Outdoor Gear Exchange Fall Foliage Follow-Along

The Green Mountain State lives up to its name - with over 75% of its land covered by lush forests. Paired with its scenic byways, rich history, and charming towns, Vermont is a prime location for enjoying fall foliage. In our typical spirit of getting you prepared for outdoor adventures, Outdoor Gear Exchange has prepared a Fall Foliage Guide to help get your fall season started.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to time your trip, some gear to help you soak in the views in style and comfort, and two complete itineraries for your consideration. We're also excited to remind you about our Early Bird discounted winter gear sale!

Timing, Timing, Timing

Using this interactive map from Explore Fall, peak fall foliage color will sweep through The Green Mountains in the first week of October. The past few weeks of dry conditions may usher in peak fall colors earlier than expected. An earlier trip will require heading farther into the North East Kingdom of Vermont to experience vibrant fall colors. 

In these day-long itineraries we’ve mapped out stops for great food, history, and a few short hikes along the way. So fuel up, recruit some good company, and get ready to peep some leaves!

Itineraries! 

Starting in Burlington, Vermont, there are leaf-peeping opportunities in every direction. Even from our front doors, a world-class view of Adirondack foliage is just around the corner. However, our itineraries have you headed East to enjoy the Green Mountain Byway and Mad River Valley. 

Green Mountain Byway

Beginning at the front doors of Outdoor Gear Exchange, this first route heads north to Cambridge, VT, before pathing through the Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway, through Stowe Village and Waterbury, before heading back West to Burlington. With plenty of worthwhile stops along the way, this route passes through some of the best features of Vermont. 

Short Hikes	Good Food	Other To-Dos
Hilltop Loop - 1 mile, Jericho, VT Hilltop Loop is a short, mostly easy hike but features a steep beginning. Bring your hiking boots!	Burger Barn, Jeffersonville, VT A cash-only burger restaurant with vegan options available. A great option for lunch outside.	Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, Stowe, VT A rich collection reviewing the culture and history of cross country & downhill skiing.
Ranch Valley to Burt Trail and Kimmer’s Trail - 2.5 miles, Mount Mansfield State Forest A longer hike through deep woods on Mount Mansfield. This hike is part gravel road, part trail.	Jericho Country Store, Jericho, VT A charming Vermont country store with deep history, and delicious grab-and-go options.	Dispersed camping in the Green Mountain National Park
Sterling Pond Trail - 2.1 miles, Mount Mansfield State Forest A vertical hike with incredible views. Don’t forget your binoculars!	Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Center, VT Fresh apples, cider, donuts, charcuterie, preserves, and more!	Historic covered bridges in Cambridge, VT Little P Covered Bridge, Scott Covered Bridge, Poland Covered Bridge

 

Though a short drive, this path features enough iconic Vermont attraction along the way to make for a full day of fall foliage appreciation. The second itinerary heads south, joining the Mad River Valley passing through state and national parks. 

Mad River Valley Loop

Pack your car snacks for this one! The Mad River Valley Loop leaves Outdoor Gear Exchange and heads southeast toward Duxbury, with views of Camel’s Hump State Park and Bolton Valley along the way. From there, the route continues past Roxbury State Forest and turns west at Hancock, passing through the Green Mountain State Forest. This loop offers access to state and national parks, with excellent opportunities for hiking, dining, and other activities along the way

Short Hikes	Good Food	Other To-Dos
Silent Cliff from Middlebury Gap, Green Mountain National Forest, 1.5 miles	Warren Store, Warren, VT A historic country store with made-to-order sandwiches, fresh baked goods, provisions, and other goods!	26th Annual Bristol Harvest Festival - September 27th, 2025 70+ crafters, food, and live music!
Camel’s Hump View Trail - Camel’s Hump State Park, 0.9 miles	Red Hen Baking Co., Middlesex, VT Though slightly out of the way, Red Hen is worth the detour for delicious made-to-order sandwiches	A plunge at Bristol Falls! - An iconic swimming hole located on the New Haven River.
Bristol Ledges - Winona Recreation Area, 2 miles	The Tillerman - Bristol, VT Incredible pizza, a historic 1790’s farmhouse experience, and, of course, gorgeous scenery of Vermont wilderness.	Oktoberfest at Stratton Mountain - October 12, 2025 Live music, competitions, food and more!

 

However you plan on enjoying the fall foliage, Outdoor Gear Exchange has you covered with gear to keep you prepared for rain or shine! 

With the fall season approaching, that means ski season is just around the corner! Act fast and get in on Outdoor Gear Exchange’s Early Bird discounted winter gear sale!