There’s nothing quite like fall in Vermont. The Green Mountains come alive with fiery reds, glowing golds, and warm oranges, while crisp air and quiet trails invite you to slow down and savor the season. At Sterling Ridge Resort, tucked into the woods near Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll find the perfect home base for your autumn getaway. From cozy mornings in your log cabin to unforgettable outdoor adventures, this is the kind of trip that stays with you long after the leaves have fallen. To help you plan, we’ve gathered 10 of the best things to do in fall—all close to your cabin and ready to make your Vermont escape truly special.
1. Leaf-Peeping & Scenic Drives
Every journey in Vermont feels cinematic in autumn, but few drives compare to the legendary Smugglers’ Notch Pass. Winding between dramatic cliffs and valleys bursting with color, this route is celebrated as one of the most stunning places in the world for leaf-peeping—and the best part is, it’s completely free to drive.
If you’re planning a trip to take in the vibrant foliage, aim for the first to second week of October — that’s when the landscape is usually at its most spectacular. Aim to begin your drive around 9:00 a.m., when the morning light makes the foliage glow and traffic is still light. Earlier than that, fog often hangs in the pass and can hide the views.
Because the road is famously narrow and winding, a “Will My Car Fit?” test has been installed at the entrance. It replicates the tightest turn along the drive, so you can make sure your vehicle is the right size before committing. Once you’re through, sit back and enjoy a drive that feels like a tunnel through Vermont’s brightest autumn colors.
Peak color can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather, but you can still catch beautiful hues both before and after the early-mid October window as the leaves gradually change across the mountains and valleys.
For up-to-date details on when the leaves are at their brightest, check out our fall foliage forecast.
2. Gondola Rides Over a Sea of Color
For a bird’s-eye view of fall foliage in Vermont, board the Stowe Gondola and glide above golden treetops. The ride takes only about ten minutes one way to reach the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, but the views you’ll find along the way are unforgettable.
Once you step out at the summit, you can do more than admire the scenery. Dine with a view at the Cliff House Restaurant, pick up a keepsake from the Summit Retail Gift Shop, or treat yourself to something sweet at The Waffle, a little spot that serves warm Belgian waffles that taste even better in the mountain air. Because the gondolas run continuously, departures are frequent, so you’ll rarely wait long before starting your ascent into the colorful canopy.
3. E-Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
Trade four wheels for two and explore autumn scenery at your own pace on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. This trail is a true gem of northern Vermont—a four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridor that welcomes walkers, hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, dogsledders, and snowmobilers.
In the fall, it becomes one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the state. You can join a guided “Foliage Pedal to Peep” tour with Lamoille Valley Bike Tours, or explore at your own rhythm with their self-guided e-bike rentals. Both options let you soak in the dazzling autumn colors and rolling farmland views at whatever pace feels right for you.
4. Explore Hike Hidden Trails & Waterfalls
Fall is a hiker’s dream in Vermont. From the Sterling Pond Trail—where the reward is a peaceful alpine pond surrounded by foliage—to sections of the Long Trail in Smugglers’ Notch State Park, you’ll find paths that range from leisurely to challenging. For more ideas, check out our full guide to Vermont trails near Jeffersonville, including local favorites like Brewster River Gorge with its river views, waterfalls, and peaceful forest setting.
5. Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Autumn reflections on the water are unforgettable. Guests at Sterling Ridge can enjoy 350 acres of private property with miles of trails, a large pond for fishing or paddling, and complimentary canoes and kayaks right on-site—it’s a way to soak in the season without leaving the resort.
For more water adventure, Vermont Canoe & Kayak nearby offers both guided tours and rentals along the Lamoille River. Note: their 2025 paddling season runs through September 21.
6. Horseback Riding Adventures
Take in the fall scenery from a different vantage point, on horseback. Lajoie Stables, Vermont’s largest and only year-round horseback riding stable, offers memorable trail rides for all experience levels. This is a reservation-only stable, so be sure to call ahead to book your adventure.
As you ride through open fields, keep your eyes open for wildlife such as white-tailed deer, a family of foxes, or flocks of wild turkeys. Don’t forget your camera! The trail then winds back through quiet woodlands and finishes with a scenic crossing over Black Creek, where the reflections of fall foliage make the perfect photo backdrop.
7. Unique Experiences with Animals
For a heartwarming fall activity, visit Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville. Their signature Golden Retriever Experience is essentially an hour-long playdate with a dozen or so adult Goldens in a magnificent mountain setting. Expect wagging tails, endless fetch, and plenty of cuddles surrounded by brilliant foliage.
