Vermont Walking & Hiking
- Spectacular vistas of Lake Champlain and the valley aglow in fall foliage
- Hike tranquil tree-lined paths past classic Vermont farms
- Taste maple syrup and other local delights
- Gourmet cuisine at the Prince & the Pauper restaurant
- Picturesque Woodstock, a quintessential New England village
Among Fall Colors in New England's Autumn Jewel
Vermont deserves it. The most beautiful six weeks in North America. Chances are you've heard of New England's fall foliage. Scientists have explained it. Poets have described it. Photographers have gotten rich off of it. But you have to experience it. The hues of red, yellow and orange. Pumpkins on the side of the road. Apple cider and cinnamon warming in rustic kitchens. You see, Vermont has endured four solid months of winter, the mud season that follows and a short hot summer. Vermont deserves this. So do you.
Days 1-2 Spectacular vistas of Lake Champlain and the valley aglow in fall foliage reward your trek up maple-clad Mount Philo 
Descend for a walk on the lakeshore with Button Island and the Adirondack Mountains as your backdrop Hike tree-lined paths past classic Vermont farms and lakes reflecting autumn's brilliant colors Admire the Falls of Lana en route to Rattlesnake Cliffs, where jaw-dropping views of Lake Dunmore and the Adirondacks await Taste maple syrup and other local delights at the New England Maple Museum.
Days 3-4 Take a stroll through the Merck Forest & Farmland Center reveals sweeping vistas of the Taconic Mountains Opt to explore Hildene Mansion, a Georgian Revival beauty built by Abraham Lincoln's son 
Savour gourmet cuisine at The Prince & The Pauper restaurant Hike in a fern-laced forest below Mount Equinox or up to the peak if you're up for it.
Days 5-6 Picturesque Woodstock, a quintessential New England village Watch for wild turkeys while striding on historic carriage roads in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park Gentle switchbacks lead to the panorama atop Mount Tom - the patchwork of Woodstock unfurls below you while the Green Mountains rise in the distance Take a guided hike from the Trapp Family Lodge, an Austrian-style mountain retreat operated by the clan of The Sound of Music fame.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Walking among the colors of autumn in Vermont will warm the heart and comfort the soul. You'll hike through the stunning Green and White Mountains, past sparkling lakes, verdant evergreen forests and beautiful historic villages. We crest high points that offer jaw-dropping views of blazing oranges, golds and reds for as far as the eye can see. Premiere historic inns, impeccable service and incredible cuisine are a constant. It's the right place to be in autumn.- Regional Manager, Canada
Premiere Inns*
Basin Harbor Club
Vergennes (1 night) Founded in the late 1800s, this old-fashioned summer resort on the shore of Lake Champlain offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens and individual cabins. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
* Casual Inn
Reluctant Panther Inn
Manchester Village (2 nights) A Zagat favorite, this sophisticated boutique hotel tucked in the mountains features a restaurant wine selection recognized by Wine Spectator.
Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock (2 nights) An "imposing landmark resort hotel facing the village green in a beautifully preserved village noted for its restored 18th-century homes," according to Andrew Harper. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.5, 2 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 6.5 miles
- 500 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- 4.2, 6.0, 7.1, 9.1 miles
- 700 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- 3, 4, 4.1, 5 miles
- 300 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 3.6, 5.8, 7.1 miles
- 400 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Guided Walk 3 hours
Terrain Description
Tree-lined country lanes, carriage pathways, forested trails, mountain paths.More Recommended Trips
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Vermont tour experts. See our award-winning USA walking tours and hiking tours, USA biking tours and USA multisport tours.
