The Top Hikes to See Vermont Fall Foliage in the Mad River Valley
The sweeping forests of the Mad River Valley in the Green Mountains are a world-renowned destination to see Vermont fall foliage—and one of the best ways to take in these fiery autumnal hues is on foot through the many picturesque hiking trails in our area. While it’s impossible to pinpoint the perfect time for visiting during the fall season, the peak of Vermont fall foliage typically occurs between mid-September and mid-October. You can monitor the progress of the fall colors throughout the season by using Vermont’s Fall Foliage Tracker.
If you’re planning a trip to see Vermont fall foliage, there are some guidelines to follow. For the best chances of catching the colors, head to northern Vermont or higher elevations earlier in the season when the weather is cooler. The higher you go, the more stunning your view of the colorful valleys below will be. Additionally, marshy areas around the water offer great early-season fall colors. Autumn is an exceptionally popular time of year to visit us, though, so you should make your plans as early as possible.
Our Vermont Bed and Breakfast—located in the Green Mountains, minutes from the famed Sugarbush Ski Resort, and in the heart of Vermont’s Mad River Valley—is one of the best places for a Vermont fall foliage vacation! Here, the changing of the leaves is at its most spectacular. Our Inn is surrounded by our nine-acre property with beautiful areas to explore at your leisure, so you won’t have to venture out very far to see some of these striking fall colors. During the Autumn, our Vermont Bed and Breakfast is as cozy as it gets with fires, sweet treats, and comfortable lodging accommodations. Don’t delay; get your reservation on the books today!
Where to Discover the Brilliant Vermont Fall Foliage
Hiking in the Mad River Valley is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the striking Vermont fall foliage—you’ll meander your way around streams and glens, climb to the tops of peaks for panoramic views, and soak up the most brilliant oranges, golds, and reds the deciduous hardwood trees of central Vermont has to offer.
Here’s a lovely selection of hikes worth the effort from our Vermont Bed and Breakfast:
- Sunset Rock: This shorter 2.2-mile hike on a segment of the Long Trail heading south takes about an hour to complete (the Sunset Rock trail also begins at the Lincoln Gap). The hike is moderate in difficulty as it’s short but relatively steep in places. Sunset Rock is around a half hour in, and its beauty is hard to miss!
- Molly Stark’s Balcony: Molly Stark’s Balcony is a 2.6-mile steep hike along the Long Trail, starting at the Appalachian Gap. The trail ascends over 500-foot elevation to the flat ridge of Molly Stark Mountain summit, providing a unique view. The trail continues over the summit, which offers an impressive vista of Camel’s Hump and the Worcester Mountains.
- Mount Hunger: The trail to Mount Hunger is a challenging 3.5 miles but offers breathtaking views of the Green and White Mountains from the summit, incredibly stunning when the Vermont fall foliage is in full effect. The trailhead is located an hour north of our bed and breakfast, and you’ll be just near the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury for an after-hike treat.
- Burnt Rock Mountain: If you’re up for a challenge, this steep popular climb pays off with nearly 360-degree views. The trail begins in the parking lot at the end of Big Basin Road, just before the steel pipe gate. Take the Hedgehog Brook Trail, where it joins Long Trail after around 2.5 miles. Don’t miss the glacial pothole found shortly after joining the Long Trail—it’s one of the largest in New England! The trailhead can be a bit tricky to locate, so be sure to check with your innkeepers for detailed directions.
- Lincoln Gap to Mt. Abraham: This is one of our favorite hikes to see Vermont fall foliage, and the trailhead is only about five minutes from our B&B. From Mt Abraham’s 4000+ foot summit, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the White and Green Mountains! Let us know if you plan on attempting this hike; we’re more than happy to help with transportation.
- General Stark Mountain: This over-six-mile trail is for experienced hikers only, as it includes steep terrain and sections where ropes and ladders are needed. The hike begins at the Appalachian Gap and runs south. The trail presents just as many challenges as it does impressive views.
- Take it from the top! On the weekends of September 23/24, September 30/October 1, and again on October 7, 8 & 9 Mad River Glen will be offering their Foliage Weekends with lift rides to the top of General Stark Mountain to see the fall foliage from the top – note the photo above. You can then either ride down or walk down the meandering service road to the base. First chair up is at 10 AM and the last chair is loaded at 2:30 PM. Foliage lift ride tickets are good for a round trip from base to summit and back down again, the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors (free for season pass holders).
For those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking in Vermont with stunning fall colors as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience. We hope you’ll make our bed and breakfast in Vermont your base camp for your adventures.
Fall Getaways Start at our Vermont Bed and Breakfast
After spending a crisp day on the trails taking in the brilliant Vermont fall foliage, there’s no better place to warm up and relax than our luxurious Vermont Bed and Breakfast. Your legs may be tired, but the scenic vistas from the nearby mountain peaks with be well worth the memories, and hopefully, you will get many photos that will last a lifetime. Let us take care of you back at the Inn, where we have the perfect package to add to your fall getaways—the Luxurious Pampering Package has everything you’ll need to refresh and fully unwind after a long day hiking in the Mad River Valley.
You’ll love our beautiful appointments and elegantly designed accommodations when you’re ready to retreat to your private guest room. Each space is unique, perfect for any style of vacation—be that for a romantic getaway, an anniversary, a celebration with friends, or a solo retreat. As a Select Registry member—a collection of luxury properties across the country—you can expect a certain caliber of service and amenities at our Inn on every visit. We often welcome guests back year after year—which is truly a treat.
If you’ve never seen the splendor of our state during the autumn months, seeing the Vermont fall foliage ought to be on your bucket list! It’s an experience that you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss your chance this year to take in the gorgeous colors. Head over to our availability calendar for fall and make a reservation today!