The farm also offers puppy play sessions, vineyard walks with wine tastings, and seasonal events like “Pancake Pup-Ups” or “Candy Canes, Carols, and Cuddles.”
8. Fall Activities at Smugglers’ Notch
Just a short drive from Sterling Ridge, Smugglers’ Notch offers an incredible lineup of fall adventures for all ages.
Llama Treks – Join the Northern Vermont Llama Company for a one-of-a-kind hike through the colorful woods and trails surrounding Smugglers’ Notch. Llamas are pack animals only—you won’t ride them, but they’ll happily carry your snacks and water for the journey. These three-hour guided treks are fun for families (though not stroller accessible) and finish with a sweet reward: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and beverages.
Disc Golf – Smugglers’ Notch is home to one of the top disc golf destinations in the country. With multiple championship-level courses weaving through forests and meadows, it’s a great way to enjoy the crisp fall air and brilliant foliage while trying something new. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find a course that fits your pace.
FallFest – Celebrate the season at Smugglers’ Notch FallFest, where live music, Vermont craft beer, and local food create the ultimate autumn gathering. Set against a backdrop of blazing foliage, it’s a chance to soak up the best of Vermont culture with friends and family. FallFest is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, and a perfect way to end a day of exploring.
9. Craft Breweries & Wineries
Vermont is known for producing some of the best libations in New England. From crisp hard ciders and small-batch spirits to world-class IPAs, there’s no shortage of flavor to discover. While a scenic drive through the Notch pairs perfectly with stops at local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, you can also sample Vermont’s best at local restaurants and farmers’ markets.
If you can’t find time to tour and taste, Sterling Ridge has you covered. We proudly offer both a Wine Basket and a Beer Basket, each filled with local favorites and complementary snacks—perfect for enjoying back at your cozy log cabin.
10. Relax & Reconnect at Sterling Ridge
After a day of adventures, retreat to your private log cabin at Sterling Ridge Resort, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Each cabin features a cozy fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and modern conveniences like free WiFi and cable TV. Step outside to private porches, babbling brooks, and even a covered bridge, all surrounded by 350 acres of peaceful trails and wildlife.
Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site activities, from fishing or paddling on the large pond to swimming in the seasonal heated pool (open late May – early September) or exploring trails that connect to nearby biking and mountain routes. In winter, complimentary snowshoes, access to snowmobile trails, and a short drive to major ski areas make Sterling Ridge a year-round escape. The resort also offers dog-friendly trails, a game room, and an on-site Ridge Store stocked with gifts, essentials, wine, and snacks.
For relaxation, book a massage at the on-site spa or take part in a maple syrup tour (offered in the Spring) for a taste of Vermont tradition. Sterling Ridge is also a welcoming venue for weddings, reunions, and retreats, offering beautiful event spaces set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. Whether you’re stargazing, paddling the pond, or unwinding by the fire, Sterling Ridge makes it easy to reconnect with nature and with each other.
FAQs About Fall in Vermont
When is peak fall foliage near Smugglers’ Notch?
Peak colors typically occur in early-mid October, though the exact timing can vary each year depending on weather conditions. Midweek trips offer quieter roads, more space on the trails, and vivid views.
Do I need advance bookings for activities like e-bike tours or horseback riding?
Yes, we strongly recommend reserving ahead, especially during peak foliage weekends.
Can I enjoy canoeing or kayaking directly from Sterling Ridge?
Yes—complimentary boats are available on-site, and Vermont Canoe & Kayak offers convenient river trips nearby.
What spa options are available at Sterling Ridge Resort?
Our peaceful spa features massage and wellness treatments, the perfect complement to an active fall day.
Are Sterling Ridge’s fall elopements customizable?
Absolutely. Each elopement is tailored to you, whether you prefer a simple exchange of vows or additional touches like photography and celebration packages.
Your Fall Foliage Vermont Getaway Awaits
Fall in Vermont is legendary for a reason. Here, mountain trails, fiery foliage, outdoor adventures, and cozy cabins converge to create a once-in-a-lifetime seasonal experience. Whether you’re biking through golden valleys, paddling a reflective river, or simply savoring a glass of wine on your porch as the sun sets, Sterling Ridge Resort places you at the center of it all.
Book your fall foliage escape now and discover why autumn here is not just a season, it’s a feeling you’ll never forget.
