Vermont Walking & Hiking Tour
- Hike tranquil treelined paths past classic Vermont farms
- Taste maple syrup and learn the fine art of sugarmaking
- Gourmet cuisine at the Prince & the Pauper restaurant
- Step on the famous Appalachian Trail surrounded by brilliant fall colors
- 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 captured it. But you have to experience it. The hues of red, yellow and orange. Pumpkins on the side of the road. Cinnamon-spiced apple cider warming in rustic kitchens. You see, Vermont has endured four solid months of winter, a muddy spring and a short hot summer. Vermont deserves this. So do you.
Itinerary
Day
1 Spectacular vistas of Lake Champlain and the valley aglow in fall foliage 
Enjoying the tableau of the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, walk the extensive trail system at Shelburne Farms past historic buildings and beautiful gardens 
On the National Register of Historic Places, this 1,400-acre Vanderbilt property is not only a working farm, it's also a wonderful place to spend our first evening together.
Days
2-3 Hike treelined 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 learn the fine art of sugarmaking at Havoc Hill Sugar House A stroll through the Merck Forest & Farmland Center reveals sweeping vistas of the Taconic Mountains Opt to explore century-old Hildene Mansion, a Georgian Revival beauty built by Abraham Lincoln's son.
Day
4 Gourmet cuisine at the Prince & the Pauper restaurant Hike through a fern-laced hardwood forest below Mount Equinox Visit the famous Vermont General Store on our way to Woodstock.
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 Sugar maples, 400-year-old hemlocks, bridges and wide-open pastureland make it a superb place to meander on foot Gentle switchbacks lead to the panorama atop Mount Tom - the patchwork of Woodstock unfurls below you while the Green Mountains rise in the distance.
Premiere Inns
The Inn at Shelburne Farms
Shelburne (1 night) A National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain, this aristocratic mansion and 1,400-acre working farm welcomes you with traditional elegance and distant Adirondack views.
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. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Woodstock Inn
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)
Guest 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
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 CLASSIC DATES
September 2015
- 9/15 - 9/20 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
- 9/20 - 9/25 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
- 9/22 - 9/27 ( $3398 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
- 9/27 - 10/2 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
October 2015
- 10/4 - 10/9 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
- 10/6 - 10/11 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$930 for single occ.
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 3 | 300 | 4 | 400 | ||||||
| 2 | 4 | 1100 | 6 | 600 | ||||||
| 3 | 2 | 100 | 6 | 700 | 9 | 1500 | ||||
| 4 | 3 | 300 | 4 | 500 | 5 | 1000 | ||||
| 5 | 4 | 400 | 6 | 600 | 7 | 1000 | ||||
| 6 | 1 | 100 | ||||||||
| 2 | 400 | |||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes treelined country lanes, carriage pathways, forested trails and mountain paths.
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 2 - 3 guests from $5,998 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests from $4,098 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests from $4,998 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests from $3,498 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests from $4,398 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $3,198 pp dbl. occ. |
All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.
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For 35 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.
