Prettiest Fall Foliage Villages in Vermont

“No one does foliage better than Vermont,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. Here are ten of the prettiest fall foliage villages in Vermont.

Prettiest Fall Foliage Villages in Vermont

Peacham

The white spire of the Congregational Church stands out amid the blazing orange, red and yellow leaves bedecking the hills around this teeny Northeast Kingdom village – population 731 – settled in 1776.

SEE MORE: Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom in Autumn | Photos

Manchester

Nestled at the foot of Mount Equinox in the picturesque Battenkill River Valley, Manchester is a favorite for fall foliage lovers who also crave fine dining, luxe accommodations, golf and shopping galore.

SEE MORE: Manchester, Vermont | Could You Live Here?

Woodstock

Peak foliage colors light the hills surrounding the Green, the town’s manicured central square rimmed with historic 18th and 19th century homes and white-spired churches near the winding Ottauquechee River.

SEE MORE: Favorite Things to Do in Woodstock, Vermont

Warren

A covered bridge, waterfall and historic rural village with an old-timey general store provide the quintessential New England setting for foliage aficionados in the Mad River Valley.

SEE MORE: 5 Best Vermont Country Stores

Dorset

Maple-covered hillsides attract visitors to this quiet and historic community – chartered in 1761 – tucked into the tranquil landscape of southern Vermont. Marble extracted from former quarries that are now popular swimming holes adorns the all-marble church on the village green.

Newfane

Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture line the streets and town common of this village in southern Vermont, where the covered Williamsville Bridge highlights the bucolic and vibrant autumn landscape north of Brattleboro.

SEE MORE: Vermont’s Treasure Towns

Stowe

Flaming red, orange and yellow foliage enliven Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, towering above this historic and vibrant community known for its outdoor recreation, boutique accommodations and places to dine. Located in a fertile valley in the north-central region, Stowe is so much more than skiing and snow.

SEE MORE: Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont

Arlington

Perched alongside the Battenkill River in the Taconic Range, close to the New York State border, this small town – complete with red covered bridge and hillsides ablaze with autumn’s colors ­– was once home to artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell, who captured its scenic beauty and the faces of the local community in his work.

Craftsbury Common

Breathtaking foliage abounds amid the pastoral farmlands and white picket fences of this picture-perfect town in the Northeast Kingdom, home to Sterling College.

SEE MORE: Feasting Through the Foliage | Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

Grafton

Art galleries, restaurants and shops enliven the restored historic buildings of this small village, tucked amid vivid and colorful foliage in the undulating hills of southern Vermont. 

SEE MORE: Guide to Grafton, Vermont

What tops your list of the prettiest fall foliage villages in Vermont?

This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated. 

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Necee Regis

Necee writes about travel with a focus on food, art, culture, luxury travel, and quirky, off-beat locations. She's a frequent contributor to the travel and food sections of The Boston Globe, and is a lifestyle and travel correspondent covering Europe and the Americas for ShowBoats International. Her writing has also been featured in the The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, American Way Magazine, The Robb Report, Modern Farmer, The Globe and Mail, The Huffington Post, and the literary magazine, Tin House. Her special interest—some might say obsession—is the world of oysters and shucking competitions.

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