander through picturesque Stowe, with its charming steepled churches and covered bridges
Our hike on the Stowe Recreation Path winds through farmland and over bridges
Hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield for spectacular vistas from the highest point in Vermont
Local glassblowers open their studio for a private demo
Explore the Trapp Family Lodge with our local guide, a unique experience that's sure to be a highlight of your trip
Stop in at Stowe’s most renowned and tasty landmark, Ben & Jerry’s ice creamery.
Days 4-6 East Burke
Explore Craftsbury Common, a storybook New England village
Historian David Linck shares the town's history as we stroll the old carriage roads surrounding the town, passing weathered farmhouses, wooded mountains and pastures
Stop in at an authentic sugar shack and get a taste of maple syrup
Follow country roads and forested pathways along the Kingdom Trails, a network of more than 100 miles of trails throughout the area
Ascend to Pulpit Rock on Mount Pisgah for views of the surrounding hills and sparkling Lake Willoughby.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
It couldn't have been better. Everything was so professionally handled and yet so joyful. I would love to do another trip. I was very impressed with the entire organization from start to finish. The professionalism, the friendliness, the spontaneity, the "above and beyond" attitude were a joy to experience. I can't say enough about the leaders in particular.- Sacramento, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Vermont Walking
NEW ENGLAND CHARM: Casual Inns
Inn at Montpelier
Montpelier (1 night) Set in the heart of the historic district, this 19th-century manor features antique-filled guest rooms and a grand wraparound porch.
Green Mountain Inn
Stowe (2 nights) Built as a private residence in 1833 and now beautifully restored, this historic inn was once a stagecoach stop; amenities include a whirlpool bath and sauna.
Inn at Mountain View Farm
East Burke (2 nights) This landmark farm estate - the finest example of classic barn architecture in Vermont - offers guest rooms adorned with country antiques, four-poster beds and handmade quilts.
Vermont Walking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 4, 5.5 miles
- 400 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2
1 Route Option Available
- 3 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 6 miles
- 100 - 400 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1 hour
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2
3 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 4.3, 7 miles
- 100 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain